The reign of Jamie Horowitz at Fox Sports has abruptly ended.
Fox Sports announced Monday that it has ended its relationship with Horowitz, who had been serving as president of its cable channels since 2015. Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks will assume Horowitz’ responsibilities until a replacement is named.
In an e-mail to staff obtained by Sports Business Journal‘s John Ourand, Shanks said the company was “confident” in its decision to part ways with Horowitz. Shanks: “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.”
The Los Angeles Times reported Monday that Horowitz’ firing is related to a sexual harrassment probe at Fox Sports. According to the report, multiple women “including prominent on-air personalities, have already been interviewed about their treatment.”
As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, Horowitz has hired “powerhouse litigator” Patty Glaser as representation. Quoted in the L.A. Times, Glaser has called Fox Sports’ treatment of Horowitz “appalling.” Glaser: “At no point in his tenure was there any mention by his superiors or human resources of any misconduct, or an inability to adhere to professional conduct. … Any slanderous accusations to the contrary will be vigorously defended.”
Horowitz has long been a controversial figure in television, from his days at ESPN to his short-lived tenure at NBC News. He never actually debuted in the latter position, getting the axe weeks before he was supposed to debut. At Fox Sports, he was the driving force behind a strategic shift to opinion shows and most recently spearheaded the elimination of written content from FoxSports.com.
[Mon. news from Sports Business Daily 7.3, L.A. Times 7.3, Hollywood Reporter 7.3]
