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CNBC Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: CNBC: A Comprehensive History and Operational Overview

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CNBC: A Comprehensive History and Operational Overview Study Guide

Founding and Early History (1989-1990s)

CNBC commenced operations on April 17, 1989, initially under the name 'Consumer News and Business Channel'.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC was launched on April 17, 1989, and its original name was indeed the Consumer News and Business Channel.

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Upon its launch, CNBC was solely owned by NBC.

Answer: False

Explanation: At its inception, CNBC was structured as a 50-50 joint venture between NBC and Cablevision, not solely owned by NBC.

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What was CNBC's original name when it was launched on April 17, 1989?

Answer: Consumer News and Business Channel

Explanation: CNBC was launched on April 17, 1989, under the initial name 'Consumer News and Business Channel'.

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Corporate Structure and Ownership Changes

Comcast owns CNBC, and it operates as a division of the NBCUniversal News Group.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC is a subsidiary of Comcast, functioning within the NBCUniversal News Group, which itself is part of Comcast's broader NBCUniversal division.

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In late 2005, Dow Jones reacquired full control of CNBC's international operations from NBC Universal.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, in late 2005, NBC Universal reacquired full control of its international operations (CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia) from Dow Jones.

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Who is the current owner of CNBC, and under which larger entity does it operate?

Answer: Comcast, part of NBCUniversal.

Explanation: CNBC is owned by Comcast and operates as a component of the NBCUniversal News Group.

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Who reacquired full control of CNBC's international operations (CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia) from Dow Jones at the end of 2005?

Answer: NBC Universal

Explanation: NBC Universal regained full control of CNBC's international operations from Dow Jones at the close of 2005.

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Expansion and Strategic Alliances

CNBC achieved significant distribution expansion in 1991 through the acquisition of the financially distressed Financial News Network (FNN), following FNN's bankruptcy filing.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1991, CNBC acquired the bankrupt Financial News Network (FNN), a move that substantially increased its market distribution and consolidated business news television.

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CNBC launched its international channels, CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia, in 1995 and 1996 respectively.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC expanded its global presence by launching CNBC Asia in June 1995 and CNBC Europe in March 1996.

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In December 1997, CNBC formed a strategic alliance with Reuters for content sharing.

Answer: False

Explanation: In December 1997, CNBC formed a strategic alliance with Dow Jones, not Reuters, for content sharing purposes.

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In 2008, CNBC established content partnerships with The New York Times and AOL.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2008, CNBC formed content partnerships with The New York Times and AOL.

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The introduction of the Korean language channel SBS-CNBC in January 2010 signified the establishment of the fifteenth CNBC-branded channel globally.

Answer: True

Explanation: The launch of SBS-CNBC in South Korea in January 2010 marked the fifteenth CNBC-branded channel worldwide.

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In January 2016, CNBC formalized a partnership with Indonesian broadcaster Trans Media, establishing CNBC Indonesia.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC Indonesia was established in January 2016 through a strategic partnership between CNBC and the Indonesian media company Trans Media.

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How did CNBC significantly increase its distribution in 1991?

Answer: By acquiring the bankrupt Financial News Network (FNN).

Explanation: CNBC substantially expanded its reach in 1991 by acquiring the financially troubled Financial News Network (FNN) after its bankruptcy.

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What was the financial situation of FNN that led to its acquisition by CNBC?

Answer: FNN filed for bankruptcy protection due to an accounting scandal.

Explanation: FNN filed for bankruptcy protection in March 1991 due to an accounting scandal, which paved the way for its acquisition by CNBC.

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When were CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia launched?

Answer: CNBC Asia in 1995, CNBC Europe in 1996.

Explanation: CNBC Asia commenced operations in June 1995, followed by CNBC Europe in March 1996.

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Which company did CNBC form a strategic alliance with in December 1997 for content sharing?

Answer: Dow Jones

Explanation: In December 1997, CNBC entered into a strategic alliance with Dow Jones for the purpose of content sharing.

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In 2008, CNBC formed content partnerships with which two organizations?

