ON THE CW

Is Republic prexy Charlie Walk being considered for a judge’s role on American Idol? Many insiders say there are few execs more ideally suited to the job, given CW’s larger-than-life personality, credibility, edge and humor—he can talk the talk and, um, walk the walk. So far, Idol has inked Katy Perry and Luke Bryan as judges, with a third slated to be named soon, and most observers agree that a biz insider would balance out the tribunal.

An Idol post (which of course turned Simon Cowell into an international celebrity) is a key prize for execs seeking the limelight. Rumors swirled widely that producer Dr. Luke—long before lurid allegations and legal issues tanked his career—desperately wanted to take an Idol judgeship but was blocked by then-Sony Music chief Doug Morris, souring the relationship in an early phase of Luke’s deal.

Could Chopper Charlie parlay a network chair to larger fame? Don’t touch that dial.

And speaking of CW on a panel, here he is leading one of his Master Class sessions for Team Republic, this time with key execs from Spotify. Seen streaming the ethos are (l-r) CW, Head of International, Shows and Editorial George Ergatoudis, VP, Global head of Shows and Editorial Nick Holmstén, Head of Americas, Shows and Editorial Doug Ford and Republic EVP Marketing and Commerce Jim Roppo.