-By Anthony Crupi

Former Gemstar-TV Guide CEO Rich Battista has been named to the newly-created role of president, Fox National Cable Networks.

In his new post, Battista will oversee all Fox Cable properties, including: FX, National Geographic Channel, Fox Movie Channel, Fox Reality Channel, Fuel TV, Speed, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox College Sports, Fox Sports en Español and the Big Ten Network. (The latter is a co-venture with the NCAA’s Big Ten Conference.)

In addition to steering the networks, Battista will also oversee Fox Cable’s advertising sales unit.

Battista put in four years at Gemstar-TV Guide, replacing outgoing CEO Jeff Shell, who in 2004 left the company to join Comcast as president of its programming group. During that time, Battista was the chief architect of TV Guide’s digital strategy, placing particular emphasis on expanding the reach of the brand’s cable network.

He also oversaw the 2005 re-launch of the flagship TV Guide magazine. Battista left Gemstar in early 2008, after regulators approved Macrovision’s takeover bid.

The move is a second homecoming of sorts for Battista, who originally joined Fox in 1990. Over time, he was elevated to executive vp at Fox Networks Group. Form there, he assumed the role of executive vp, business development and strategy at Fox Entertainment Group.

He left in 1999 to become co-founder and CEO of iFUSE, a new-media startup targeted to teens. He returned in 2001 as executive vp, Fox Television.

Battista reports to Fox Networks Group chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.

“We’ve been looking for the right opportunity for Rich to re-join our team ever since the Gemstar sale earlier this year,” Vinciquerra said. “He is a uniquely skilled executive who has demonstrated success in virtually every area of the television business. I’m delighted he’s returning to the company.”