Robert William Sarnoff (1918–97) was an American businessman and media executive known for leading Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and advancing color television. He served as RCA’s CEO and chairman (1970–75) after his father, David Sarnoff, retired.
Born in New York City, he studied government and philosophy at Harvard University, graduating in 1939. He briefly attended Columbia Law School before joining the Office of Strategic Services during World War II, later serving in the U.S. Navy.
Sarnoff began in publishing, working at The Des Moines Register and Look Magazine, before joining NBC (1948) as an account executive. He became NBC president (1956,) overseeing the first commercial color broadcast (1953) and expanding programming.
In 1965, he succeeded his father as RCA president, later becoming CEO and chairman (1970.) Under his leadership, RCA diversified into car rentals, publishing, and frozen foods but struggled financially. In 1975, RCA’s board ousted him.
His publication One World of Communications (1971) explores global media and technology.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Robert W. Sarnoff
Finance is the art of passing currency from hand to hand until it finally disappears.
—Robert W. Sarnoff
Topics: Money
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