Reports are rampant that Billy Tauzin, the Louisiana congressman who runs DTV matters for the House leadership, has been chosen to replace Jack Valenti as head of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Valenti's departure, the New York Post reported last week, is "imminent."
The Post reported that the 82-year-old Valenti, who has headed the movie industry's powerful lobbying group since 1966, will retire and that Tauzin, a Republican, has agreed to take the job, which comes with a reported $1 million annual salary.
A spokesman for Tauzin said, "No one has offered him a job, and there are no negotiations taking place." He added, however, that Tauzin is likely on the MPAA's wish list of candidates. The MPAA did not return calls seeking comment.
On CNBC last week, Hilary Rosen, the former head of the Recording Industry Association of America, said, "I think this is a done deal. I could have egg on my face in a couple weeks, but I think this is a done deal."
