The reshuffle at financial news networks continues. FOX Business Network debuts a revamped weekday lineup on Oct. 12, Yahoo Finance rolled out its new-look schedule in mid-September, and CNBC and Bloomberg have launched new programs this year.
I watch these moves with a producer's eye. I spent the first 13 years of my career in television news, six in local TV and seven at FOX News Channel, producing breaking news, political coverage and other news of the day. When a programming lineup gets reworked, producers are often looking for new faces to bring fresh perspective to their audiences. It's also an opportunity for an expert who hasn't been on the network recently to make the case they're worthy of another look. RIAs and asset managers with broadcast-experienced experts should be ready with sharp, distinct commentary, because competition for finance TV bookings is stiff.
What changed
FOX Business Network: Big Money in the Morning is the new morning show from 6 to 9 a.m. ET after the network parted ways with Maria Bartiromo. Hosts from the midday show move to the mornings – Dagen McDowell, Brian Brenberg and Taylor Riggs. The noon Big Money Show keeps Jackie DeAngelis as its only mainstay, joined by rotating co-hosts. Liz Claman is launching Claman's Power Players on Friday nights, featuring prominent business leaders.
Yahoo Finance: Four live daily shows anchor the new lineup, including The 8:30 with Julie Hyman, Jake Conley and Pras Subramanian; Sozzi Unleashed with Brian Sozzi; the unscripted midday conversation Market Hang; and Deirdre Bosa coming aboard from CNBC to host a show on how AI and technology are reshaping companies and industries.
CNBC: Earlier this year, Morgan Brennan moved from Closing Bell: Overtime to anchoring Morning Call at 5 a.m., replacing the Worldwide Exchange franchise. Melissa Lee and Mike Santoli began co-anchoring Closing Bell Overtime and Brian Sullivan helped launch the network’s Power Insider vertical, in addition to continuing as co-host of Power Lunch.
Bloomberg: Bloomberg Money, hosted by Tom Keene and Scarlet Fu, a weekly Friday vehicle, launched in June. The network also debuted weekend programming with Bloomberg This Weekend in late February after executives saw weekend audiences rise two to three times normal levels during breaking news coverage.
Changes like these are commonplace. Why? Ad sales stumble, political climates turn and personnel moves happen. There are also things that can be forecast, like the midterms, which may cause a show to adjust editorially. For instance, CNBC has leaned harder on political voices in recent months, and I expect that to continue through the year’s end.
What to think about when earning coverage
If you’re a CEO or investment strategist at an RIA or asset management firm, a reshuffle like this presents a good moment to get in front of producers. New and rearranged shows need guests quickly, and the producers building those lists may be open to new names.
Preparation starts with the conversation itself. Yahoo's head of content, Sean Mills, said people are engaging with business news "in more dynamic and personal ways." Spokespeople who can state a position in concise sound bites and hold a conversation through a two to five minute interview get invited back. With CNBC and undoubtedly other networks giving political voices more airtime over the next few months, have a clear view on how tax, rates or regulation touch client portfolios. And remember - it’s possible to have a strong take and not come across as leaning in one political direction or another.
Schedules and personnel at business news networks will continue to evolve. At Gregory, we track these changes as they happen. We train our subject matter experts to help them get the most out of their television appearances and put them in position to be a recurring guest. If you're a firm weighing how to get in front of these producers to raise your brand awareness and amplify your firm’s message, we’re glad to have a conversation!