Michael Learmonth of Variety notes that CNBC producers are on alert with two weeks to go before the Fox Business Network launch on Oct. 15 because Fox News boss Roger Ailes is a big believer in having “name” interviews during the first few days of any new network.
Learmonth wrote, “Vacations by on-air talent for October are banned, and producers and correspondents are racing to land high-profile talking heads for the week of Oct. 15, when Fox Biz goes live.
“CNBC is said to have made a play for uber-investor Warren Buffett, who declined. Liz Claman, the TV journo closest to the Oracle from Omaha, left CNBC in July — and may turn up at Fox Biz after her non-compete agreement expires … on Oct. 15.
“Former GE chief and ‘Winning’ author Jack Welch is also off the table. An assistant says he’s received requests, but is traveling that week and unlikely to appear.
“Also in demand: Steve Jobs. Fox Biz producers, meanwhile, are combing business and academia for talking heads and trying to head off any awkward expectations.”
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