POTPOURRI
Fox News gives Smith a new role
NEWYORK— Fox News has signed Shepard Smith to a new long-term contract and is creating a breaking news division for the anchor to oversee. Smith, who currently anchors a 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. newscast, will give up his early evening duties. However, Fox News executives said his visibility on the network will increase in his new role, which goes into effect this fall.
Smith is getting a new high-tech studio called the “Fox News Deck.” From there, Fox News said Smith will be able to “interrupt all programming as needed at a moment’s notice to bring viewers the latest news as it develops.” Fox did not say what will replace Smith’s 7 p.m. show.
Prince William leaving military
LONDON—After more than seven years of service as a guards officer and pilot, Prince William will end his military service and focus on charitable work and conservation issues, the royal family announced Thursday. The an- nouncement signaled a major lifestyle change for the prince. His wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, gave birth on July 22 to the couple’s first child, Prince George.
Rowling working on wizardry film
LOS ANGELES — Warner Brothers is doubling down on the J.K. Rowling business. The studio, whose blockbuster “Harry Potter” films have generated billions of dollars for the company, announced it has concluded a deal with Rowling that will include new movies, distribution rights to a TV miniseries and new theme park attractions.
Rowling will become a screenwriter for the first time, working on an adaptation of her “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” a book that extends the world of wizardry in the Potter series.