Answer: The New York Times and AOL

Explanation: In 2008, CNBC established content partnerships with The New York Times and AOL.

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What milestone did CNBC reach in January 2010 regarding its global presence?

Answer: It represented the 15th CNBC-branded channel worldwide.

Explanation: The launch of SBS-CNBC in Korea in January 2010 marked the fifteenth CNBC-branded channel globally.

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Which Indonesian broadcaster partnered with CNBC in January 2016 to form CNBC Indonesia?

Answer: Trans Media

Explanation: In January 2016, CNBC partnered with the Indonesian broadcaster Trans Media to establish CNBC Indonesia.

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Technological and Operational Evolution

CNBC's main studios are located in Manhattan, New York City, with a secondary studio at the Nasdaq MarketSite.

Answer: False

Explanation: CNBC's primary headquarters and studios are situated in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. While it does maintain a studio presence at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City, this is not its main studio location.

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From 2001 to 2006, CNBC's website operations were managed by Microsoft's MSN division.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the period of 2001 to 2006, Microsoft's MSN division was responsible for managing CNBC's website operations.

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CNBC moved its world headquarters to Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, in October 2003, establishing a new digital video production studio.

Answer: True

Explanation: In October 2003, CNBC relocated its world headquarters from Fort Lee, New Jersey, to a newly established digital video production facility in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

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In October 2007, CNBC introduced the 'CNBC Investor Network,' employing webcams situated within financial institutions to facilitate immediate interviews with traders during breaking news events.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'CNBC Investor Network,' launched in October 2007, utilized webcams in financial institutions to enable real-time interviews with traders.

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In 2011, CNBC received an award at the International Broadcasting Convention for its 'CNBC 4D: Interactive motion tracking' technology, enabling presenters to engage with three-dimensional graphics.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC was recognized in 2011 at the International Broadcasting Convention for its innovative 'CNBC 4D: Interactive motion tracking' technology.

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Effective January 2015, CNBC transitioned its primary ratings system for business day programming from Nielsen to Cogent Research, aiming for improved measurement of out-of-home viewership. Nielsen ratings continued to be utilized for entertainment programming.

Answer: True

Explanation: In January 2015, CNBC adopted Cogent Research for its business day programming ratings, supplementing Nielsen's use for entertainment content, to better capture out-of-home viewing.

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Through licensing agreements, CNBC operates retail outlets in U.S. airports under brands such as CNBC News, CNBC Express, and CNBC SmartShop, offering branded merchandise, refreshments, and snacks.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC licenses its brand for retail operations in airports, featuring stores like CNBC News and CNBC Express that sell merchandise and consumables.

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The first CNBC airport stores launched in 2001, with an initial goal of opening as many as 100 shops across the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial rollout of CNBC airport stores occurred in 2001, with plans for up to 100 locations nationwide.

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CNBC HD, a high-definition simulcast feed, commenced broadcasting on October 10, 2007, initially accessible via DirecTV.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC HD, offering a high-definition version of the main channel, was launched on October 10, 2007, initially available through DirecTV.

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In October 2014, CNBC adopted a full 16:9 letterbox presentation format, thereby standardizing its aspect ratio with that of CNBC Asia and CNBC Europe.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC transitioned to a full 16:9 letterbox format in October 2014, aligning its visual presentation with its international counterparts.

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Where are CNBC's world headquarters and main studios primarily located?

Answer: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Explanation: CNBC's world headquarters and principal studios are located in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

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Which entity managed CNBC's website operations between 2001 and 2006?

Answer: Microsoft's MSN division

Explanation: From 2001 to 2006, Microsoft's MSN division was responsible for the management of CNBC's website operations.

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In what year did CNBC move its world headquarters to a new digital video production studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey?

Answer: 2003

Explanation: CNBC relocated its world headquarters to Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, in October 2003, establishing a new digital video production studio.

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What technology did CNBC introduce in October 2007 to enable instantaneous interviews with traders?

Answer: The CNBC Investor Network using webcams

Explanation: The 'CNBC Investor Network,' launched in October 2007, utilized webcams to facilitate immediate interviews with traders.

