Me and Ted Against the World : The Unauthorized Story of the Founding of CNN

Book Description

They were the odd couple of broadcast news, destined to alter global communications forever -- to free-for-all of a saga that's larger than life and more engaging than a major business book has any right to be.

1979. Down in Atlanta, Ted Turner was fighting his battles with the networks. Up in New York, Reese Schonfeld was warring with the network journalists. Then they joined forces in a magnificent experiment and, for the next three years, stood shoulder to shoulder and back to back -- until the allies became antagonists, and the unraveling of CNN began.

Turner was cable before cable was cool. Schonfeld was in the TV news business before there was a TV news business was tile best advertising salesman TV has ever known. Schonfeld had invented the first independent news agency that worked. Turner got cable companies to put CNN -- thefirst twenty-four-hour news network -- on the air. Schonfeld got newsmen to bet their lives on CNN. Turner brought in the money. Schonfeld brought in the news. Turner had been thrown out of Brown, Schonfeld, out of Harvard Law. Neither could tolerate authority. Both were control freaks. CNN was their baby.

1982. With CNN's ratings at an all-time high. Turner fired Schonfeld and gained control of CNN. Now it was totally his baby. Schonfeld went oil to, create News 12 and the Food Network. Ted went on to create TNT, the Cartoon Network, and Turner Movie Classics: become a legend; and sell his empire to Time Warner.

2000. Now Ted looks at news from the outside. Schonfeld plays one more long shot, trying to get back in. CNN is Time Warner's now. In the beginning, it was me and Ted against the world, but has the world finally won?

Me and Ted Against the World recounts tile no-holds-barred triumphs of CNN's beginnings, the tribulations of its middle age, and the tragedy of its current moment in the wake of Time Warner's projected sale to AOL. As broadly entertaining as it is enlightening about the brave universe of telecommunications and crammed with unforgettable characters and highly revealing anecdotes, Me and Ted Against the World is eye-opening in every sense of the word.

Customer Reviews:

A very interesting look at the founding of an important company.......2006-12-20

CNN has become a dominant force in new and politics in the 21st century. The story of its founding and the battle between the author and Ted Turner is outlined here. Once you get past Schonfeld's bias there is a great story here that shows how the network grew from the ground up. The government regulators, competition and airwave rules that helped to form the network are covered in detail. This is a must read for anyone interested in the television industry.

