Fox News Channel has created a new division focusing on long-form specials. The network had been comprised of two divisions of news and programming, and this new specials unit now creates a third organizational division.
Michael Clemente will lead the new division, effective immediately. He is evp of news specials. Clemente will oversee all development and production of long-form programming, as well as occasional special live events for FNC.
Clemente joined the network as the svp of news editorial in 2009 and was promoted to evp in 2012. He managed the production of all Fox News Reporting specials.
In the shift, Jay Wallace (pictured) has been upped to evp, news and editorial overseeing all daytime weekday and weekend news shows. Wallace also leads Fox News Radio, which includes Fox News Headlines 24/7 on Sirius XM. Wallace has been with the network from the beginning, starting as a tape coordinator and eventually worked his way up to become Shep Smith’s producer, then ep. .
Bill Sammon, vp and managing editor of the D.C. bureau, will now report to Wallace.
Clemente and Wallace will report directly to Roger Ailes, Chairman and CEO of Fox News. Bill Shine remains senior evp, overseeing the network’s programming, including prime time, as well as Fox Business Network. He will continue reporting to Ailes.
“Michael’s wide-ranging broadcast background is perfect for this position,” said Ailes in a statement. “I’m confident that his extensive experience in long-form producing will result in development and execution of high quality specials.”
Ailes added, “Jay’s television journalism acumen has played a major role in the success of Fox News throughout his nearly 20 years here and his leadership during the current election season has especially stood out. He’s both liked and respected throughout the newsroom and I’m certain he’ll excel in this position.”
The changes don’t stop there. John Stack has been promoted to senior vp, newsgathering, and will report to Wallace. Stack has been at the network since 1999, starting out as vp of newsgathering.