John Solberg, FX’s longtime head of communications and the exec who helped turn what had been a nascent cable network into a powerhouse programming brand bursting with critically acclaimed and award-winning series, has decided to step down. Solberg announced in a memo to staff Wednesday that he would be leaving FX when his contract expires in January.
Solberg joined FX more than 28 years ago, back when the network was known mostly for repeats of primetime fare like “The X-Files.” He was hired in March 1997 as director of media relations, then had promotions to VP, SVP and ultimately, EVP of publicity.
He was there when the network first got into the premium scripted business — and was instrumental in the successful launch of “The Shield,” which led to a 2002 Emmy win for star Michael Chiklis. That repped the first time an actor had snagged a statuette for a basic-cable performance. “Thanks to my formerly small network,” Chiklis said in his acceptance speech, but perhaps most memorable was his shout-out to “SOLBERG!!”
Solberg would become a regular name that Emmy viewers would hear in acceptance speeches as FX series continued to hit the pop culture and critical zeitgeist over the years. Most recently, the included tear that “Shogun” had in winning almost every award it was up for.
Last year’s Emmys was another crowing achievement for Solberg, as FX claimed the title of most wins by a network at the Emmy Awards, thanks in large part to “Shogun” and “The Bear.“ FX finished the night with 36 total wins (with “Shogun” picking up 18 and “The Bear” getting 11) — marking the first time in at least 15 years that the top outlet of the night was not Netflix or HBO. And yes, on stage, Solberg was thanked yet again.
“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,” said FX chairman John Landgraf. “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.”
Solberg is adored by FX staffers, and perhaps even more so by FX writers, producers and stars. Solberg’s beloved wife, Maeve, passed away last year, and at her memorial service, a number of FX talent past and present were there to pay their respect and support their pal Solberg.
Here’s the note that Solberg sent to the company today:
NOTE FROM JOHN SOLBERG
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
