In 2023, CNN ousted CEO Chris Licht after just a year on the job. His goal was to restore CNN’s bipartisan credibility as the most trusted voice in news. But the plan backfired, leaving CNN scrambling to keep up with rivals Fox News and MSNBC. Dylan Byers, senior correspondent and founding partner at Puck , shares more on what happened that year, and what the future of CNN (and cable news as a whole) may look like. Later, Elaine Low of The Ankler shares an update on the television industry...
Sep 11, 2024•42 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast It's February 2017 and CNN is mounting a comeback through its clashes with President Donald Trump. And Fox News is on a mission to own election coverage. But its emphasis on making election night calls early puts it in hot water with its core audience. Soon, Fox News faces an existential threat. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery...
Sep 04, 2024•38 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast It's September 11, 2001 and CNN and Fox News race to keep the nation up to date as the tragedy unfolds. Then, when the nation is plunged into war, the organizations diverge in their coverage. And their rival approaches to the War on Terror will deliver a major upset. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Ap...
Aug 28, 2024•36 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast It's 1996 and Fox News is getting ready to launch, but when CNN owner Time Warner tries to block it, Rupert Murdoch seeks help from New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. Then, a scandal rocks the White House and proves to be a ratings magnet for both channels. And CNN takes a major hit when its reporting comes into question. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive ear...
Aug 21, 2024•40 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast It’s 1978 and Ted Turner’s out to reinvent the news with CNN, the first 24-hour news network. The challenge nearly breaks its first staffers, but then a major national story proves to viewers that journalism that's rough and raw makes for exciting television. Soon though, Turner's new venture will put him on a collision course with Rupert Murdoch. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest sea...
Aug 14, 2024•40 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast It’s 1978 in Miami, Florida. The hottest spot in town is a club located inside the world famous Mutiny Hotel. And it’s also the epicenter of Miami’s infamous drug wars. The new MGM+ Hotel Cocaine takes you deep into this world, where every pleasure has a price. David sat down with creator and showrunner Chris Brancato and series stars Danny Pino and Mark Feuerstein to learn more about the glamorous Mutiny Club and the darker reality that surrounded it.Check out the new TV series 'Hot...
Aug 07, 2024•39 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast In the 1970s, a pair of brothers and their longtime friend begin smuggling cocaine from their home city of Cali, Colombia into the United States. They quickly establish a complex but highly efficient system for importing and distributing vast quantities of the drug, creating what becomes known as the Cali Cartel. Laundering their money through legitimate businesses in Colombia, the men from Cali become extremely wealthy. Soon, other budding entrepreneurs in Colombia take notice. T...
Aug 07, 2024•21 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Crocs are the comfy foam clogs people love to hate. Yet today, they're seen everywhere from memes to the red carpet. So how did they get so popular? David's exploring the rise and fall — and rise again — of the “ugly” yet beloved clog that continues to endure. Featured Guests: Doogie Sandtiger, the “Croc King,” who owns more than 3,000 pairs, and Jordyn Holman, retail reporter for the New York Times. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience a...
Aug 01, 2024•43 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast The seas were especially rough for the cruise line industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. There was a time when people thought cruising might never come back… but not Dan Kline. He’s the founder of the publication Come Cruise With Me , and was one of the first people to set sail when cruises reopened. Dan joins David to talk about how the industry stayed afloat and adapted during the pandemic, and its miraculous comeback in the years since. He also shares what’s next in the world of cruising, an...
Jul 31, 2024•36 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast As the cruise industry enters the 21st century, Carnival and Royal Caribbean square off again as they battle to acquire British company Princess Cruises. Whoever wins Princess will be virtually uncatchable as the largest cruise company in the world. But when the Covid-19 pandemic breaks out, the cruise industry struggles to keep passengers safe, and the entire existence of the industry is in jeopardy. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experie...
