Wall Street Folly

The Wall Street Journal interviewed Fox Business Network boss Roger Ailes.  The new network debuts on October 15.  He was asked a whole range of questions, from what the new network will look like, how they’ll counter CNBC’s huge 90 million home advantage and who from CNBC he might like to hire.  On the latter, he says that CNBC is overworking Erin Burnett…and at the rate they’re going, she’s gonna age.  At least he hopes so, cuz when she says "I need water", sounds like he’ll be ready…..

WSJ: The Fox Business Network launches on Oct. 15 after two years of speculation and, to use your word, "disinformation." I want to know what will viewers see.

Mr. Ailes: So do I. We’re working on it… . We think economic news is probably broader than what CNBC has been presenting. We intend to cover the markets and cover Wall Street as effectively as they do, maybe more, and add additional value. Beyond that, there’s no sense in me talking about it because this is a launch, and it’s a competitive launch….I will call a lot of audibles at the line once the play starts. I will not stand around the sidelines with a gamebook and a set of plays that I’ll stick to. I’ll change many things in the first year, I’m sure.

WSJ: Is there anyone from CNBC you’d like to hire?

Mr. Ailes: Look, I’m the one who put Maria Bartiromo on the air. She’s a fine talent. This new woman that they’re overusing because she’s on now 15 hours a day, Erin Burnett, is a good talent. But she’s gonna age. She’ll only last another year, the way they’re working her….So, I hope, at some point she steps up and says, "I need water; I need a little break here."

Can Ailes Outfox CNBC? - Wall Street Journal

Tags: CNBC, Erin Burnett, Fox Business Network, Maria Bartiromo