Company: Fox Broadcasting Company

Founder: N/A; Fox is the result of 20th Century Fox’s efforts of creating a television network.

Industry: Television broadcasting

History:

The Fox Broadcasting Company has been a solid competitor in the United States’ TV industry; it has even topped the ratings in some seasons in the past. Commonly referred to simply as Fox, this broadcasting company has several affiliates that operate myriad entertainment channels in other countries outside the US, including Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, France, Germany, Japan, India, Mexico, South Korea, and Spain among others. However, these countries do not necessarily air the same programs in the US.

The network is named after its sister company 20th Century Fox and indirectly after producer William Fox, who founded Fox Film, one of the movie studio’s predecessors.

Groundwork for the Fox Broadcasting Company was initiated when, in March 1985, News Corporation bought 50% of TCF Holdings, the parent company of 20th Century Fox. New Corporation then purchased six TV stations in cities from Metromedia. However, during this time, the stations they bought were broadcasted to only 22% of American households. For this reason, 20th Century Fox formed an independent television system in 1986 to compete with the three major US TV networks in the country (ABS, CBS, and NBC). Later on, with shows like Married… with Children, The Tracey Ullman Show, and The Simpsons, Fox gradually climbed its way to the top.

Fox’s next big success stories were the show American’s Most Wanted and their coverage contract with the National Football League (NFL).

Today, because of shows like Family Guy, Joe Millionaire, The O.C., House, and American Idol, most Americans consider Fox more of an entertainment channel. It has built a niche for itself where it entertains millions of viewers across the United States and the rest of the world.

Leadership:

Peter Rice – Chairman, Entertainment
Kevin Reilly – President, Entertainment