Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly hinted at changes coming to American Idol, and they might be starting at the show’s parent company, CKx.
According to sources, New York-based chief operating officer Kraig Fox is out. With the company since 2005, he was considered CKx’s head of music and played a key role in deals involving Idol partnerships (like title sponsors for the annual summer tour) and management.
PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’s’ Adam Lambert: Career in Pictures
According to an insider, Fox made a swift exit two weeks ago after an announcement came from new president Marc Graboff, the former head of West Coast business operations for NBC Universal Television Entertainment, who only arrived at the company in January.
Although Fox, who was promoted in September 2010 from chief corporate development officer and executive vp, was not involved in the day-to-day operations of 19 and its Idol properties, he was active in the careers of select Idol finalists, like season 10’s Haley Reinhart. Other alums that 19 currently manages include Lee DeWyze, James Durbin, Stefano Langone, Pia Toscano and Casey Abrams.
STORY: Which ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Alums Have Management Deals?
All optioned season 10 Idols are currently co-managed by Red Light Entertainment (except for winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina who are represented by Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment, along with season 7’s David Cook and season 4’s Carrie Underwood), which handles the likes of Tim McGraw,
Reps for CKx and Red Light were unreachable.
Twitter: @shirleyhalperin