Jul 24, 2024•45 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast As Carnival cements its success by going public, founder Ted Arison and his son and CEO Micky set their sights on growing the company through acquisition. They make long-time rival Royal Caribbean their target. But with a new ambitious executive at the helm, Royal Caribbean isn’t going down without a fight. Norwegian Cruise Line struggles to keep up with the competition. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free a...
Jul 17, 2024•43 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast After his bitter exit from Norwegian Cruise Line, Ted Arison has limited time to make his new company Carnival a success. With little funds and one run-down ship, the odds are stacked against him. Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean compete to be the most luxurious cruise ship company on the market. And all three get an unexpected boost from Hollywood. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and...
Jul 10, 2024•45 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast In 1950, an enterprising Miami businessman has the idea to use a passenger liner to ferry retired Floridians to the Caribbean. He makes their time on board the ship as much a part of the appeal as the destination. Modern cruising is born, but it’s still just a small niche activity. But in the 1960s, a group of ambitious men in both the United States and Europe sees huge potential in this form of vacation travel. Within six years Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival...
Jul 03, 2024•41 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast The Pac-12 was one of the most prestigious college football conferences in the nation, until its leading schools left for greener pastures with heftier media deals. Now, with only two teams left, the stakes are higher than ever for the Pac-12 to draw viewers. John Canzano, host of college sports podcasts The Bald Faced Truth and Canzano & Wilner , joins David to talk about what’s next for the teams and the sport as a whole. Later, we’re tapping in Chris Vannini of The Athletic to talk about ...
Jun 26, 2024•39 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast It’s George Kliavkoff’s third week in charge of the Pac-12. But his new job will become a nightmare when the SEC makes a play that’ll send panic through entire the college football scene. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/bu...
Jun 19, 2024•37 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast With the College Football Playoff boosting the sport’s worth, the rivalry between the Power 5 conferences is heating up. But as the Big Ten thrives, the Pac-12 will find itself trapped by its past. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.co...
Jun 12, 2024•33 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast Pac-12 boss Larry Scott wants a media empire that can outshine the Big Ten. But to do it, he must strong-arm ESPN and then find a way to face down satellite TV giant DirecTV. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ ...
Jun 05, 2024•36 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast It’s the 90s. College football’s a hot mess of untapped profit potential. But two TV execs have an answer. It’s called the Bowl Championship Series and it’ll ignite a rush for the big bucks. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links...
May 29, 2024•39 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Soda has had its fair share of ups and downs, but now, a new wave of prebiotic pop promises to reinvent the fizzy drink consumers love. Poppi and Olipop are two buzzy, health-focused brands leading the charge. And David is cracking open a can of each to figure out whether these drinks really are soda's second coming...or just another wellness fad. Featured Guests:Tristan Donovan, Author of Fizz: How Soda Shook Up the WorldAnn Gehan, Retail Reporter at The Information Listen to Business War...
May 23, 2024•37 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast David is going behind the scenes with Ford’s Director of Vehicle Personalization, Mark Grueber, who helped power the “Bronco Underground.” You heard him in this season of Business Wars, and now he’s sharing what it was like to bring the iconic Bronco back to life — and how its buzzy launch almost bottomed out. Later, Larry Webster, Editor-in-Chief of the popular automotive outlet Hagerty Media , joins David to talk about the legacy of trailblazing SUVs like Jeep and Bronco, and whether we c...
May 22, 2024•41 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast It's 2008 and the U.S. government spends tense months deciding whether, and then how, to bail out the U.S. auto industry. Chrysler is saved through a forced merger with another foreign suitor — Italy’s Fiat. Fiat’s charismatic chairman makes Jeep the centerpiece of the new Fiat Chrysler. But Jeep also faces new competition as Ford decides to bring the Bronco back. Jeep doesn’t sit idle. It puts more horses under its hood than ever before. And the showroom showdown that follows will result in sta...
