| (1901
- 1990) |
| Inducted: |
1984 |
| Region: |
Northeast |
| Industry: |
Communications
Entertainment |
|
William S. Paley believed that radio was on the threshold of a great awakening in 1928 so he bought control of a poorly managed network of 16 stations. Paley instinctively grasped radio's potential as a medium of mass entertainment and commercial advertising. His brilliance in radio readily translated to television. He had a genius for programming and took immense pride in CBS’s news operation. During his tenure, CBS achieved a reputation for quality. He turned the Columbia Broadcasting System into one of the most lucrative ventures of the century. |
