Sir Howard, 69, remains chief executive and chairman, a role he has had since 2005.

And is Sir Howard the best man to lead the change?

That is a role Sir Howard has had long experience with.

He did not exactly belong there, but Sir Howard found a way to make it work.

Sir Howard also has fewer personal ties to the people whose jobs he will be excising.

Sir Howard's sociability applies both in business and with friends.

Sir Howard will likely need to repeat his success in the media business on a much broader scale.

Analysts say Sir Howard and his team must do a lot more than cut costs.

Sir Howard, who was on vacation, was not made available for comment.

Sir Howard, who took the helm on June 22, has given himself 100 days to come up with a plan to turn the company around.