The Fox Broadcasting Company is a television network that truly revolutionized the media business. Its history is an inspiring and motivating example of aiming high, especially because the broadcaster launched its operations despite a wave of negative comments and outright mockery. The team proved that “new” doesn’t have to mean “bad.” Today, Fox is a global brand responsible for many iconic series, shows, and projects. It’s a journey well worth exploring. More to follow on new-york-future.
Building the Network from the Ground Up
The story of Fox Broadcasting Company began with the grand ambitions of a few key individuals. While the company was still in the planning and conceptual stage, the U.S. media market was already dominated by three major networks: American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), and National Broadcasting Company (NBC). These “Big Three” satisfied all the public’s needs and had no serious competitors, even though many tried to challenge their dominance. Barry Diller and Rupert Murdoch decided to change that. Both had significant resources and considerable experience in related fields. Diller was successfully running Paramount Pictures, while Murdoch had a thriving publishing business. However, in the 1980s, they set their sights on a new goal: creating a national television network. What’s more, they aimed to elevate it to the level of the existing market giants—and even surpass their success. Television industry insiders at the time simply laughed, as the idea seemed completely impossible.
It all started with the film studio 20th Century Fox, where Barry Diller transitioned to work and invested his capital. He later brought Rupert Murdoch into the business, who acquired a stake in the studio. From there, the two men began planning their new market venture. Their first step was purchasing the Metromedia group of television stations, which formed the foundation of their network. This acquisition gave them a presence in six major cities: New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas. Key personnel were then appointed to all main positions: Jamie Kellner became network president, David Johnson handled finance, and Scott Sassa managed promotion. The team’s office was set up in the heart of Manhattan at 1211 Avenue of the Americas. The test launch was scheduled for October 9, 1986, and at 11:00 PM, the network debuted. Viewers were introduced to the Fox Broadcasting Company’s very first show, The Late Show, hosted by Joan Rivers.
Although the network initially followed the lead of its predecessors and used the acronym FBC, the team soon made a clever marketing move. They decided to associate the network with the already famous 20th Century Fox film brand. In 1987, the more recognizable “Fox” logo was unveiled. The network had its official launch on April 5, 1987. From that point on, the company endured many ups and downs to win over audiences, earn the respect of industry peers, and gain critical acclaim.
Iconic Shows and Breakthroughs
Fox’s success was not immediate; the network spent time searching for its strengths and weaknesses. The management soon realized that sheer ambition and resources weren’t enough for successful promotion. The team began the process of defining its own formula for success. They had the time and opportunity for this because the company was building its name, not chasing immediate profit. Fox started hunting for projects that would resonate with viewers, a search that brought both successes and failures. While the competition paid little attention to the upstart network, Fox was developing and moving forward. The irony is that the network’s initially small scale is what helped Fox Broadcasting Company find its unique path.
The network’s first program, The Late Show, generated initial buzz but quickly dropped in the ratings. When the famous host left the project, the team had to pivot to create other shows. This became a period of format experimentation and discovering new stars. In its first year, Fox introduced the sitcom Married… with Children, the drama 21 Jump Street, the series Werewolf, and more. While these shows were decent, they didn’t deliver the desired impact. 1988 turned out to be a better year, as the network posted its first profit. It was also the year Fox released some of its most legendary shows. It gave the world the iconic animated series The Simpsons. A year later, the show America’s Most Wanted gained popularity, and a controversy surrounding an episode of Married… with Children also boosted that show’s profile. The company gradually expanded its broadcast schedule, which required even more high-quality programming.
This led to the creation of Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, The X-Files, and other well-known series that lured viewers to the new network. However, no matter how many quality shows the company aired, it still hadn’t surpassed the success of its competitors. Everything changed when Rupert Murdoch turned his attention to sports. In 1993, Fox seriously considered broadcasting the NFL. The company had the funds and original ideas to make it happen. What followed was an unprecedented event in television history. All game broadcasting packages were traditionally held by the Big Three—NBC, CBS, and ABC—a status quo that was thought to be unchangeable. Yet, the Fox team managed to acquire the rights to broadcast the NFL and poached top sports experts. This allowed the network to deliver both football games and engaging studio discussions to the masses. This move cemented Fox as the “Fourth Force” in the market, one the others could no longer ignore.
Fox Broadcasting Company continued to capture a larger share of the audience, as evidenced by its ratings and numerous awards. The company confidently held its leadership position across various age demographics, and its shows topped prestigious lists. House, Family Guy, Futurama, Glee, Bones, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Gotham, The O.C., and other series became global sensations, while shows like American Idol, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, and Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire? launched massive franchises.
The Modern Era
A new era for Fox began in 2018 when the assets of 21st Century Fox were sold to The Walt Disney Company. At that time, the network separated from its former studio counterpart and embarked on a path of independent development. Since then, Fox Broadcasting Company has been managed by Fox Entertainment, marking the network’s contemporary history. Naturally, the team established new tasks, goals, and development strategies. First and foremost, the management decided to return to its roots. While the network started as a small player in 1986, it now embraces the advantages of that scale. Consequently, the team adopted the mantra, “Less means more.” By focusing its resources, the team began meticulously developing each product. This attracted new partners and granted the company greater creative freedom. Another positive shift is the company’s focus on its own in-house production. While it hasn’t abandoned its classic, cult-favorite series, it has also started creating new ones. The network is currently seeking the ideal balance between public favorites and projects that have the potential to become the next big hits.
With shows like The Masked Singer, Spin The Wheel, Animal Control, Krapopolis, and Going Dutch, Fox offers viewers a variety of programming and aims to create many more hits. A new chapter in the network’s history began in 2018, and the company has overcome considerable challenges since then. Ultimately, Fox has remained true to its core values and kept its viewers engaged. From animated series and culinary programs to music and game shows, and sports, the team has successfully identified its strengths and continues to evolve, discovering new television stars and launching iconic projects.
The Core Values of Fox
From the beginning of its history, Fox Broadcasting Company established clear working principles. Despite difficult times, the team continued to adhere to its values, which helped it engineer a kind of revolution in the market.
Fox made a loud statement by declaring its ambition to become the fourth major network in the U.S. This confidence never left the company. That’s why one of its core operating principles is setting big goals. When no one believed in the newcomer’s success, the employees kept creating more and more projects. The secret to their success was a combination of persistence and a modern approach to the business. The team worked tirelessly for brand recognition and invented new formats for familiar programming. Fox arguably changed the television landscape with its innovative mindset.
This mindset enabled the company to restart when necessary. The team recalled its core principles, which emphasized creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking. Furthermore, the company sets global goals for itself and strives to develop the community. To achieve this, Fox creates educational and career opportunities, supports various organizations, implements charitable initiatives, and more. Fox believes that a true impact extends beyond the screen. That’s why the company works just as diligently to create quality television products as it does to effect positive change in the everyday lives of its viewers.
