Peter Chernin

Peter Chernin. Peter Chernin is an American media executive, investor, and film producer, best known for his tenure as the President and Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company's rival, News Corporation. He played a pivotal role in the expansion of the company's global television and film assets, including the Fox Broadcasting Company and Twentieth Century Fox. After leaving News Corp, he founded The Chernin Group, a diversified holding company with investments in media and technology, and Chernin Entertainment, a successful film and television production company. Chernin is also recognized as a significant philanthropist, particularly in environmental and conservation causes.

Early life and education

Peter Chernin was born in Harrison, New York, and grew up in nearby Larchmont. He developed an early interest in media and journalism, which he pursued academically. Chernin attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. During his time at Berkeley, he was actively involved with the campus newspaper, The Daily Californian, which provided foundational experience in media operations and storytelling. His educational background in the liberal arts, combined with this practical experience, set the stage for his future career in the entertainment and communications industries.

Career

Chernin began his professional career in the publishing world, working as a publicity writer for St. Martin's Press in New York City. He then moved to the magazine industry, holding editorial positions at GQ and later at Us Weekly. His transition to television came when he joined the fledgling Fox Broadcasting Company in 1989 as President of Entertainment, where he was instrumental in developing early hit programming that helped establish the network. His success at Fox led to his promotion within News Corporation, eventually becoming the Chief Operating Officer in 1996 and serving as a key deputy to Chairman Rupert Murdoch. In this role, he oversaw the company's global filmed entertainment, television, and direct broadcast satellite divisions, including Twentieth Century Fox, the Fox Television Stations, and BSkyB. After departing News Corp in 2009, he founded The Chernin Group, which has made strategic investments in numerous digital media and technology companies such as Barstool Sports, Headspace, and the Asian streaming service Viu.

Chernin Entertainment

Founded in 2009, Chernin Entertainment is a film and television production company based in Century City, Los Angeles. The company has a first-look film deal with 20th Century Studios (formerly Twentieth Century Fox) and a television deal with Apple TV+. Under Chernin's leadership, the company has produced a string of commercially successful and critically acclaimed films, including the rebooted *Planet of the Apes* trilogy, Hidden Figures, and Ford v Ferrari. In television, Chernin Entertainment has produced series such as *See* for Apple and *The Greatest Showman* soundtrack companion series. The company is known for its focus on franchise properties and story-driven content, operating as a key supplier for major Hollywood studios and streaming platforms.

Philanthropy and other activities

Chernin is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, primarily through the Chernin Family Foundation. He serves on the board of the Environmental Defense Fund and is a co-founder of the Africa-based conservation initiative The Lion Recovery Fund. He also sits on the board of directors for Twitter and previously served on the board of American Express. His philanthropic interests are heavily centered on wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and disease eradication, with significant support for organizations working in Sub-Saharan Africa and on global climate issues. Furthermore, Chernin is an active member of the Business Council and participates in various forums on media and technology policy.

Personal life

Peter Chernin has been married to Megan Brody since 1981, and the couple has three children. They maintain residences in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. An avid outdoorsman, Chernin's personal passion for wildlife and conservation directly influences his philanthropic work. He is known to be a private individual who balances his high-profile business career with a strong commitment to family and his environmental advocacy, often spending time hiking and supporting field conservation projects.

Category:American media executives Category:American film producers Category:1951 births Category:Living people Category:University of California, Berkeley alumni