| (1905
- 1999) |
| Inducted: |
1986 |
| Region: |
Northeast |
| Industry: |
Communications
|
|
Leonard Goldenson bought ABC in 1953. At the time, ABC only had five television stations and eight affiliates. It covered less than 35 percent of the United States, compared to 85 percent for NBC and CBS. In order to expand ABC, Goldenson made major programming changes. He signed Walt Disney to an exclusive contract with ABC and saturated it with sports. By the mid 70s ABC had the highest audience ratings and the largest advertising revenues. |
