Michael Smerconish tackles the American political & news stories of the week, offering only one kind of talking points: his own.

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Updates of the latest news from around the world.

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The Murdochs: Empire of Influence tells the definitive story of the world's most powerful media family. Featuring exclusive reporting from The New York Times, interviews w/ people who worked inside the Murdoch companies, & decades of rich archival footage, this documentary series goes behind the scenes of the improbable rise of an infamous media tycoon, his outsized political influence around the globe, & the brutal succession battle between his children over who will inherit his throne. It's a story about high-stakes deal-making, political maneuvering, & dynastic betrayals -- & how the ambitions of one family birthed the largest conservative media empire in history & reshaped the entire world.

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6pm PT *Family Ties* As coverage of the Iraq War makes Fox News the top-rated 24-hour news network, Lachlan Murdoch clashes w/ his father's most powerful executive -- & a new heir apparent emerges.

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7pm PT *Hack Job* James Murdoch seems destined to someday take control of the company; his fortunes shift when a Murdoch tabloid is caught hacking into private phone messages.

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8pm PT *Ruthless Expansion* The Murdoch children get a taste of the family business. Meanwhile, w/ help from the Reagan administration, Rupert Murdoch forms a new 24-hr. cable network. (schedules conflict)

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Join world-renowned chef, best-selling author & Emmy winning television personality Anthony Bourdain as he travels the globe to uncover little-known destinations & diverse cultures.

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9pm PT *Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin & Anthony visit the oldest city in France for its centuries old cultures, cuisines & Corsican cheeses.

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