595: Art Bell | Comedy Central Founder Gives Life Advice

Imagine starting something like Comedy Central and losing your sense of humor? Art Bell’s journey started at CBS, then HBO, where he started the Comedy Channel which later became Comedy Central. After that, he became the President of Court TV, then worked for a while as a consultant to several television companies. Art has now left the TV business and taken up writing which led to his first book, Constant Comedy, where he documents his experience building one of the most successful channels in history. 

I can’t wait for you to dive in and get some world-class networking advice from the man who started Comedy Central.

Things you will learn in this episode: 
[00:01 - 06:03] Opening Segment 

I introduce today’s guest, Art Bell

Writer and TV executive

Experience in TV

Be sure to check out guestio.com and start booking

Art goes into his background

Growing up in Jersey Shore 

Early life

An interest and love for all things funny

[06:03 - 21:28] Comedy Central Founder Gives Life Advice

 Art talks about watching the greats

A story about Bill Murray 

Art shares about knowing what he wanted to do when he was young

Told that you can’t make a living on the arts 

College career

Keep your passions alive 

Making the pivot into TV

What do you want to do for the rest of your life?

Starting at CBS

How networking led into HBO

Becoming the founder of Comedy Central

Pitching a comedy network at HBO

Getting rejected

Accepted by the chairman of HBO

Learning the business of comedy 

Casting vision

Teaming up 

The journey of Comedy Central

The rough beginnings

Growing through competition 

Starting all over again

A word from our sponsor

[21:29 - 24:10] How Relationships Lead to Opportunities

Art talks about the most fun times of the process

Examples 

Relationships that led to something good

The chairman of HBO

[24:11 - 34:36] Closing Segment

Who you know or what you know?

People want to know you because of what you know 

Advice for people who want to give back and help others 

The rewards of working with younger people 

The value of talking in classes and writing 

Last words of advice from Art

Consider everyone you meet as a potential contact

Be aware of your impression

ThE RaNdOm ROunD

How to engage with Art

Links below

Final words 

Tweetable Quotes: 
“Keep your passion alive, don’t abandon it just because it’s not gonna become the first thing you do, or what you study in college… then you’re going to have to make some decisions.” - Art Bell

“The reason people want to know you or want to mentor you is because of what you know, or what you can demonstrate as talent…” - Art Bell

“Consider everybody you meet as a potential contact, someone that can help you in some way even before they open their mouths… be aware of the impression you’re making.” - Art Bell

Resources Mentioned:

Constant Comedy: How I Started Comedy Central and Lost My Humor

Built to Last

Connect with Art on LinkedIn. Check out https://www.artbellwriter.com/ to learn more about Art and his life.

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