Bright Side: Fox Business Network meets goal of broad appeal, optimistic attitude

NEW YORK (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS) - Mission accomplished! So far, anyhow.

Fox Business Network, which signed on last week, has swiftly got down to business with a wide-angle vision of business as more than just playing the market. It’s also the checkbook in your purse, the price tags in the stores, your dreams of a better job or paying off your plastic.

Just as vital to the mission, Fox Business has made a good start in promoting optimism. On its first morning, a glowing anchorwoman noted that on the same date - Oct. 15 - back in 1951, a TV institution was born: I Love Lucy. Good call. Fox’s new institution-in-the-making could aptly be nicknamed I Love Business.

This is in shrewd contrast to CNBC, the long-dominant financial network and now Fox’s archrival. At CNBC it’s not about love, but money.

CNBC has always opted for an Alpha Male (or Female) style, a jackets-off, boiler-room image of urgency (even with the jackets on).

On Fox Business, the style is more that of a chummy, overeager Eyewitness News team.