IAC Names Programming Chief; Diller’s Back To Show Business?

This will get some tongues wagging: Barry Diller’s returning to programming, at least in some form. His Internet company IAC/InterActiveCorp has named veteran TV executive Michael Jackson to oversee its programming. Jackson, formerly the chairman of Universal Television Group as well as former CEO of UK’s Channel 4, will oversee IAC’s development, acquisition and distribution of programming, the company.

As this story says, this marks a return of sorts for Diller to show business. Years ago he was the head of Fox and Paramount Pictures, and of course, with Universal/Vivendi . Diller said that that Jackson is the best person to “grow multi-platform content businesses.”

After Jackson quit Channel 4 in 2001, he joined Diller-owned USA Networks in 2001 and was named chairman of the Universal Television Group following the merger of USA with Vivendi Universal Entertainment (VUE). He exited with the merger with NBC in 2004.

From the release: Diller said: “It’s time for us to begin. Like the internet itself, there are no sure paths for proceeding, but Michael Jackson..is the best person to begin to grow multi-platform content businesses.”

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