Preston Beckman set for Fox segue

Longtime Fox Broadcasting Co. skedding topper Preston Beckman, the reigning dean of network program planning execs, will transition at the end of the TV season to a new role as senior strategist for Fox Networks Group.The new role calls for Beckman to offer skedding, programming and research insights across all Fox Networks Group outlets, reporting to Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment for Fox Networks Group."Fox has been incredibly fortunate to have Preston guiding our schedule for the past decade and seven consecutive years of No. 1 finishes," Rice said in announcing Beckman's segue. "His strategic mind and love of television make him the Muhammad Ali of scheduling executives, and we all look forward to working closely with him, here at Fox, for many more years."Beckman has been with Fox the past 11 years, serving as exec veep of strategic program planning and research. Before Fox, he spent nearly 20 years at NBC and was a key member of the Peacock's programming team in its 1990s heyday."In my job, you're only as good as the people who bring us their ideas and the executives who nurture and market the shows. I have been very fortunate to work with the best in the business and to have a scheduling team that is second to none," Beckman said. "I also want to thank Peter for persuading me to remain in the FNG family and for giving me the opportunity to transition over the next three years to whatever path I choose to follow."Beckman is known in the biz for his colorful personality and for the candid observations he shares on his Twitter feed, where he's dubbed "The Masked Scheduler." Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com