Paley, William S.

William S. Paley (1901–1990) is remembered best as the broadcasting pioneer who bought a struggling, early radio network and developed it into the highly successful communications conglomerate, Columbia Broadcasting System, CBS Inc. Known for his focus on programming and use of on-air talent in building on broadcasting success, Paley’s broadcast operation became known for its class as the “Tiffany Network.” For over 50 years, he controlled CBS as president or board chairman of radio and television, film, publishing, recording, and all of the other media-related subsidiaries. He would build and nourish the popular CBS quality brand to appeal to large numbers of radio listeners and, later, television viewers. He is also remembered for his strong support of and appreciation for early broadcast reporting and reporters, ...