Fox’s Kevin Reilly to step down as network boss

Today marks a turning point for at least one major television network, since the seven-year reign of Kevin Reilly as Fox Entertainment Chairman is coming to an end.

It is easy to say that this move is hardly a coincidence, based on the recent woes of the network in the ratings. Despite having the Super Bowl this year, Fox was still #4 among the major networks, and there are a laundry list of problems that it faces. “American Idol” has fallen off a cliff in the ratings, “The X Factor” was a huge disappointment, none of the comedies are performing well, and while there are some hits now like “Sleepy Hollow,” there are also massive duds like “Rake” and “I Wanna Marry ‘Harry'” that have marred much of what he has do. Some of the network’s longest-running shows, including “Bones” and “24,” were started before he took over.

Per Deadline, this is the memo that Reilly sent out to members of the network this week:

“I have decided to resign as Chairman of Entertainment at FBC, effective at the end of June.

“While difficult decisions have to be made every day, none have weighed more heavily on me than this. The inspired FOX leadership, coupled with your commitment to excellence at FBC, has provided one of the most rewarding chapters in my life.

“I love TV. Always have. Since my mother told me to stop sitting so close and watching so much.”

The network has already been searching for a successor for Reilly, we anticipate that being resolved at some point this summer before the new season begins. The network has a potential hit in “Gotham,” and it needs to find someone who can shepherd it properly to viewers.

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Photo: Fox