The Story Behind the E! Network

The co-founder of E! Entertainment Television talks about his influences and how he dealt with repeated rejection before achieving success.

By David Meltzer • Jan 5, 2021

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Alan Mruvka co-founded E! Entertainment Television and is the founder, president and CEO of the Alan Mruvka Company, an entertainment, media, self-storage, real estate and construction business. In this episode of #ThePlaybook, Mruvka talks with host David Meltzer about his early career, the evolution of cable television and the E! Network's origins.

Mruvka talks about how his passion for movies and entertainment, combined with his entrepreneurial father's influence, set him on his career path. He discusses the differences between broadcasting and narrowcasting and how cable television has evolved.

Mruvka discusses the challenges of securing funding for his television network, including being rejected more than 400 times during three years. He talks about how a fateful conversation on a plane with a stranger led to the break he and his business partner needed to found the E! Network.

David Meltzer

Entrepreneur Leadership Network Writer

Co-Founder of Sports 1 Marketing, Speaker, Author and Business Coach

David Meltzer, co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and host of Entrepreneur's podcast, “The Playbook”, is a Top 100 Business Coach, global public speaker and three-time international best-selling author who has been honored by Variety as “Sports Humanitarian of the Year”.

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.

The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy

After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.

6 Questions to Ask Before You Begin Your Franchise Search

Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.

He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game

Most Popular

See all

Growing a Business

This Co-Founder Was Kicked Out of Retailers for Pitching a 'Taboo' Beauty Product. Now, Her Multi-Million-Dollar Company Sells It for More Than $20 an Ounce.

Childhood friends and Harvard grads Laura Schubert and Lillian Tung launched Fur to address the problem no one was talking about.

By Amanda Breen

Life Hacks

Use These Words and Gestures to Impress Your Boss

While you don't want to be suck-up, impressing your boss can open the door to endless professional opportunities.

By John Rampton

Thought Leaders

Unlocking Financial Abundance: How Positive Psychology Can Make You a Multimillionaire

Individuals can become multimillionaires by cultivating positive emotions, mindset, gratitude, self-confidence, strong relationships, mindfulness and purpose. By applying these principles, individuals can increase their overall well-being and financial success in their personal and professional life.

By Brian H. Robb

Taxes

What Gen Z Side Hustlers Don't Know About Taxes in 2023 — But Should

Karen Orosco, president of global consumer tax and service delivery at H&R Block, reveals why Gen Z taxpayers should file as soon as possible — and more.

By Amanda Breen

Growing a Business

4 Ways to Provide Excellent Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is critical for any business that wants to succeed. Here are a few tips on how to build your business with customer service at the center.

By Nathan Miller