Fox Sports was the latest sports media giant to have a massive wave of layoffs as the company executed a new shift in direction for their online properties by laying off a number of their editorial staff to focus primarily on video. The idea was to lean heavily on their high-priced TV stars like Skip Bayless and Colin Cowherd, and use digital as another platform for those personalities.
The direction of Fox Sports towards a video focus was expected to be led by Jamie Horowitz, their president of national networks who had orchestrated the hirings of Bayless, Cowherd, and others. However, on Monday, the sports media world was stunned by the announcement that Horowitz was out at Fox, effective immediately.
BREAKING: Jamie Horowitz, President of National Networks for FOX Sports, will be leaving FOX Sports effective immediately.
— John Ourand (@Ourand_Puck) July 3, 2017
John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal obtained the letter from Fox Sports president Eric Shanks to the rest of the staff, announcing the decision.
Dear Colleagues:
I regret to inform you that Jamie Horowitz, President of National Networks for FOX Sports, will be leaving FOX Sports effective immediately. We realize this news may come as a surprise for many of you, but we are confident in this decision.
Everyone at FOX Sports, no matter what role we play, or what business, function or show we contribute to — should act with respect and adhere to professional conduct at all times. These values are non-negotiable.
Until Jamie’s replacement is named, I am stepping in to handle his former responsibilities including programming, marketing and scheduling for FS1 and FS2, as well as digital. All of these functions will now report directly to me.
We understand how difficult this will be for many of you, but in these times it is important that we remain unwavering and focused in continuing the great work of FOX Sports.
Best,
Eric
It’s a shocking move, and details are scarce as of now as to why the sudden departure from the company for Horowitz, who was seen as one of sports media’s most powerful figures. The line in the letter about “professional conduct” seems to indicate that there could be some very spicy details that led to Horowitz’s ouster at Fox, but we will have to wait to find out what those are.
