In 'The Curse of the Mogul,' a trio of sharp economic minds dissect the turbulent saga of the media moguls who rose to power and fell from grace. With a mix of historical insight and incisive analysis, Knee, Greenwald, and Seave expose the flawed strategies that led to disastrous outcomes for these titans. Readers will uncover the inherent pitfalls of ambition and the temptations of the media landscape. This compelling narrative weaves together personal stories with economic theories, revealing the true cost of success. Can the lessons learned from these moguls’ downfalls shed light on the future of media management?
By Jonathan A. Knee, Bruce C. Greenwald, Ava Seave
Published: 2011
"In the relentless pursuit of wealth and power, the moguls often overlook the true cost of their success, revealing the fragility of innovation amidst the glitz and glory."
If Rupert Murdoch and Sumner Redstone are so smart, why are their stocks long-term losers? We live in the age of big Media, with the celebrity moguls telling us that "content is king." But for all the excitement, glamour, drama, and publicity they produce, why can't these moguls and their companies manage to deliver better returns than you'd get from closing your eyes and throwing a dart? The Curse of the Mogul lays bare the inexcusable financial performance beneath big Media's false veneer of power. By rigorously examining individual media businesses, the authors reveal the difference between judging a company by how many times its CEO is seen in SunValley and by whether it generates consistently superior profits. The book is packed with enough sharp-edged data to bring the most high-flying, hot-air filled mogul balloon crashing down to earth.
Jonathan A. Knee is an acclaimed author and expert in media and business strategy. He is known for his insightful works such as "Class Dismissed: Why We Cannot Teach or Learn Our Way Out of Inequality" and "The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal." His writing often blends rigorous analysis with engaging storytelling, making complex subjects accessible to a wide audience. Knee's unique perspective stems from his extensive experience in the media industry, as well as his academic background, which allows him to tackle contemporary issues with depth and clarity.
Bruce C. Greenwald is a distinguished author and expert in economics, specializing in the fields of value investing and behavioral finance. He is known for his influential works including 'Value Investing: From Graham to Buffett and Beyond' co-authored with Judd Kahn, which offers insights into the principles and practices of value investing. Greenwald's writing is characterized by its clarity and practical applicability, making complex financial concepts accessible to both professionals and lay readers. His contributions to the field have established him as a thought leader, frequently engaging with investment and economic communities through lectures and seminars.
Ava Seave is an acclaimed author known for her poignant storytelling and intricate character development. Her notable works include the bestselling novels "Whispers of the Sea" and "The Last Ember," both of which have garnered critical acclaim and a loyal readership. Seave's writing style is characterized by lyrical prose and a deep exploration of human emotions, often weaving themes of resilience and redemption into her narratives. In addition to her novels, Ava has contributed essays and short fiction to various literary magazines, further establishing her as a versatile voice in contemporary literature.
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“In the relentless pursuit of wealth and power, the moguls often overlook the true cost of their success, revealing the fragility of innovation amidst the glitz and glory.”
The Curse of the Mogul
By Jonathan A. Knee, Bruce C. Greenwald, Ava Seave
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