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What award did CNBC receive in 2011 related to its broadcast technology?

Answer: Award at the International Broadcasting Convention for 'CNBC 4D' technology

Explanation: In 2011, CNBC received an award at the International Broadcasting Convention for its 'CNBC 4D: Interactive motion tracking' technology.

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What change did CNBC implement in January 2015 regarding its ratings calculation for business day programming?

Answer: It switched from Nielsen to Cogent Research.

Explanation: In January 2015, CNBC shifted its primary ratings system for business day programming from Nielsen to Cogent Research.

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Audience, Ratings, and Market Influence

CNBC's programming schedule predominantly features live business news during daytime market hours, with entertainment-oriented content and documentaries filling non-market periods.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC's core broadcast focuses on live business news during market hours, supplementing this with documentaries and entertainment programming during off-peak times.

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In the late 1990s and early 2000s, CNBC's ratings frequently exceeded those of CNN during standard market trading hours.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the late 1990s and early 2000s, coinciding with a strong market, CNBC's ratings often surpassed CNN's during market hours.

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Following the dot-com bubble burst, CNBC's viewership experienced a significant decline, contrary to the notion that market downturns inherently increase news content viewership.

Answer: True

Explanation: Post the dot-com bubble burst, CNBC's viewership figures declined substantially, indicating that market downturns did not necessarily translate to increased viewership for the network.

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CNBC reported annual revenues of approximately $110 million in 2006.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2006, CNBC reported annual revenues of $510 million, not $110 million.

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During the first quarter of 2008, CNBC's average daytime viewership (defined as 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) attained a seven-year peak, registering 310,000 viewers.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the first quarter of 2008, CNBC's average daytime viewership reached a seven-year high, with 310,000 viewers tuning in between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

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CNBC's ratings experienced a significant decline in 2009, attributed to the network's extensive coverage of the adverse economic developments stemming from the Great Recession.

Answer: True

Explanation: Contrary to a surge, CNBC's ratings plummeted in 2009 due to the network's coverage of the negative economic news associated with the Great Recession.

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The highest viewership recorded for a CNBC program occurred during a Republican presidential debate in October 2015, reaching approximately 14 million viewers.

Answer: True

Explanation: A Republican presidential debate hosted by CNBC in October 2015 drew a record audience of 14 million viewers, marking the highest viewership for a CNBC program to date.

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By the year 2017, Fox Business Network had surpassed CNBC, assuming the position of the leading daytime business news network in terms of viewership.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 2017, Fox Business Network had overtaken CNBC in daytime viewership, becoming the dominant network in that specific market segment.

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In 2020, CNBC's digital video operations achieved an unprecedented milestone, recording 1.92 billion total digital video starts across its diverse platforms.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC's online video operations reached an all-time high in 2020, accumulating 1.92 billion total digital video starts across its platforms.

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CNBC has faced criticism regarding its perceived role in amplifying market cycles, particularly in the periods preceding the dot-com bubble and the subprime mortgage crisis.

Answer: True

Explanation: Criticism has been leveled against CNBC for potentially exacerbating market volatility, especially concerning the dot-com bubble and the subprime mortgage crisis.

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Jon Stewart, host of 'The Daily Show,' emerged as a prominent critic of CNBC and its personalities, notably following specific commentary from figures like Rick Santelli.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jon Stewart, through his program 'The Daily Show,' frequently critiqued CNBC and its commentators, particularly in response to remarks made by individuals such as Rick Santelli.

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A 2007 article published in Barron's reported that Jim Cramer's stock selections had underperformed the market, indicating a 12% gain over two years for holders of his stocks, contrasted with the Dow's 22% and the S&P 500's 16% increase.

Answer: True

Explanation: Contrary to popular belief at the time, a 2007 Barron's article indicated that Jim Cramer's stock picks had not outperformed the market, showing a lower return than major indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

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During weekday evenings and weekends, CNBC primarily airs live stock market analysis and breaking business news.

Answer: False

Explanation: Weekday evenings and weekends on CNBC are typically programmed with business-related documentaries and reality television content, rather than live market analysis.

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What is the primary function of CNBC as a television channel?

