Robert W. Sarnoff Biography

Robert W. Sarnoff

Son of David Sarnoff, a pioneer in radio and television who had organized NBC in 1926, Robert W. Sarnoff was groomed to succeed his father at the helm of both RCA (Radio Corporation of America) and NBC. In 1956 he became president of NBC and in 1965, president of RCA. Under his leadership TV became racially integrated when he supported Nat King Cole's variety show and Bill Cosby's role in I Spy. The first presidential debate was televised during Sarnoff's tenure. He became chairman of RCA in 1970 and diversified the company; he was ousted in 1975.