May 15, 2024•34 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast It's 1996, and the last Bronco rolls off the assembly line in Michigan. Ford is moving on to bigger, lusher SUVs. Jeep is already there with its Grand Cherokee. And as it continues to be hugely popular, Chrysler tinkers with a merger. It eventually combines with Germany’s Daimler-Benz. The merger is a mess, and Jeep suffers under new management. Meanwhile, as the new millennium dawns, an underground group inside Ford quietly plots to bring back the Bronco. But just as it looks like the Bronco Un...
May 08, 2024•33 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast It’s 1965 and as the Bronco bucks onto the market, the Jeep boosts its engine power in hopes of catching up. But by the 1970s, the Jeep’s owner, the American Motor Company, has a new strategy: beat the Bronco by going bigger. AMC introduces the massive Jeep Cherokee, jump starting an arms race. Next, Bronco also goes big. Then, Jeep goes even bigger, and more luxurious, with the Grand Cherokee. As the 1990s arrive, the rugged Bronco is falling out of favor with consumers. But it spends one more ...
May 01, 2024•33 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast It's 1940 and as Adolph Hitler’s forces storm across Europe, the American army pays a nearly broke U.S. carmaker to develop a lightweight, durable, all-purpose, all-terrain automobile for use in the coming world war. The vehicle that’s created comes to be known as the Jeep and it plays a pivotal role in winning that war. But the Jeep has a bumpy homecoming. And as Americans start spending more time on the road and behind the wheel, they pave the way for the rise of an off-road challenger. It’s m...
Apr 24, 2024•37 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Allbirds was once valued at $4.1 billion . The sustainable shoe brand had a fast and meteoric rise that mirrored the path of many other direct to consumer brands, but by early 2024 Allbirds' luck had changed. Find out what wrong for the company and the DTC market broadly, and how they're trying to find their footing again. Featured Guests: Ann Gehan, Retail Reporter at The Information Elizabeth Segran, Senior Staff Writer at Fast Company Listen to Business Wars on the...
Apr 18, 2024•38 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast A lot has happened at OpenAI since that whiplash week in November 2023 when the board ousted its chief executive. There was an investigation to determine whether Sam Altman’s firing was just, and a lawsuit from OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk. Meanwhile, the company’s competition has been charging ahead. Julia Black, a reporter with The Information , joins host David Brown to break down the latest developments and shed light on where Sam Altman — and the future of AI — are going next. Listen t...
Apr 17, 2024•42 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast After five intense days, Sam Altman prevails over the OpenAI Board and is reinstated as CEO, with a new board in place. But the turmoil has shown that OpenAI is vulnerable and its competitors, including Google and Microsoft, are ready to take advantage of OpenAI’s weakness. And with OpenAI’s old board out and Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever’s role at OpenAI murky, the path is clear for OpenAI to develop and commercialize AI at an even faster rate than as before. Listen to Business...
Apr 10, 2024•36 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever’s move to fire Sam Altman with no warning kicks off five days of chaos for the tech company. After he gets over the shock, Altman uses all his corporate savvy to fight back. For days, over McDonalds and Boba tea, Altman and the board feud over the path forward for Altman and OpenAI, while the business community waits on tenterhooks to find out the future of one of the most important AI companies in the world. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery ...
Apr 03, 2024•37 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast From the outside, OpenAI looked like one of Silicon Valley’s biggest success stories. In 2022, it had stunned the world with the release of ChatGPT3.5, leapfrogging some of the biggest tech companies to be an industry leader in artificial intelligence. But, inside the company walls trouble was brewing. Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever had increasing concerns about the speed at which OpenAI was commercializing and releasing AI products. He worried about the direction AI was heading a...
Mar 27, 2024•45 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Costco's membership retention rate is the stuff of other retailers' dreams, nevermind the love they get on social media. With very little paid advertising, the company has managed to keep its spot as the third largest retailer in the U.S. We’re finding out how they do it with Susan and David Schwartz, authors of “ The Joy of Costco: a Treasure Hunt from A to Z ,” and Business Insider reporter Dominick Reuter . Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Exp...
Mar 21, 2024•44 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast 
