History of Fox Broadcasting Company
The Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox, was launched on October 9, 1986, by media
mogul Rupert Murdoch and Barry Diller. It was established as a competitor to the Big Three
television networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) and quickly distinguished itself with bold programming
choices and a focus on attracting a younger demographic. Murdoch's News Corporation, which owned a
chain of independent television stations through its subsidiary, 20th Century Fox, leveraged these
stations to create the new network. Fox's early success was buoyed by popular and often
controversial shows like 'Married... with Children' and 'The Simpsons,' the latter of which remains
one of the longest-running and most influential TV series in history.
Throughout the 1990s
and
2000s, Fox continued to grow its audience by broadcasting a mix of reality shows, animated series,
and dramas that pushed the envelope. The network gained significant traction with the launch of 'The
X-Files,' 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' and 'American Idol,' the latter becoming a cultural phenomenon and
one of the most-watched programs in the U.S. Fox's strategy of targeting a younger audience paid
off, as it frequently dominated ratings within the key 18-49 demographic. By acquiring rights to
major sports events, including NFL games and the World Series, Fox further solidified its position
as a major player in American television.