What Happened to Fox Broadcasting Company?

The Fox Broadcasting Company emerged in 1986 as a bold challenger to the long-standing dominance of ABC, CBS, and NBC in American television. Founded by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who had acquired 20th Century Fox film studio in 1985 and several Metromedia television stations, the network initially launched with limited programming, including 'The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers'. Over the next decade, Fox strategically expanded its reach and programming, gaining credibility through innovative and often edgy content, such as 'The Simpsons' which debuted in 1989 and became a signature program. A pivotal moment in its early growth was securing the NFL NFC broadcast package in 1994, solidifying its position as a major sports broadcaster.

For decades, Fox Broadcasting operated under News Corporation, which later split into News Corp and 21st Century Fox in 2013, with the broadcasting arm falling under the latter. The most significant transformation occurred in 2019 when The Walt Disney Company acquired the majority of 21st Century Fox's entertainment assets for $71.3 billion. This monumental deal was driven by Disney's ambition to bolster its content library and streaming capabilities to compete with emerging platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Due to Federal Communications Commission rules prohibiting a merger of two of the 'Big Four' television networks, Fox Broadcasting Company, along with Fox News Media, Fox Sports, and Fox Television Stations, were spun off into a new, independent public company: Fox Corporation.

Since the 2019 restructuring, Fox Broadcasting has continued as a core asset of Fox Corporation, focusing on news, sports, and entertainment broadcasting. The network has adapted to the evolving media landscape by investing in owned and produced content through FOX Entertainment Studios and expanding its digital presence. In 2020, Fox Corporation acquired Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service, which has grown significantly under its ownership.

As of August 2026, Fox Broadcasting remains an active and prominent network. Its 2026-2027 programming slate, unveiled in May 2026, includes returning hits like 'The Simpsons', 'Family Guy', 'Bob's Burgers', 'Animal Control', and 'Hell's Kitchen', alongside new dramas such as 'Baywatch' and 'The Interrogator', and unscripted series like 'Marriage Market'. Fox Sports played a central role in broadcasting the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering extensive coverage across FOX and FS1, which significantly boosted viewership for FOX affiliates. Fox Corporation reported strong financial results for fiscal year 2026, with $17.13 billion in revenue and $1.73 billion in net income. A major strategic move in June 2026 saw Fox Corporation agree to acquire Roku, Inc., a deal that aims to combine Fox's media businesses with Roku's streaming platform, potentially reaching over 100 million households worldwide. The company's news division, Fox News Channel, continues to be a dominant force in cable news, consistently leading in viewership.