Michael Jackson makes move into new media as IAC programming chief

by Sam Matthews, Brand Republic 26-Jan-06, 15:00

NEW YORK – Michael Jackson, the former Channel 4 chief executive, is taking on the role of president of programming for US internet giant InterActiveCorp, which owns Ask Jeeves, Expedia and Ticketmaster.

Jackson will be responsible for the development, acquisition and distribution of programming at IAC, which also owns the Home Shopping Network and matchmaking website uDate.com.

Jackson previously served as chairman of Universal Television Group, the company created by the merger of USA Entertainment and Vivendi Universal Entertainment. He left after its merger with NBC in 2004.

Previously, he worked as president and chief executive of USA Entertainment overseeing the USA Network, Sci Fi and Trio, and was chief executive of Channel 4 until 2000.

Barry Diller, chairman and CEO of IAC, said: "It's time for us to begin. Like the internet itself, there are no sure paths for proceeding, but Michael Jackson, with his curiosity, ranging intelligence and superb experience in all forms of production, is the best person to begin to grow multi-platform content businesses."

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