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Dec 17, 1989: The Simpsons Airs and Animation Becomes Big Business
Description
This is the moment animation stopped being just entertainment and became a scalable business empire.
On December 17, 1989, The Simpsons premiered on Fox, turning a risky network experiment into one of the most valuable intellectual properties in television history. What began as short sketches evolved into a global franchise built on licensing, syndication, and brand monetization, reshaping how media companies thought about creative IP, longevity, and profit.
From bsnsHistory, the daily podcast about the moments when business quietly reshaped the world.
Written and hosted by Ron Trucks. Research and editing by Rodney Russ. Sound design by Angela Cahoy. Music by Cody Martin and Soundstripe.
For more daily business stories, visit www.bsnsDAILYpodcasts.com.
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