USA Networks’ Cable TV President Chao to Resign

USA Networks Inc. said Stephen Chao will resign as president of the media company’s cable-television unit, which will be folded into the new TV and film-production division.

Chao, head of USA Cable since March 2000, oversaw the company’s biggest cable-TV channels--USA Network and Sci Fi Channel--and its developing networks. A USA Networks spokeswoman said she didn’t know Chao’s plans or when he will leave.

USA Entertainment, a new unit formed in July, will assume USA Cable’s operations. The move is part of Chief Executive Barry Diller’s plan to create an organized group of entertainment, media and electronic-commerce assets.

The New York-based company said in a statement that it won’t name a replacement for Chao.

Chao worked under Diller in the late 1980s and early 1990s at News Corp.’s Fox TV network. Chao produced shows such as “Cops,” “Studs” and “America’s Most Wanted.”