Answer: Broadcasting live business news and analysis during market hours.

Explanation: CNBC's principal mission is to deliver live business news and market analysis, particularly during active trading periods.

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What trend was observed in CNBC's ratings during the late 1990s and early 2000s?

Answer: Ratings increased sharply, often surpassing CNN during market hours.

Explanation: During the late 1990s and early 2000s, CNBC experienced a significant rise in ratings, frequently outperforming CNN during market trading sessions.

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What happened to CNBC's viewership figures after the dot-com bubble burst?

Answer: Viewership figures declined significantly.

Explanation: Following the dot-com bubble burst, CNBC's viewership saw a substantial decrease.

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What was CNBC's reported annual revenue in 2006?

Answer: $510 million

Explanation: In 2006, CNBC reported annual revenues amounting to $510 million.

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What significant achievement did CNBC's average daytime viewership reach in the first quarter of 2008?

Answer: It reached a seven-year high.

Explanation: In the first quarter of 2008, CNBC's average daytime viewership achieved a seven-year high.

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How did the Great Recession impact CNBC's ratings in 2009?

Answer: Ratings plummeted due to coverage of negative economic news.

Explanation: CNBC's ratings declined sharply in 2009 as the network broadcast extensive coverage of the negative economic impacts stemming from the Great Recession.

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The highest viewership for a CNBC program to date, recorded during a Republican candidates debate, reached approximately how many viewers?

Answer: 14 million

Explanation: The highest viewership for a CNBC program was 14 million viewers, achieved during a Republican presidential candidates debate in October 2015.

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By what year had Fox Business Network surpassed CNBC in daytime viewership?

Answer: 2017

Explanation: By 2017, Fox Business Network had overtaken CNBC in terms of daytime viewership.

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What record did CNBC's online video operations achieve in 2020?

Answer: An all-time high of 1.92 billion total digital video starts.

Explanation: In 2020, CNBC's online video operations recorded an all-time high of 1.92 billion total digital video starts.

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Key Personnel and Programming Initiatives

Roger Ailes, appointed president in August 1993, is credited with significantly increasing CNBC's annual revenue from $43 million to $110 million during his tenure.

Answer: True

Explanation: Roger Ailes assumed the presidency of CNBC in August 1993. Under his leadership, the network's annual revenue increased substantially from $43 million to $110 million.

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Roger Ailes resigned in January 1996, citing disagreements with NBC management, notably concerning the formation of a joint venture with Microsoft which resulted in the rebranding of 'America's Talking' to MSNBC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Roger Ailes resigned from CNBC in January 1996 due to management disputes, including the strategic decision to rebrand the 'America's Talking' channel as MSNBC through a partnership with Microsoft.

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Maria Bartiromo departed CNBC for Fox Business in 2013, reportedly motivated by a more lucrative salary offer, potentially impacting CNBC's roster of talent.

Answer: True

Explanation: Maria Bartiromo left CNBC in 2013 to join Fox Business Network, reportedly accepting a more advantageous compensation package.

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In 2020, Shepard Smith was hired to host a new evening newscast on CNBC, positioned as an objective, fact-based national broadcast.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shepard Smith joined CNBC in 2020 to host 'The News with Shepard Smith,' a program designed to deliver objective, fact-based national news coverage.

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In January 2022, CNBC launched the 'CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer' subscription service, offering commentaries, stock picks, and virtual meetings, as part of an expanded collaboration with Jim Cramer.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer' was introduced in January 2022 as a subscription service providing exclusive investment insights and commentary.

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KC Sullivan assumed the presidency of CNBC in August 2022, succeeding Mark Hoffman, who had served a 17-year tenure at the network.

Answer: True

Explanation: KC Sullivan became the president of CNBC in August 2022, taking over from Mark Hoffman after his 17-year tenure.

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The 'Make It' brand, established in 2016, delivers personal finance advice, career guidance, and related consumer-oriented content.

Answer: True

Explanation: Launched in 2016, the 'Make It' brand by CNBC focuses on providing consumers with personal finance tips and career development guidance.

