Hey, look: News Corp. has found a new gig for ex-Fox Reality Channel chief David Lyle.
The feisty Australian will head up Fox LOOK, a new unit of the Fox Network Group "specializing in the international licensing and production of unscripted programming from Fox Broadcasting Company and Fox Cable Networks," the company said. Lyle will report to the equally-feisty FNG chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra, and will work hand-in-hand with Marion Edwards, president of international television at the FNG.
Fox LOOK — we’re not sure why the caps, either. Maybe it stands for ‘Let Our Orangutans Kibbitz’? ‘Love Our Outrageous Kreations?" — will license Fox formats internationally, partner with other global powers to produce formats or start up new companies in far-flung places to create local versions of U.S. hits.
Lyle will also now manage formats in the 20th Century Fox TV reality library, including "Temptation Island," "Beauty and the Geek" and "MILF Island." (OK, not really on the last one.)
“There is a strong demand for this type of content internationally and Fox LOOK was created to maximize our footprint in this ever-growing category,” Vinciquerra said. “David Lyle is an expert in the international format business and his passion for the industry will provide us with a tremendous advantage.”
Mike Darnell, who’s been way too quiet lately, chimed in with some love for Lyle (who could’ve used a little more love from Darnell when he was running Fox Reality Channel. But we digress.)
“It’s great to have a distribution arm dedicated solely to our shows,” the Darnell unit said. “I’m encouraged that our hits will be enjoyed by millions of additional viewers.”
The announcement of Lyle’s new gig comes a few weeks after Fox Reality faded away and a little more than six months after an overseas reporter for Variety posted a story saying Lyle had been selected to head FremantleMedia Australia.
No word yet on whether Lyle will seek to revive "Reality Remix," the legendary recap show that aired on FRC. Hosted by Kennedy, the series sometimes featured appearances by your TV MoJoe correspondent, who still sometimes finds himself watching DVDs of those segments, waxing nostalgic for what might have been had his brief foray into Howie Kurtz-ville blown up.
