Robert Wussler
Encyclopedia
Robert J. Wussler was a journalist, executive, and co-founder of CNN
.
and attended Seton Hall University
.
in 1957, working in the mailroom. He rose through the ranks to become the youngest president of the network at the age of 40.
Within weeks after joining CBS in 1957, Wussler became a production assistant, eventually rising to be an executive producer and a director of special events. From 1972 until 1974, Wussler served as the general manager of CBS-owned WBBM-TV
in Chicago.
Wussler returned to CBS headquarters in 1974 as vice president of CBS Sports. He then became the head of the network in 1976.
In 1978, Wussler formed his own production company, Pyramid Enterprises. Two years later, he joined Ted Turner at Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta, eventually going on to co-found Cable News Network
. He also was Executive Producer of Night Tracks
from 1983-1989 and President of Cable Music Channel
in 1984.
From 1989 until 1992, Wussler was Chief Executive Officer of Comsat Video Enterprises, Inc., where he joined with the Metromedia Company as initial investors in a company that eventually became Metromedia International Telecommunications, Inc., developing independent cable television and cellular telephone systems in the former Soviet Union.
From 1992 until his death, Wussler ran the Wussler Group, a consulting company.
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
.
Early life and education
Wussler was born in Newark, New JerseyNewark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
and attended Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University is a private Roman Catholic university in South Orange, New Jersey, United States. Founded in 1856 by Archbishop James Roosevelt Bayley, Seton Hall is the oldest diocesan university in the United States. Seton Hall is also the oldest and largest Catholic university in the...
.
Career
Wussler began his career at CBSCBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
in 1957, working in the mailroom. He rose through the ranks to become the youngest president of the network at the age of 40.
Within weeks after joining CBS in 1957, Wussler became a production assistant, eventually rising to be an executive producer and a director of special events. From 1972 until 1974, Wussler served as the general manager of CBS-owned WBBM-TV
WBBM-TV
WBBM-TV, virtual channel 2 , is the CBS owned-and-operated television station in Chicago, Illinois. WBBM-TV's main studios and offices are located in The Loop section of Chicago, as part of the development at Block 37, and its transmitter is atop the Willis Tower.-History:WBBM-TV traces its history...
in Chicago.
Wussler returned to CBS headquarters in 1974 as vice president of CBS Sports. He then became the head of the network in 1976.
In 1978, Wussler formed his own production company, Pyramid Enterprises. Two years later, he joined Ted Turner at Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta, eventually going on to co-found Cable News Network
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
. He also was Executive Producer of Night Tracks
Night Tracks
Night Tracks was an American television series which ran from 1983 to 1992 on SuperStation WTBS on late night weekends...
from 1983-1989 and President of Cable Music Channel
Cable Music Channel
Cable Music Channel was an all-music video channel created by Ted Turner and launched in 1984 by Turner Broadcasting System, providing the first national competition to MTV...
in 1984.
From 1989 until 1992, Wussler was Chief Executive Officer of Comsat Video Enterprises, Inc., where he joined with the Metromedia Company as initial investors in a company that eventually became Metromedia International Telecommunications, Inc., developing independent cable television and cellular telephone systems in the former Soviet Union.
From 1992 until his death, Wussler ran the Wussler Group, a consulting company.