Three Blind Mice: How the TV Networks Lost Their Way

by Ken Auletta

Book Overview

What happened to network television in the 1980s? How did CBS, NBC, and ABC lose a third of their audience and more than half of their annual profits? Ken Auletta, author of Greed and Glory on Wall Street, tells the gripping story of the decline of the networks in this epically scaled work of journalism. He chronicles the takeovers and executive coups that turned ABC and NBC into assets of two mega-corporations and CBS into the fiefdom of one man,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394563581
• ISBN13: 9780394563589
• Release Date: August 1991
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 642 Pages
• Weight: 2.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.0" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Journalistically Insightful

This is a snapshot of what happens when companies become too large and lose touch with changing demands in the marketplace. While this snapshot was taken a few years ago, its lessons are still pertinent. The networks have subsequently made a few changes, but the landscape in telecommunications remains unpredictable. For a reader interested in media history, the philosophical stance of various network executives is covered pretty well in narrative form. Since the book came out at the end of Brandon Tartikoff's successful programming ventures, a significant amount of the book is devoted to his style of management. Auletta identifies five dominant powers influencing the telecommunications industry: the networks, cable, independent and affiliated stations, the Hollywood studios, and the telephone companies. This book is well-researched and written. It provides insightful analysis and commentatary on the condition of the fifth estate as it was at the end of the 20th century.

An insider's account to network TV

An intriguing book for anyone interested in the volatile business of network television. Auletta clearly had inside access to the major players at the big three networks when all of them were changing hands during the mid 1980s. Auletta's account does a fine job of examining each network's unique culture, which could clearly be traced to the men in charge. The book details the inner workings of each network's news and entertainment divisions, and the uphill battle for viewers in a new era of competition. The first chapter includes an interesting story, followed by a keen analysis. The rest of the book continues that pattern.

A Powerful book on Television & the little men who run it

Having worked a good portion of my life in 'local' television, it was most interesting to read about the so-called big boys of the networks. Anyone who has spent hours watching the 'tube' should get a real kick out of this. With all the egos involved, its amazing that there were no more bodies being loaded outside their headquarters daily. Ken Auletta had some marvelous sources to get so many things to write about. Somehow I know television will continue to survive despite some of the dim-wits who run things. I kept reading the book looking for solid broadcasters----there are many, but I was amazed at how little some of the bigger names failed to measure up. I am planning to read the book for a second time. Surely some of the big guys didn't say and do some of the things reported by Auletta. Now lets just make sure Peter Jennings tie looks nice, his head cocked just right and his million dollar smile continues to remind of his four marriages and his need for a personal pacifier. Right on Ken Auletta.

Single greatest book on TV ever written...

If you are at interested in TV or the entertainment business, this is the first book to read. It is an extraordinary read. It is a bit dated now, but don't let that deter you. Auletta is an excellent writer and shows it here. It is long, but is as engrossing as any novel. With apologies to Bill Carter whose Late Shift is awesome, this is the 1 book to read if you want to learn about TV.

A good look at a tumultuous time in TV history

If you have any interest in business, regulation, or mass media, this is a good book for you. Auletta takes his readers on a fascinating trip into the boardrooms of the three major American TV networks as they struggle through new ownership and invigorated competition. You will almost feel as if you are right there, and this book is quite suspenseful throughout. You'll get to know the major TV producers and network presidents, and you will swear you were actually in New York when these decisions were made in the late 1980's. _Three Blind Mice_ is well researched, and Auletta is careful to note what is speculation and what is fact. He has done a masterful job with the book, and I would encourage anyone to read it. Do not be put off by its length, for it is a wonderful, moving true tale.