December 12, 2007

The Rupert and Roger Show

Name: Rupert Murdoch
Title: Chairman, News Corp

Name: Roger Ailes
Title: Chairman, Fox News Channel & Fox Business Network

Why Them? This duo is dynamically poised to draw even more industry attention in ’08. Though they’ve been dominating media waters as exceedingly big fish in a big pond for years, Murdoch and Ailes recently ascended to greater ubiquity with a handsomely choreographed two-step: News Corp.’s acquisition of Dow Jones & Co and the long-awaited launch of Fox’s business channel. Though Murdoch’s pricey bid for Dow Jones—and crown jewel The Wall Street Journal—at first initiated some head-scratching, those in the know knew it was just business as usual for the mogul. Though he acknowledged his late-blooming Web optimism with the MySpace purchase a few years back, Murdoch thrives on “traditional” media and is primed to influence yet more public opinion as puppetmaster for one of the world’s most respected financial publications. Trusted Murdoch foot soldier Ailes, who rewrote the book on television news via FNC, finally has his chance to go head-to-head with former employer CNBC as Fox Business Network gets off the ground. Armed with a budget that includes a reported $200mln to staff the new network with big names and distribution in about 30mln homes, Ailes is shaping Fox Business as a formidable competitor that he hopes will follow in the footsteps of his already established news empire. This time, few are betting against him.  CAO


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