John Solberg, a towering figure in TV publicity, is leaving FX, the network he has been synonymous with for the past three decades. Solberg will step down from his current role as EVP Publicity for FX Networks when his contract expires in January.
Having started at the cable network in March 1997 as director of media relations before rising to VP, SVP and EVP, Solberg has been a key member of FX Chairman John Landgraf’s core executive team that turned the cable network into a premium original programming brand and an architect of FX’s media strategy that has netted hundreds of top awards, capped by FX’s historic performance at the Emmys last year where it topped all networks and streamers with record 36 wins.
A larger than life personality in addition to his top professional credentials and a passionate ambassador for FX’s original series, Solberg has probably been mentioned in more award acceptance speeches than any other publicity executive ever.
In recognition of his stature, Solberg maintained autonomy following Disney’s acquisition of Fox assets, including FX and has continued to report to Landgraf, the only PR executive of that level within Disney Entertainment Television who has had that authority. Landgraf is expected to find a successor in the coming months.
“Since FX launched our original programming brand two and a half decades ago, our creative partners and shows could not have had a better advocate than John Solberg,” Landgraf said. “Much of how FX relates to the press is founded in John’s honesty, his genuine passion for stories and those who tell them, and his profound respect for journalism as a profession. After 21 years of working together, I will miss John’s day-to-day presence at FX very much — but he will always be a dear friend.”
Soldberg announced his pending departure in a memo to staff, which you can read below. In it, he reflects on his tenure at FX and acknowledges former and current colleagues as well as his family, including his wife who recently passed away.
Dear FX Family,
I am stepping down from my position as EVP of Publicity when my contract expires in January.
Working at FX these past 28+ years has been a magical experience. During that time, I’ve had four bosses: Ellen Cooper, who hired me, Mark Sonnenberg, Peter Liguori, whose vision forever changed the course of FX, and my current boss of 21 years, John Landgraf, who is without peer.
I have had THE best job of its kind anyone could ever have. This place is special—the best people, the best culture, and best shows. For me, FX has no equal.
We are only as good as our shows. I’ve been blessed to work on some of the most acclaimed, groundbreaking and culture-defining shows in TV history. I was given the opportunity to be an evangelist for so many gifted producers, writers, actors, directors and artisans, in many cases gaining friends for life along the way. It’s been an honor working for them.
I, too, am thankful for the journalists and critics I’ve worked with these many years, and for their coverage of FX and our shows. We may not always agree with everything they write or say—more often than not, we actually do—but they are vital, independent arbiters of our performance, and scorecards matter.
Which leads me back to this place. We have the best leaders anywhere. John is one of a kind. It is inspiring and motivating to have a person at the top who demands more from himself than anyone in the organization. I cannot imagine anyone at his level who cares more or has a better relationship with his colleagues, no matter their title. The guy is the best. I’m so grateful for his partnership and friendship.
Nick and Gina as Entertainment Presidents, and Steph as Marketing Chief are second to none. The intellectual and creative horsepower of every department leader leaves me in awe daily—Kate, Jonathan, Katcher, Chuck, Kelly, Karen, Julie P., Kim, Nick, Sally, Ethan, Steve, Lance, Kenna, Kenya, Michael, Jason and Shola. I know you and your teams will continue to do extraordinary work, ensuring that FX remains a standard bearer for excellence in this industry.
To my peeps—Lauren, Roslyn, Lana, Susan, Adriana, Alana, Amanda, Jesse, John and team—you are the most supremely skilled publicity, trade comms, photo publicity, talent relations, events and awards teams on the planet. You elevate everything you touch. I have been the beneficiary of your immense talent and I’m so thankful for you all.
Finally, I simply could not have done this job without the love and encouragement of my sons Owen, Thomas and Nick, my daughter-in-law Annie, and most of all my wife, Maeve. As a communications executive, being married to an accomplished news producer and writer was a professional cheat code that made me better at my job. She was by my side throughout this journey and always gave me invaluable counsel. It’s not the same without her.
The compassion and support you have extended my family these past six years has meant more than you can ever know. It speaks to the very fiber of who you are. The same is true of my Disney colleagues, especially Bob and Dana, Eric, who has been a brother to me for the past 25 years, Joe, Debra, Sonia, Shannon, Naomi, Candice, Kristina, Paul, Michelle, Barrie, Lacey and so many others. That compassion and support exemplify the measure of this company and its people.
While this has been a difficult decision, the time is right. FX will always be a part of me. I’m grateful to you all.
Stay Fearless.
Godspeed,John
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