logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
35m 38s

Breaking Bell | The Decision to Decide |...

Wondery
About this episode
After almost a century of controlling the telecommunications industry in the United States, AT&T’s dominance is threatened by new competition. It’s a challenge that “Ma Bell” has weathered before, but this time is different—the political climate has changed, and the powerbrokers in Washington, DC no longer have AT&T’s back.Be the first to know about ... Show More
Up next
Jul 2025
Breaking Bell | Wheelin' & Dealin' | 2
Deals to secure the future of AT&T fall apart as the fight for the future of America’s telephone system turns increasingly fractious, and the continuing crisis forces John deButts to make the most difficult decision of his career.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcas ... Show More
33m 48s
Jul 2025
Breaking Bell | Stuck in a Quagmire | 3
AT&T bosses throw everything at the wall in the hope of getting a federal antitrust lawsuit dismissed. But as the case finally reaches court, the lawyers and politicians going up against AT&T prove to be unreliable negotiators.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, ... Show More
33m 23s
Jul 2025
Breaking Bell | The Deal | 4
As AT&T moves closer to being forcibly dismantled by the courts, bosses consider a radical alternative. But even when they press the button for the nuclear option, there’s no guarantee that their plan will succeed.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated reco ... Show More
34m 47s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2025
Netflix and the Fall of Television | To the Max | 3
After AT&T takes over Time Warner in 2018, the media company decides it's time to enter the streaming wars. They don’t have the brand recognition that Disney has, but they do have HBO, considered the most prestigious cable television on the market. But transforming a niche brand ... Show More
44m 31s
Jun 2024
College Football Wars | The New Champions | 2
Pac-12 boss Larry Scott wants a media empire that can outshine the Big Ten. But to do it, he must strong-arm ESPN and then find a way to face down satellite TV giant DirecTV.Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-f ... Show More
35m 35s
Aug 2025
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | Cold Case | 3
The AOL Time Warner merger is done. Now Jerry Levin and Steve Case must deliver on the bold promises. But will disharmony in the ranks and slumping ad sales be the undoing of the merger — or was the entire deal doomed from the start?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest pod ... Show More
43m 56s
Jan 2025
The Unraveling of Boeing | Change of Destination | 2
It’s the late 1990s and the seeds of Boeing’s business disaster are being sown. An aerospace mega-merger and fierce competition from its chief rival Airbus are about to transform Boeing in ways that will lead to tragedy.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curate ... Show More
38m 16s
Aug 2024
Fox News vs CNN | Cable Clash | 2
It's 1996 and Fox News is getting ready to launch, but when CNN owner Time Warner tries to block it, Rupert Murdoch seeks help from New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. Then, a scandal rocks the White House and proves to be a ratings magnet for both channels. And CNN takes a major hit w ... Show More
40m 21s
Jul 2025
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | The Deal of the Century | 2
When AOL and Time Warner find a way around their differences, the biggest merger in history is on. But when rivals attack and tech stocks meltdown, AOL finds it must meet Wall Street expectations or watch its mega-deal derail.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, ... Show More
42m 8s
Jul 2022
Best of Business Wars Daily | That's Showbiz | 6
Streaming services are having to get creative to keep our attention amid a sea of competition — from big-screen movies to video games to each other. On this episode, we're joined by Matt Patches, Deputy editor at Vox Media’s Polygon and Clay Keller, host and producer of the Scree ... Show More
40m 18s
Feb 2023
Best of Business Wars Daily | The Disney Dilemma | 6
We're talking about Disney's pivot to streaming and the hurdles ahead for the legacy media company as new rivals emerge. We're joined by Parrot Analytics strategist Julia Alexander and comedian Chase O'Donnell.Binge all episodes early and ad-free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for ... Show More
42m 19s