NEW YORK (AP) -- News Corp. on Monday gave another promotion to the executive behind the underdog hit "Slumdog Millionaire."
Peter Rice, who had been chairman of entertainment for Fox Networks Group since 2010, was named chairman and chief executive for the entire group. Rice was already in charge of the Fox broadcast network and pay TV channel FX. In his new role, he adds responsibility for Fox Sports, Fox International channels and the National Geographic channels.
Rice turned niche films like "Slumdog Millionaire" and "The Wrestler" into highly acclaimed moneymakers as president of Fox Searchlight. Previous to that job, he was executive vice president of production at the main 20th Century Fox studio.
David Hill, who had been chief executive of Fox Sports, was named senior executive vice president and will focus on programming, digital initiatives and other opportunities across the company. He'll become one of three corporate-level managers with the title of senior executive vice president.
Fox Sports executives who had reported to Hill will now report to Rice.
News Corp. shares fell 17 cents to close at $21.82 amid a broad market decline.