Story of the Founding of CNN.......2005-09-27

Reese Schonfeld wrote the book Me and Ted Against the World, (HarperCollins Publisher, 2001) which is described as the unauthorized story of the founding of CNN. Schonfeld writes that the time in which he was writing his book was a great period in the history of CNN because everything was in a mess. Ted Turner's deal with AOL/Time Warner was not working out the way he had planned. The numbers of viewers for CNN shows had declined. Everyone was nervous. But Schonfeld says this is a great time to be writing a book!
Reese Schonfeld was one Turner's partner for the first three years of the life of CNN. He was in the news business, and Ted turner was described as the best advertising salesman that TV had ever known. Together they worked to develop CNN. Both Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld were thrown out of their universities because they did not like authority, Schonfeld out of Harvard Law and Turner out of Brown University.
The reviewer says, "both were control freaks. CNN was their baby" (cover). However, in 1982, when CNN's ratings were at its highest, Turner fired Schonfeld and gained control of CNN. This story is told from Schonfeld's point of view. In the beginning, he writes that he will be cynical and tough when writing this book. Schonfeld says that although he did not invent 24 hour news, he did invent the idea of fluid news. This is the style he says that differentiates CNN from others. Fluid news is described as being spontaneous.
Schonfeld says that it took some time for the people he hired to understand this right away because they were used to perfect half-hour shows. Some learned and adjusted and some did not. Before he could fire the ones that did not learn, Mr. Turner fired him.
Over the years, he says that the network has become "constipated and sluggish." When CNN first started, Schonfeld says the audience was enthused about watching world news, but times have changed. He explains that people watch news that has relevance in their lives; they are turning back to watching local news more than cable news. Another problem, according to Schonfeld, is that CNN does not go into depth about any subject, and it spends more time reporting about international news than American events. The highest ratings, and the ones that made CNN the most famous, was the coverage of the Gulf War. The ratings at that time almost doubled.
There was another peak during the OJ Simpson Trial, and then a minor increase during Monica Lewinsky and the impeachment proceedings. Interestingly, although Schonfeld reports that the numbers are way down, he says that at the anniversary celebration, he was hearing over and over how much CNN had improved. He says, "This is a dangerous myth because it reverses the truth" (xvi). For those people who might want to learn about a 24 hour news station, they need to know what works and what doesn't, so the truth is good.
One of the ideas regarding CNN that made it different than other news networks was that the founders wanted to show the entire news making process, not just what appeared like magic on NBC. You could see much of the control room. The first set of CNN looked like the newsroom of a newspaper but with lights and cameras. Other television news was "romantic and mystical." But CNN wanted to show the nuts and bolts of the news. Schonfeld describes the style of CNN as deconstructionist. The philosophy of the news at CNN was bottom up news. There were 24 hours that had to be filled, and they wanted people from all bureaus to send them stories. There would be the big stories that everyone would cover, but they wanted to have some extra attractions. Schonfeld says that CNN was developed to "bear witness." It was created to make sure that all the sorrows of the world are told, and that all joys are celebrated. Of course, it was also created to make money, but the way was to present information so that people could understand current events, and place the events in historical context. It was also created so that viewers could call in and talk with commentators on CNN.
His philosophy is in order to sell news, the news has to be the best in the world. That would mean doing the news live as much as possible. It would also be to seek out the stories that everyone else is ignoring, and show why they are significant. In originality the network would find its strength. He quotes William Randolph Hearst who used to say, "there are no bad news stories, only bad reporters" (p. 12). Schonfeld says, "there are no slow news periods, only slow editors, slow producers" (p. 12). I guess this is an attitude you would have to have for 24 hour news.
Schonfeld said that it was his dream of having enough airtime and money so that stories could be told that would be seen around the world. His dream had the element that if you told the truth about what was happening, the world would be a better place. It took 23 years for technology to catch his dream. The development of satellite and cable allowed that. He learned in that time that everyone has an angle, and if you come to understand the angle, you could understand their story. Schonfeld criticized the major networks because he believed their main concern became making money, not presenting in-depth news. The networks were not in the news business; they were in the entertainment business. And all three presented the news in about the same way. Most of the stories came off the Associated Press wires or the mornings New York Times. The structure of the network was from the top down . Everybody did what they were told, and there were orders to follow that came from the top.
In 1979, Ted Turner called him as the news expert to help Turner start a new network of news. This was the first time that live news was the purpose of the network, not the obligation to fill in the news slot in between entertainment. No one was sure how it would work. Schonfeld says that he had a plan for CNN that had a lot of holes, but he knew that it would developed and be shaped into what it could become. "CNN would form itself as it found itself" (p. 15). One thing the network was going to do was tap into the news sources in cities all over the world. Then they could create a world news that was different from the conventional found in the New York Times or London Times. If they guessed about the right spot to put their cameras, Schonfeld knew the whole world would watch. They would help to set the news agenda for the world.
The book is a very interesting one to read. It is not just that the story of CNN is interesting as the first 24 all news network. That part of the book is interesting, of course. However, I think the real value of the book, especially for students of communication and journalism, is that it gives you so much detail about the life inside a news station. It describes the dynamics of this industry, the weaknesses, the strengths. It describes the lives of the personalities that are a part of the industry. It describes what the industry is, and what it could be. It is a fascinating book in this regard. It is bigger than the story of CNN, in my opinion. It is the story of news broadcasting, and Schonfeld tells it well.
I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those people who are interested in learning more about news and broadcast journalism. The last few years have been difficult for CNN, and you have to wonder if Schonfeld is not correct in his evaluation that the network has not reached its potential, but has become slowed down. Schonfeld did not end his career with CNN, of course. As described, he co-founded CNN, and then CNN Headline News. But he also created the first all-local news channel in 1985, News 12. And he created the Food Network in 1993. He is an interesting writer, and this was a fun book to read.

Mixed but worth reading..........2004-09-19

The book is decently written though not consistently chronological throughout or organized in logical chapters. On the other hand, Reese doesn't claim it is his best but a rapidly developed version of his side of the story.

The behind-the-scenes stories, econmimc rationales, lucky breaks, clever ploys, hiring realities and nitty gritty outweigh the sometimes annoying themes: liberal-leaning Jewish boomer from New Jersey ("wrong-side of the tracks?"), occassional gratuitous name-droppping and way too much info about his own life story (not relevant in many places so it sometimes rambles). Reese doesn't take advantage of the many character assasination opportunities and shows restraint. Clearly, the man is a talented and visionary doer albeit narcissistic at times.

From a "Gen-X" business person's standpoint, mixed opinion but worth reading especially if you can get a used copy like I did.

