Leonard Goldenson
Leonard Goldenson | |
|---|---|
Goldenson in 1985 | |
| Born | Leonard H. Goldenson December 7, 1905 Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | December 27, 1999 (aged 94) Sarasota, Florida, U.S. |
| Education | B.A. Harvard University J.D. Harvard Law School |
| Known for | CEO of United Paramount Theatres, President of American Broadcasting Company |
| Spouse | Isabelle Charlotte Weinstein |
| Children | 3 |
Leonard H. Goldenson (December 7, 1905 – December 27, 1999) was the founder and president of the United States–based television network American Broadcasting Company (ABC), from 1953 to 1986. Goldenson, as CEO of United Paramount Theatres, acquired a then-struggling ABC from candy industrialist Edward J. Noble. Goldenson focused on investing heavily on sports and news coverage along with creating synergy between Hollywood studios and television networks. Goldenson turned ABC into a media conglomerate, owning television and radio stations along with newspapers and book publishers.
His innovations with ABC in terms of programming and media synergy would have lasting implications on the American television industry, and be emulated by leadership of other networks. He was portrayed by Eli Wallach in the 2002 TNT movie Monday Night Mayhem.