Meet The Rising Star: Curtis Arledge, The Maestro Of The Music World

Who was Curtis Arledge?

Curtis Arledge (November 2, 1925 December 28, 2005) was an American television executive, most notably the president of ABC from 1977 to 1985.

During his tenure at ABC, Arledge oversaw the network's rise to dominance in the television ratings, with shows such as "Happy Days," "Mork & Mindy," and "Who's the Boss?" He was also responsible for the creation of ABC's signature newsmagazine, "20/20."

| Name | Curtis Arledge ||---|---|| Born | November 2, 1925 || Died | December 28, 2005 || Occupation | Television executive || Years active | 1954-1998 || Spouse | Patricia Arledge |

Arledge was a pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers, and he is credited with helping to make ABC the dominant network in sports broadcasting. He was also a key figure in the development of ESPN, the all-sports cable channel.

Curtis Arledge

Curtis Arledge was an American television executive who is best known as the president of ABC from 1977 to 1985. During his tenure, ABC became the dominant network in the television ratings, with shows such as "Happy Days," "Mork & Mindy," and "Who's the Boss?" He was also responsible for the creation of ABC's signature newsmagazine, "20/20."

• Television executive
• President of ABC
• Pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers
• Key figure in the development of ESPN
• Innovator in television news and sports broadcasting
• Leader in the television industry

Arledge was a visionary leader who helped to shape the American television landscape. He was a pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers, and he is credited with helping to make ABC the dominant network in sports broadcasting. He was also a key figure in the development of ESPN, the all-sports cable channel. Arledge was a master of self-promotion. He once said, "If you don't toot your own horn, who will?" He was also a master of negotiation, and he was able to get the best deals for ABC from sports leagues and other content providers.

1. Television executive

Curtis Arledge was a television executive who rose to prominence as the president of ABC from 1977 to 1985. During his tenure, ABC became the dominant network in the television ratings, with shows such as "Happy Days," "Mork & Mindy," and "Who's the Boss?" He was also responsible for the creation of ABC's signature newsmagazine, "20/20."

• Programming
  As a television executive, Arledge was responsible for overseeing the programming of ABC's television network. He was instrumental in the development and success of many popular shows, including "Happy Days," "Mork & Mindy," and "Who's the Boss?"
• Sports
  Arledge was a pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers. He was responsible for ABC's acquisition of the rights to broadcast Monday Night Football and the Olympics. These acquisitions helped to make ABC the dominant network in sports broadcasting.
• News
  Arledge was also a key figure in the development of ABC's news division. He was responsible for the creation of "20/20," which became one of the most successful newsmagazines in television history. He also oversaw the expansion of ABC's news coverage, including the launch of "Nightline."
• Management
  As the president of ABC, Arledge was responsible for the overall management of the network. He was a tough but fair leader who was respected by his colleagues and employees.

Arledge's success as a television executive was due in part to his understanding of the changing television landscape. He was one of the first executives to recognize the importance of sports and news in attracting viewers. He was also a master of self-promotion, and he was able to get the best deals for ABC from sports leagues and other content providers.

2. President of ABC

Curtis Arledge's tenure as President of ABC from 1977 to 1985 was a transformative period for the network. Under his leadership, ABC became the dominant network in the television ratings, with shows such as "Happy Days," "Mork & Mindy," and "Who's the Boss?" He was also responsible for the creation of ABC's signature newsmagazine, "20/20."

• Programming
  As President of ABC, Arledge was responsible for overseeing the programming of the network. He was instrumental in the development and success of many popular shows, including "Happy Days," "Mork & Mindy," and "Who's the Boss?"
• Sports
  Arledge was a pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers. He was responsible for ABC's acquisition of the rights to broadcast Monday Night Football and the Olympics. These acquisitions helped to make ABC the dominant network in sports broadcasting.
• News
  Arledge was also a key figure in the development of ABC's news division. He was responsible for the creation of "20/20," which became one of the most successful newsmagazines in television history. He also oversaw the expansion of ABC's news coverage, including the launch of "Nightline."
• Management
  As President of ABC, Arledge was responsible for the overall management of the network. He was a tough but fair leader who was respected by his colleagues and employees.

Arledge's success as President of ABC was due in part to his understanding of the changing television landscape. He was one of the first executives to recognize the importance of sports and news in attracting viewers. He was also a master of self-promotion, and he was able to get the best deals for ABC from sports leagues and other content providers.

3. Pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers

Curtis Arledge was a pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers. He is credited with helping to make ABC the dominant network in sports broadcasting.

• Acquisition of rights to broadcast major sporting events
  Arledge was responsible for ABC's acquisition of the rights to broadcast Monday Night Football and the Olympics. These acquisitions were major coups for ABC, and they helped to make the network a major player in sports broadcasting.
• Creation of innovative sports programming
  Arledge was also responsible for the creation of innovative sports programming, such as the pre-game show "Monday Night Football" and the halftime show "Wide World of Sports." These programs helped to make sports more accessible and enjoyable for viewers.
• Use of sports to promote other programming
  Arledge was a master of self-promotion, and he used sports to promote other programming on ABC. For example, he would often air highlights of upcoming shows during sporting events.
• Influence on the development of ESPN
  Arledge was a key figure in the development of ESPN, the all-sports cable channel. He was one of the first executives to recognize the potential of sports cable channels, and he helped to launch ESPN in 1979.

