Media Moguls: How the Satellite Built a Superstation
2 Episodes. 1 Email. Satellites, Superstations, and Disruption… Oh My!
“Who had the devious and cunning mind to disrupt the world? Me, me, me, me, me.” — Ted Turner
Hi friends,
On the eve of a long holiday weekend (and my 40th), I’m excited to share the newest two episodes of Media Moguls: The Ted Turner Saga — Episodes 4 and 5 — which cover the rise of the satellite and how it disrupted television, along with Ted Turner’s bold attempt to build a “Fourth Network”: The Superstation TBS. Personally, I think they’re perfect for long car rides or listening while Wimbledon’s on mute!
Originally, I thought these two episodes would be one giant supersode, but once I recorded everything, it became clear: each story needed to stand on its own. These episodes are essential if you want to understand how cable worked once the satellite arrived, and what it took Ted Turner to challenge the networks, syndicators, sports leagues, affiliates, and yes, even Congress.
Honestly, that part doesn’t get talked about enough. The Superstation and the rise of cable as a real alternative to broadcast TV almost didn’t happen. It took someone going to Washington to convince lawmakers to let it all exist, while copyright holders pushed back and the legal ground was shaky at best. That someone was… Ted Turner.
So check them out! And if you’re enjoying Media Moguls, a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube subscribe, or even a comment on your favorite podcast app goes a long way in helping the show grow. Share with friends, enemies, media fans, journalists, you get the picture! And if you send me a screenshot of your rating, comment, or you spreading the word on socials, I’ll send you something cool.
Anyway, I’m really proud of these episodes. Give them a listen and let me know what you think! The next episode drops soon: CNN Part 1… and yes, it’s a supersode.
Have a great Fourth of July 🇺🇸!!
Web
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Show Notes
Media Moguls - Episode 4
This episode explores the boldest gamble of Ted Turner's life to date — launching his scrappy Atlanta TV station, WTCG Channel 17, into orbit via satellite and transforming it into America’s first SUPERSTATION.
From Arthur C. Clarke’s 1945 prediction of satellite TV to Telstar I’s first live broadcast to HBO’s 1975 Thrilla in Manila transmission that took the tech to a new level, we land in the mid-1970s, when Turner saw what others missed: satellites weren’t just technology — they were a platform for a much bigger future.
With a $1 lease and a million earth station, Ted Turner took on the networks, the government, and the laws of gravity to beam his local TV station's signal to the entire nation.
Media Moguls - Episode 5
This episode follows the rise of the Superstation, the backlash it triggered, and the battles that helped shape the future of television.
Ted Turner takes WTCG Channel 17 from a scrappy Atlanta station to a national disruptor, beaming it across the country as America’s first Superstation. With a mix of old movies, classic TV reruns, and Braves baseball, Turner reached millions of viewers from Kansas to Hawaii and cracked the networks’ stranglehold on television—without asking permission.
But building a national audience was just the beginning. Facing mounting pressure from Hollywood studios, sports leagues, syndicators, and the Big Three networks, Turner went to war—on Capitol Hill and in the court of public opinion. He positioned TBS not just as a TV station, but as a true alternative to the system itself. And as his rivals scrambled to shut him down, Turner made one thing clear: the toothpaste was already out of the tube.
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Credits
Writing, research, and production by Web Barr.
Artwork by Dylan Lathrop.
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
Sources: Episode 4 + 5
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