Paley, William

Paley, William (1901–1990), chairman of the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS).Born in Chicago to Russian immigrants, Paley first became aware of radio's power by advertising cigars over the air and seeing sales soar. In 1928 he spearheaded his now wealthy family's purchase of a controlling interest in the struggling CBS radio network connecting sixteen stations. Intending to remain active in radio only briefly, Paley stayed on to develop a managerial team and attract the entertainment stars (and later the journalists) who propelled CBS to a leading position in audience ratings and revenue. Columbia Records, purchased by CBS in the 1930s, became an industry leader and introduced the long‐playing record in 1948. Naming Frank Stanton his successor as CBS president in 1946, Paley became chairman of the board. Staying on long after the retirement age of sixty‐five, mandatory for all CBS employees, and after the often‐forced departure of several potential successors, Paley retired in 1982, only to be brought back as a figurehead in the late 1980s. He thus remained a key figure as CBS emerged as a dominant television network in the 1950s and after.

Paley combined an interest in the fine arts (he was a long‐time supporter of New York's Museum of Modern Art) and enjoyment of high society with an almost uncanny feel for programming that the general public would appreciate. Confident in his financial independence and social and managerial abilities, Paley dominated CBS, participating in programming decisions, wooing stars, basking in the reflected glory of CBS News, and seeking acquisitions that fed CBS's image as the “Tiffany Network.” Through its news and entertainment programming during Paley's tenure, CBS both reflected and helped shape American popular culture.

Bibliography

William S. Paley , As It Happened: A Memoir, 1979.
Sally Bedell Smith , In All His Glory: The Life of William S. Paley—The Legendary Tycoon and His Brilliant Circle, 1990.

Christopher H. Sterling