Lawrence K. Grossman
Lawrence K. Grossman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lawrence Kugelmass Grossman June 21, 1931 |
| Died | March 23, 2018(aged 86) |
| Education | Columbia University(BA) Harvard Law School |
| Occupation | television executive |
| Known for | former president ofPBSandABC News |
| Spouse | Alberta Grossman |
Lawrence Kugelmass Grossman(June 21, 1931 – March 23, 2018) was a cable television industry executive who served as president ofPBSfrom 1976 to 1984 and headedNBC Newsfrom 1985 to 1988.[1]
Early life and career
[edit]Grossman was born Lawrence Kugelmass on June 21, 1931, inBrooklyn, New York.His father, Nathaniel H. Kugelmass, was a lawyer; his mother, the former Rose Goldstein, was a high school administrator. His father died when Lawrence was 3, and his mother later married Nathan Grossman, also a lawyer, who adopted him.[2]He attendedMidwood High Schooland graduated fromColumbia Collegein 1952, where he studied English and political science.[3]He spent a year atHarvard Law Schooland left to joinLookmagazine in the promotions department.
Career
[edit]He was hired by the advertising department atCBSin 1956, then moved toNBCin 1962, becoming the network’s vice president of advertising. After leaving NBC, he ran his own advertising, marketing and communications firm until he was hired byPBSas its president in 1976.[2]
President of PBS
[edit]As president ofPBS,he was credited for transforming it into the first network to deliver its programming by satellite,[3]introducingLive from Lincoln Center,launching theFrontlinedocumentary series,and the 13-part documentary miniseriesVietnam: A Television History,[4]and expandingThe MacNeil/Lehrer Report(now known asPBS NewsHour)to one hour.[2]He also received credit for standing up to pressure from members of theCongressandExxonMobilto airDeath of a Princesson public television.[4][5]The film was controversial for its depiction ofSaudi Arabiancustoms and provoked strong diplomatic responses from the Saudi government to the UK and the US.[6]
President of NBC News
[edit]In 1984, he was appointed president ofNBC Newsby network chairmanGrant Tinker.He was responsible for bringing inTim Russertas anchor, and helped engineer the turnaround of the channel that saw ratings slip in comparison to its competitors. Under his tenure,Todaybecame the No.1 morning show andNBC Nightly Newssaw increase in the ratings.[4]However, afterGeneral Electricbrought the network in 1986, he clashed withBob WrightandJack Welchover budget cuts and was forced out in 1988, replaced byMichael Gartner.[4][7]
Book:The Electronic Republic: Reshaping American Democracy in the Information Age (1995).https://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Republic-Reshaping-Democracy-Information/dp/0140249214
Personal life
[edit]After leaving NBC News, he taught at theJohn F. Kennedy School of Governmentand teamed up with former FCC ChairmanNewton Minowto launchDigital Promise,an initiative authorized byCongressin 2008 to promote “funding of research in using digital information technologies for teaching and learning.”[8]
Grossman died at his home inWestport, Connecticut,on March 23, 2018, at 86.[8]He is survived by his wife, three daughters, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.[3]
References
[edit]- ^"Conversation with Lawrence K. Grossman, title page".globetrotter.berkeley.edu.Retrieved2020-05-19.
- ^abcSandomir, Richard (2018-03-23)."Lawrence K. Grossman, Head of PBS and Then NBC News, Dies at 86".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.Retrieved2020-05-19.
- ^abcLisa, Palladino."Lawrence K. Grossman '52, Head of PBS and NBC News".Columbia College Today.RetrievedMay 18,2020.
- ^abcdSchudel, Matt (March 24, 2018)."Lawrence K. Grossman, top executive at PBS and NBC News, dies at 86".The Washington Post.RetrievedMay 18,2020.
- ^"Press Reaction In 1980 To Death Of A Princess | Death Of A Princess | FRONTLINE | PBS".www.pbs.org.Retrieved2020-05-19.
- ^"25 Years Later - The 'death Of A Princess' Controversy | Death Of A Princess | FRONTLINE | PBS".www.pbs.org.Retrieved2020-05-19.
- ^"VIDEO: Pioneering Innovations in Broadcast Journalism, with Lawrence K. Grossman (Conversations with History)".www.uctv.tv.Retrieved2020-05-19.
- ^abKaplan, Ivy; Intern, Editorial (27 March 2018)."Former PBS president Lawrence Grossman remembered for advancing network, defending journalism".Current.Retrieved2020-05-19.
External links
[edit]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |