Doug Herzog, former Comedy Central president and ex-top Fox Broadcasting Co.
executive, was named president of USA Network Wednesday.
Herzog, who left as president of entertainment at Fox last March, will report
to Stephen Chao, president of USA Cable. Rob Sorcher, who has served as USA's
general manager, will be leaving the network, a USA Cable spokesman said.
'Doug Herzog brings strong, adventurous instincts to USA Network,' Chao said
in a prepared statement. 'We expect him to make a significant contribution
toward our ambition; offering a diverse assortment of high-caliber, innovative
shows for all television viewers. Doug knows well the world of both broadcast
and cable, but more important, he brings a love for the 'program,' an area in
which we are prolific and committed.'
USA lost its No. 1 status in primetime following its loss of the World
Wrestling Federation franchise in September. The network did manage to come back
and tie for No. 1, with TBS Superstation, in primetime for the month of
February.
Prior to joining Fox in November 1998, Herzog had been president of Comedy
Central since July 1995, overseeing the launch of hit shows such as South
Park and The Daily Show.
Before coming to Comedy, Herzog spent 11 years at MTV: Music
Television.
