NEWSWATCH by Thomas Griffith: The Powerless Powerful

Do not be deluded into believing that the titular heads of the networks control what appears on their networks. They all have better taste.

—Edward R. Murrow

Among the media lords, William S. Paley is senior, successful and powerful, having built CBS into a giant with $3 billion in revenues and a payroll of 37,000. He watched over the growth of CBS News, the domain of Murrow and Cronkite, into the best newsgathering service in radio and television. Executives who make $500,000 a year tremble at his displeasure. Yet just how powerful, by his...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!