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Slow Burn
The Rise of Fox News | 2. A Network for Normal People
Sep 25, 2024
Roger Ailes, the founder of Fox News, transformed television with his earlier venture, America's Talking, a unique, mostly apolitical channel. His journey reflects a mission filled with ambition and revenge after losing that dream. Rupert Murdoch, a legendary media mogul, played a pivotal role in helping Ailes pivot towards creating Fox News, fulfilling a niche for conservative viewers. The podcast dives into their theatrical approach to news, the culture wars of the early days, and the ensuing conflicts between commerce and journalism.
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Quick takeaways
- Roger Ailes' early attempt with America's Talking aimed to create relatable television, ultimately highlighting the gap in traditional media representation.
- The failure of America's Talking allowed Ailes to pivot towards creating Fox News, fulfilling a demand for conservative viewpoints in broadcasting.
Deep dives
The Road to America's Talking
In 1994, Bill McCuddy, who was balancing a career in advertising and stand-up comedy, learned about a nationwide contest to become a host on a new talk show network named America's Talking. Seizing the opportunity, McCuddy auditioned by creating a tape that highlighted his skills, including creative promotional stunts, such as holding a sign in public asking for support. After a competitive selection phase that narrowed over 10,000 entries down to twenty finalists, McCuddy found himself performing live in a special hosted by Ed McMahon. This pivotal moment launched McCuddy's career in television as he won the competition and was assigned to work under Roger Ailes, setting the stage for his future in broadcasting.
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode