Another Kevin Magee interview…
The Boston Herald’s Greg Gatlin talks with FBN’s Kevin Magee in conjunction with FBN coming to Comcast in Boston. And do note the part about the Wall Street Journal.
“We’re just rolling out,” he said. “We’re 11 weeks old.”
Fox Business Network aims to appeal to a wider swath of viewers by demystifying business news. Magee says it’s resisting the urge to speak in business jargon.
“When we’re on our game and doing it the way we should, we are more easy to understand,” he said. “We think everybody is interested in making money, or perhaps more importantly these days, not losing money.”
Wall Street Journal reporters appear on rival CNBC under a pact that runs through 2012. While that’s expected to limit Journal reporters’ appearances on Fox Business, Magee points out that the deal does not cover breaking news and non-business news. “If there’s a breaking news story, we can put them on,” he said.
Update: Magee also spoke with Nicole C. Wong of The Boston Globe…
“Once we get Boston, we know those numbers will jump,” said Kevin Magee, executive vice president of Fox News and the executive in charge of Fox Business Network. “Boston is a terrific market for us because there’s so much interest in financial services there. It’s such a high-tech town.”
Boston residents whose cable service comes from RCN won’t have access to the Fox Business Network, although the network is negotiating to be on more cable carriers and in more cities.
“Our main competition is CNBC,” Magee said. “We know it’s a daunting task to go after them. We have a long-range view.”
A spokesman for CNBC declined to comment on Fox Business Network’s coming to Boston.
Yesterday Fox Business Network finally arrived in my neck of the woods.
This far I have only watched dribs and drabs but early, perhaps disappointing impressions are that a) FBN is slightly slower paced than Fox News Channel and b) unlike FNC, a few of the guests I saw were outright slow and boring!
More to come.
Comment by Ira — January 10, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
That’s great news, Ira!
Comment by Terance — January 10, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
Ira, The best panelists come on during the 2-5 block. The 4 pm hour is the best with the Bulls & Bears gang sometimes mixed in with some other guests.
So far only the 9 am Opening Bell and 2-5 block is watchable to me. The other market hour shows need an overhaul.
Comment by Lurker — January 10, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
The 4 pm hour is the best with the Bulls & Bears gang sometimes mixed in with some other guests.
It was during the 4-5 hour yesterday that I saw an older gentleman (don’t know his name) attempt to interact with Scott Blier of “Bulls and Bears” and somebody else. His reward for being so slow on the draw was that they kept him on for the next segment!
Last week, Spud ran a thread from frequent Kudlow & Company guest Donald Luskin basically stating that there may not be enough so-called experts to fill 2-3 business channels. He may be right!
Comment by Ira — January 10, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Ira, I think you’re talking about billionaire investor Wilbur Ross. He was a special guest and should be given a pass no matter how slow he talks lol.
Comment by Lurker — January 10, 2008 @ 8:32 pm