Great account of what went into CNN.......2004-07-18

Overall I enjoyed this book a lot, there were many great behind-the-scenes stories that were quite intriguing. The only flaw is that the author uses the book to take a jab at Ted and pat himself on the back. But, he makes no qualms about that in the book's introduction. But, I can't really blame Reese. If I worked as hard as he did creating this network and nobody knows who he is, I'd be rather bitter too.
Still, a very good read - I would recommend to anyone in the media.

i got lost in another mans fantasies.......2003-10-27

It is rare that people actually truely find what they want to do. Dick Schofield did. This book recites all of the excitement of a new upstart idea turning into reality.

As quircky as Ted Turner was, the new staff was nothing short of a creative miracle. This book tracks the rise and fall of CNN. Some of the best stories were how with a smaller budget and less assets that CNN endlessly found workarounds which screwed over the larger networks.

Book Description

Creativity in Television & Cable Managing & Producing applies the concepts of goal-setting and motivation used in general business to television and cable management. This is the first book to adapt these practices, which have been used in the general business press for many years, to the specific context of television and cable management. William G. Covington Jr. approaches this subject from a systems theory perspective, analyzing motivation and creativity within television stations. He provides guidelines that allow managers to meet the challenge of bringing together very different units into a cohesive whole. This approach maintains an overall focus, while stimulating creativity within the various units in the system. Built upon the natural goal-setting and motivation responsibilities of all managers, this book brings these concepts into the television and cable managing and producing field for the first time.

Average customer rating:

A Classic Updated

Radio-Television-Cable Management
James A Brown , and Ward L Quaal
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0697132374

Book Description

This real-world look at R-TV-Cable management, by authors with extensive communications experience, explores the essentials of broadcast management, stressing the need for excellence balanced with the needs of the public, the owners, and the Federal Communications Commission.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic Updated.......2000-05-11

Although it was 22 years between editions of this book, the title likely will be familiar to many persons in professional broadcasting and in academics. The 1976 second edition for many years occupied the top-rung of choices for management texts in the field; its endurance no doubt was due in part to the authors success in gauging the long-term impact the social movements of the 1960s would have on broadcast station management's roles and responsibilities.

Similarly, in its new incarnation, Brown and Quaal's work, (with author names reversed for this edition), seems in step with the new electronic media landscape: they have fashioned a work in sync with the economic, organizational, regulatory and technological changes of the recent past. Emphasis in management clearly is placed upon management's role and responsibilities in the age of mergers and bottom-line thinking.

This book seeks a larger audience than a typical textbook, presenting a vast collection of research and literature data in footnotes, endnotes, and in separate historical and numerical displays. It would seem most appropriate as a text for advanced college courses emphasizing the radio-TV-cable industries and for which historical context is especially desired. In addition, this book would seem to fill a niche as a solid reference work for scholars and working professionals interested in a comprehensive survey of the field and a balanced philosophical approach to viewing major management issues. The authors represent both the academic prospective (Brown) and the working media professional (Quaal) and at times reflect this point of difference in their treatment of subject matter. For example, they openly disagree on the broad question of who owns the airwaves-broadcasters or the public. The result for the reader is a work that offers engaging and insightful views of relevant issues from alternate perspectives.

This is a big book, broad in its audience target and exhaustive in its treatment of many subjects. Its mass may be its weakness for many teachers and students who want a more streamlined text with fewer historical side trips and quantitative displays. Moreover, I found it disappointing that the chapter on theory did not present wider representation of traditional management theories: the authors favor the alphabet theories such as X, Y, Z, and in so doing perhaps place too much emphasis upon their own V-Theory of managing. One may need to seek out other published sources on management to get a more representative serving of prevailing management theories.

Book Description

This well-respected text features extensive coverage of domestic and international media management issues, as well as profiles of multinational media corporations and their operations in the U.S. and abroad. New to the second edition are in-depth discussions of the new technologies that are continually shaping the coming information super highway and expanded coverage of ethical issues related to media management. Also, four new chapters covering the core departments of media businesses programming, sales, promotion, audience research have been added to this edition. Case study material has been expanded and moved to an all new Instructor's Case Manual which also includes activities, exercises and test questions.

Telecommunications Management: The Broadcast & Cable Industries (McGraw-Hill series in mass communication)

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Telecommunications Management: The Broadcast & Cable Industries (McGraw-Hill series in mass communication)
Barry L. Sherman
Manufacturer: Mcgraw-Hill College
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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A Step by Step Guide on How to Sell
Dr. Michael J. DiLauro, Ed.D.
High School Student
I've used this reference and found it excellent!
A quick read

There is No Box!
David P. D'Eugenio
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1553958063
Release Date: 2006-07-06

Book Description

Product Description: Selling requires mental toughness and optimism. There Is No Box! is the most comprehensive paperback written for progressive sales and marketing management for today's professional sellers.

