Full Name
Bill Wanger
Job Title
Executive Vice President, Head of Programming and Scheduling
Company
Fox Sports
Speaker Bio
Bill Wanger serves as FOX Sports Executive Vice President, Head of Programming and Scheduling, a role he assumed in December 2013 following the successful launch of FS1 and FS2.
Wanger oversees programming and research for all FOX Sports linear channels as well as content strategy for all FOX Sports outlets and assessment of long-term rights acquisition opportunities and value. He plays a vital role in programming, scheduling, strategic planning, research and advertising sales support. His responsibilities also include content strategy, adding his voice to the business affairs team and assessing long-term rights acquisition opportunities and value.
Wanger joined FOX Broadcasting Company in 1989 as an analyst in the Research & Marketing Department. In 1993, he was promoted to Director of Research & Marketing where he was directly involved in creating the presentation to NFL owners that helped secure FOX’s historic first television rights deal in December 1993. Subsequently, he played a vital role in helping secure new affiliates and worked directly with former New World CBS stations as they transitioned to FOX in early 1994.
In addition to the NFL, Wanger has been an integral part of every rights deal ever negotiated by FOX Sports, including NHL, MLB, NASCAR, UFC, MLS, USGA, the BCS, Pac-12 Championship Game and regular season, Big Ten Championship Game, Bundesliga soccer and the FIFA World Cup and Women’s World Cup. He also was instrumental in planning the launch of FS1, establishing and developing the network’s programming strategy and infrastructure. Recognized for his influence in the sports media industry, Wanger is a member of Sports Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” Class of 2007.
Wanger’s strategic influence and programming decisions helped FOX Sports become America’s top-rated network for sports for several years. His input into FOX’s NFL schedule and weekly regionalization of games has been vital in helping FOX NFL post record ratings growth.
Among Wanger’s many accomplishments at FOX Sports has been his co-creation (along with David Hill & Ed Goren) of FOX Sports Supports, the division’s in-house charitable initiative. FOX Sports Supports was launched in 2008 to raise awareness, provide financial assistance and spur volunteerism for notable health-related charities over the course of the network’s entire broadcast season. Wanger also co-founded the City of Hope Golf Classic that has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and patient care. Currently, he co-chairs the annual event, which benefits the Tim Nesvig Lymphoma Fellowship and Research Fund.
Wanger was born and raised in Highland Park, Ill. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Melissa and their two daughters.
Wanger oversees programming and research for all FOX Sports linear channels as well as content strategy for all FOX Sports outlets and assessment of long-term rights acquisition opportunities and value. He plays a vital role in programming, scheduling, strategic planning, research and advertising sales support. His responsibilities also include content strategy, adding his voice to the business affairs team and assessing long-term rights acquisition opportunities and value.
Wanger joined FOX Broadcasting Company in 1989 as an analyst in the Research & Marketing Department. In 1993, he was promoted to Director of Research & Marketing where he was directly involved in creating the presentation to NFL owners that helped secure FOX’s historic first television rights deal in December 1993. Subsequently, he played a vital role in helping secure new affiliates and worked directly with former New World CBS stations as they transitioned to FOX in early 1994.
In addition to the NFL, Wanger has been an integral part of every rights deal ever negotiated by FOX Sports, including NHL, MLB, NASCAR, UFC, MLS, USGA, the BCS, Pac-12 Championship Game and regular season, Big Ten Championship Game, Bundesliga soccer and the FIFA World Cup and Women’s World Cup. He also was instrumental in planning the launch of FS1, establishing and developing the network’s programming strategy and infrastructure. Recognized for his influence in the sports media industry, Wanger is a member of Sports Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” Class of 2007.
Wanger’s strategic influence and programming decisions helped FOX Sports become America’s top-rated network for sports for several years. His input into FOX’s NFL schedule and weekly regionalization of games has been vital in helping FOX NFL post record ratings growth.
Among Wanger’s many accomplishments at FOX Sports has been his co-creation (along with David Hill & Ed Goren) of FOX Sports Supports, the division’s in-house charitable initiative. FOX Sports Supports was launched in 2008 to raise awareness, provide financial assistance and spur volunteerism for notable health-related charities over the course of the network’s entire broadcast season. Wanger also co-founded the City of Hope Golf Classic that has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and patient care. Currently, he co-chairs the annual event, which benefits the Tim Nesvig Lymphoma Fellowship and Research Fund.
Wanger was born and raised in Highland Park, Ill. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Melissa and their two daughters.
Speaking At
