Fox Plans to Beat Big Three to Fall Kickoff

In an effort to get a jump on the big three networks, Fox Broadcasting Co. said Tuesday that it will launch at least part of its new fall season in August.

The upstart fourth network will premiere a new season of “America’s Most Wanted” Aug. 20. Then on Aug. 27, Fox will inaugurate a new season of its top-rated show, “Married . . . With Children,” in its new 9 p.m. time period, and also will debut “Open House,” a new incarnation of Fox’s “Duet,” at 9:30 p.m.

Fox already had said it will present some new programming in July. On July 9, Fox will launch a new series, “Totally Hidden Video,” for a six-week run. And it will air the much-publicized “Cops in Russia” episode Saturday, July 15 at 8 p.m., with fresh episodes of the “Cops” series beginning the following week and continuing through the summer.