Each sales, marketing and management topic is consolidated for quick reference.

Topics include:
Time Management
Sales Management
Change Management
Advance Selling Techniques
Brand and NTR Management
Management Development
Case Studies
Discussion Topics

Solution selling for today's best sellers is art and science. The science is more psychology and sociology than technical. The art is in the presentation, and the technical is in the information that is vital to selling. How you wrapped that information is as important as what you present. How you execute the skills you have learned determines your success. What you will need to learn to improve your career and to give you a sense of confidence is in There Is No Box.

Customer Reviews:

A Step by Step Guide on How to Sell.......2005-12-17

"There is No Box" takes the reader through the entire sales process in step by step order. One would have to read and study multiple Sales and Motivational books to get what is contained in "There is No Box." This book is great for both new and experienced sellers. I carry "There is No Box" in my bag with me everyday for easy and quick reference.

Dr. Michael J. DiLauro, Ed.D........2005-09-16

THERE IS NO BOX should be required reading for all college freshman. It is more than a sales and marketing text.

THERE IS NO BOX is a must read for minds that strive for ongoing personal growth.Optimism and mental toughness are overriding themes in the book which translates into long-term self improvement.

High School Student.......2005-08-22

My dad purchased There Is No Box for me and it helped me with my buisness class. I suggested this book to my friends and they LOVED it! I'm looking foward to getting and reading the updated version.

I've used this reference and found it excellent!.......2004-05-15

I have read a lot of sales books and have attended more than my share of sales seminars. Seldom is the content clearly written by sales managers, for sales people. In THERE IS NO BOX, the information is of "how to" rather than "one should" of real examples rather that philosophies about what should work and answers a lot of tough questions where others have failed to go.

A quick read.......2004-05-03

I found "There Is No Box" by accident while surfing for new management books on sales and marketing. (I didn't expect a book on sales to be titled; "There Is No Box".) But it was the title that actually got me interested. I have had excellent success for years in sales and marketing. Now as a manager, I wanted a reference book, a quick read reminder to keep me and my sales department fresh without long examples or boring material. This book did just that. Each subject is concise and easy enough to bring into a sales meeting and talk about for a few minutes. The techniques are proven and the author doesn't impose his way, but instead credits others that along the way have contributed successful selling ideas. I strongly recommend this book for those who want a reference to keep in their briefcase of on their desktop. If you're new to selling, this book will give you an excellent start by developing your personal skills as it leads you through the selling process. I also agree with another reviewer that this is excellent for students.

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Britian's BSkyB offers a flat fee for satellite TV.(Business)(Freesat): An article from: Wireless Satellite and Broadcasting Newsletter

Manufacturer: Information Gatekeepers, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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This digital document is an article from Wireless Satellite and Broadcasting Newsletter, published by Information Gatekeepers, Inc. on July 1, 2004. The length of the article is 802 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Britian's BSkyB offers a flat fee for satellite TV.(Business)(Freesat)
Publication: Wireless Satellite and Broadcasting Newsletter (Newsletter)
Date: July 1, 2004
Publisher: Information Gatekeepers, Inc.
Volume: 14 Issue: 7 Page: 6(2)

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Cable Splice of FLAG Atlantic-1 Cable Completed.(Brief Article): An article from: European Telecom

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Cable Splice of FLAG Atlantic-1 Cable Completed.(Brief Article): An article from: European Telecom

Manufacturer: Information Gatekeepers, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from European Telecom, published by Information Gatekeepers, Inc. on March 1, 2001. The length of the article is 411 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Cable Splice of FLAG Atlantic-1 Cable Completed.(Brief Article)
Publication: European Telecom (Newsletter)
Date: March 1, 2001
Publisher: Information Gatekeepers, Inc.
Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Page: 14

Article Type: Brief Article

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Cable TV firms face insurance obstacles.: An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management

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Cable TV firms face insurance obstacles.: An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management
Judy Gish
Manufacturer: The National Underwriter Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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This digital document is an article from National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management, published by The National Underwriter Company on April 2, 1990. The length of the article is 618 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Cable TV firms face insurance obstacles.
Author: Judy Gish
Publication: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 2, 1990
Publisher: The National Underwriter Company
Issue: n14 Page: p29C(2)

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