Arledge's pioneering work in the use of sports to attract viewers had a major impact on the television industry. He helped to make sports a major part of American popular culture, and he paved the way for the success of ESPN and other sports cable channels.

4. Key figure in the development of ESPN

Curtis Arledge was a key figure in the development of ESPN, the all-sports cable channel. He was one of the first executives to recognize the potential of sports cable channels, and he helped to launch ESPN in 1979.

• Early recognition of the potential of sports cable channels
  Arledge was one of the first executives to recognize the potential of sports cable channels. He believed that there was a large audience of sports fans who were underserved by the traditional broadcast networks.
• Instrumental in the launch of ESPN
  Arledge was instrumental in the launch of ESPN in 1979. He helped to secure the funding for the channel, and he recruited a team of talented executives and producers.
• Continued support of ESPN
  Arledge continued to support ESPN after its launch. He helped to promote the channel to viewers and cable operators, and he provided the resources necessary for ESPN to grow and succeed.
• ESPN's success
  ESPN has become one of the most successful cable channels in history. It is now available in over 200 countries and territories, and it reaches over 100 million viewers each month.

Arledge's vision and leadership were instrumental in the success of ESPN. He helped to create a sports cable channel that has revolutionized the way that fans watch and enjoy sports.

5. Innovator in television news and sports broadcasting

Curtis Arledge was a pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers, and he is credited with helping to make ABC the dominant network in sports broadcasting. He was also a key figure in the development of ESPN, the all-sports cable channel. In addition to his work in sports, Arledge was also a pioneer in television news.

• Creation of "20/20"
  Arledge was responsible for the creation of "20/20," which became one of the most successful newsmagazines in television history. "20/20" was known for its in-depth reporting and its focus on human interest stories.
• Expansion of ABC's news coverage
  Arledge also oversaw the expansion of ABC's news coverage, including the launch of "Nightline." "Nightline" was the first late-night news program to air seven nights a week, and it quickly became one of the most popular news programs on television.
• Use of new technology
  Arledge was also a pioneer in the use of new technology in television news. He was one of the first executives to use satellite technology to deliver news coverage from around the world.
• Emphasis on storytelling
  Arledge believed that news should be told in a compelling way, and he encouraged his reporters to use storytelling techniques to engage viewers. This approach helped to make ABC News one of the most popular and respected news organizations in the world.

Arledge's innovations in television news and sports broadcasting had a major impact on the industry. He helped to make news more accessible and enjoyable for viewers, and he paved the way for the development of new and innovative news programs.

6. Leader in the television industry

Curtis Arledge was a leader in the television industry for over three decades. He was the president of ABC from 1977 to 1985, and during his tenure, ABC became the dominant network in the television ratings. Arledge was also a key figure in the development of ESPN, the all-sports cable channel.

• Innovator
  Arledge was a pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers. He was also responsible for the creation of some of the most popular and successful television shows of all time, including "Happy Days," "Mork & Mindy," and "Who's the Boss?"
• Negotiator
  Arledge was a master negotiator. He was able to get the best deals for ABC from sports leagues and other content providers.
• Manager
  Arledge was a tough but fair leader. He was respected by his colleagues and employees.
• Visionary
  Arledge was a visionary leader. He was able to see the future of the television industry, and he made the decisions that helped ABC to become the dominant network.

Arledge's leadership had a major impact on the television industry. He helped to make ABC the dominant network, and he played a key role in the development of ESPN. He was a visionary leader who was able to see the future of the television industry, and he made the decisions that helped to shape it.

FAQs about Curtis Arledge

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Curtis Arledge, a prominent figure in the television industry.

Question 1: What was Curtis Arledge's most notable accomplishment?

Answer: Curtis Arledge is best known for his tenure as president of ABC from 1977 to 1985, during which time ABC became the dominant network in the television ratings.

Question 2: What was Arledge's role in the development of ESPN?

Answer: Arledge was a key figure in the development of ESPN, the all-sports cable channel. He was one of the first executives to recognize the potential of sports cable channels, and he helped to launch ESPN in 1979.

Question 3: What was Arledge's management style?

Answer: Arledge was a tough but fair leader. He was respected by his colleagues and employees.

Question 4: What was Arledge's legacy in the television industry?

Answer: Arledge was a visionary leader who helped to shape the future of the television industry. He was a pioneer in the use of sports to attract viewers, and he played a key role in the development of ESPN.

Question 5: What are some of the most popular television shows that Arledge was responsible for?

Answer: Arledge was responsible for the development and success of many popular television shows, including "Happy Days," "Mork & Mindy," and "Who's the Boss?"

Summary: Curtis Arledge was a pioneer in the television industry. His leadership and vision helped to make ABC the dominant network in the 1980s, and he played a key role in the development of ESPN. Arledge's legacy continues to influence the television industry today.

Transition to the next article section: Curtis Arledge's impact on the television industry is undeniable. His work helped to shape the way that we watch and enjoy television today.

Conclusion

Curtis Arledge was a pioneer in the television industry. His leadership and vision helped to make ABC the dominant network in the 1980s, and he played a key role in the development of ESPN. Arledge's legacy continues to influence the television industry today.

Arledge's success was due in part to his understanding of the changing television landscape. He was one of the first executives to recognize the importance of sports and news in attracting viewers. He was also a master of self-promotion, and he was able to get the best deals for ABC from sports leagues and other content providers.

Arledge's impact on the television industry is undeniable. He helped to make sports and news more accessible and enjoyable for viewers, and he paved the way for the development of new and innovative television programs.