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CNBC's coverage of the 2000 Summer Olympics focused primarily on swimming and gymnastics.

Answer: False

Explanation: CNBC's coverage of the 2000 Summer Olympics centered primarily on boxing, not swimming or gymnastics.

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During the 2004 Summer Olympics, CNBC featured boxing on weekdays and beach volleyball, soccer, and taekwondo on weekends.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC's programming for the 2004 Summer Olympics included boxing on weekdays and beach volleyball, soccer, and taekwondo on weekends.

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For the 2010 Winter Olympics, CNBC's primary coverage was of ice hockey, with secondary coverage of curling.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the 2010 Winter Olympics, CNBC's primary coverage focused on curling, alongside coverage of ice hockey and biathlon.

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CNBC's coverage of the 2016 Summer Olympics centered on sports like basketball, volleyball, archery, cycling, rugby, water polo, and wrestling.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2016 Summer Olympics coverage on CNBC included sports such as basketball, volleyball, archery, cycling, rugby, water polo, and wrestling.

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The 'CNBC Disruptor 50' is an annual compilation initiated by CNBC in 2013, recognizing companies that are fundamentally altering established industries.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'CNBC Disruptor 50' list, first published in 2013, highlights companies that are significantly innovating and disrupting traditional market sectors.

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Who was hired to lead CNBC in 1993, and what was a notable outcome of his leadership?

Answer: Roger Ailes; annual revenue increased from $43 million to $110 million.

Explanation: Roger Ailes was appointed president in August 1993, and during his tenure, CNBC's annual revenue grew significantly from $43 million to $110 million.

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What reason is cited for Roger Ailes's resignation from CNBC in January 1996?

Answer: A dispute regarding the rebranding of 'America's Talking' as MSNBC.

Explanation: Roger Ailes resigned in January 1996 due to disagreements with management, particularly concerning the rebranding of 'America's Talking' into MSNBC.

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In which year did Maria Bartiromo depart from CNBC to join Fox Business Network?

Answer: 2013

Explanation: Maria Bartiromo left CNBC in 2013 to join Fox Business Network.

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Who was hired in 2020 to host a new evening newscast on CNBC, positioned as an objective, fact-based national broadcast?

Answer: Shepard Smith

Explanation: Shepard Smith was hired in 2020 by CNBC to host a new evening newscast intended to be an objective, fact-based national broadcast.

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What is the 'Make It' brand, and what kind of content does it offer?

Answer: A vertical offering personal finance tips and career guidance.

Explanation: The 'Make It' brand, launched by CNBC in 2016, focuses on providing personal finance advice and career guidance.

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Recent Developments and Future Projections

CNBC updated its logo in December 2023, marking its first significant redesign since 1996, adopting a simpler flat design.

Answer: True

Explanation: In December 2023, CNBC underwent a significant rebranding, including a logo update first seen in 1996, adopting a modern flat design.

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CNBC celebrated its 35th anniversary in April 2024 with a formal ceremony conducted at the New York Stock Exchange.

Answer: True

Explanation: In April 2024, CNBC marked its 35th anniversary with a commemorative event held at the New York Stock Exchange.

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In November 2024, NBCUniversal declared its intention to divest a majority of its cable networks, including CNBC, into a newly established publicly traded entity under the control of Comcast shareholders, subsequently designated as Versant.

Answer: True

Explanation: NBCUniversal announced in November 2024 plans to spin off CNBC and other cable networks into a new company, Versant, to be controlled by Comcast shareholders.

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In anticipation of the spin-off, CNBC is scheduled for a rebranding in August 2025, intended to diminish its association with the NBC brand, while retaining the 'CNBC' name.

Answer: True

Explanation: A rebranding is planned for August 2025 to reduce CNBC's ties to the NBC brand following its spin-off, although the 'CNBC' name itself is expected to be retained.

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In 2025, CNBC launched CNBC+, a new subscription streaming platform providing live and on-demand access to CNBC and CNBC World programming.

Answer: True

Explanation: CNBC introduced CNBC+, a subscription-based streaming service, in 2025, offering live and on-demand content from its main channel and CNBC World.

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