David Sarnoff

David Sarnoff (US: /ˈsɑːrnɔːf/; February 27, 1891 – December 12, 1971) was a Russian and American businessman who played an important role in the American history of radio and television. He led RCA for most of his career in various capacities from shortly after its founding in 1919 until his retirement in 1970.

David Sarnoff
Давид Сарнов
Sarnoff in 1922
Born(1891-02-27)February 27, 1891
DiedDecember 12, 1971(1971-12-12) (aged 80)
Resting placeKensico Cemetery
Valhalla, New York, U.S.
41.0779°N 73.7865°W / 41.0779; -73.7865
Years active1919–1970
Employers
Board member of
Spouse
Lizette Hermant
(m. 1917)
Children3, including Robert W. Sarnoff
RelativesEugene Lyons, Bernie Privin, Richard Baer, Bruce J. Oreck
Awards
Military career
Nickname(s)"The General"
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1941–1945
RankBrigadier General
UnitArmy Signal Corps
Battles/warsWorld War II
Awards
  • Knight of the Cross of Lorraine (France)
  • Companion of the Resistance (France)
  • Legion of Merit

He headed a conglomerate of telecommunications and media companies, including RCA and NBC, that became one of the largest in the world. Named a Reserve Brigadier General of the Signal Corps in 1945, Sarnoff thereafter was widely known as "The General".

Sarnoff is credited with "Sarnoff's Law", which states that the value of a broadcast network is proportional to the number of viewers.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.