Radio age research, manufacturing, communications, broadcasting, television (1941)

Frank White Elected President of NBC Weaver a/iJ Herbert Move to Netv Executive Posts with Network JL RANK White, vice-president and general manager of the Radio and Television Networks of the National Broadcasting Company, has been elected President and a director of NBC, to succeed Joseph H. McConnell. Mr. McConnell resigned from NBC to join a company in another industry, and his new position will be an- nounced by that company in the near future. In announcing Mr. White's election, Brig. General David SarnofF, chairman of the Board of RCA and NBC said: "We are fortunate in having within the NBC organization an executive so uniquely qualified to assume the presidency of NBC as is Mr. White. He brings to his new responsibility the practical experience of a long and distinguished career in broadcasting, an unusual executive ability, and a great talent for human relationships which is so important in any business, and particularly in the business of broadcasting. I know that the whole NBC organization, its affiliated stations and its advertisers and their agencies will share our pleasure and confidence in this new appointment. "During the past three years in which Mr. McCon- nell has been President, the National Broadcasting Company has grown in stature and strength and has further enlarged the scope of its service to the American people," said General Sarnofl. "The great strides which NBC has made in speeding the development of tele- vision and maintaining the strength of radio are in themselves the greatest tributes to Mr. McConnell's leadership. Our appreciation for a job well done and our best wishes go with him as he leaves to assume his new responsibilities." Mr. Sylvester L. Weaver, Jr., vice-president in charge of the Radio and TV Networks of NBC, has been elected vice-chairman of the NBC Board of Directors. Mr. John K. Herbert, vice-president in charge of Network Sales, succeeds Mr. Weaver. General Sarnofl pointed out that the expansion of NBC's activities had prompted the establishment of the new position of vice-chairman of the Board to which Mr. Weaver has been named. "We believe that progress in broadcasting is never- ending," General Sarnofl said, "and that new ways of using the power of radio and television, new forms of programming and new opportunities for the broadcast media can and must be developed. Under Mr. Weaver, NBC television had led the way in creating many of the new concepts which have become part of the pat- Frank White tern of television. In his new position as vice-chairman, Mr. Weaver will be enabled to concentrate on the problems of long-range development, both in radio and television, and will fill a vital function in a rapidly expanding industry." Mr. Herbert's designation as vice-president in charge of the Radio and Television Networks was Mr. White's first appointment as the new head of NBC. "As vice-president in charge of Radio Sales and more recently as vice-president in charge of Sales for the Radio and Television Networks, Mr. Herbert has demonstrated not only great sales leadership but a grasp of our overall network problems and an ability to deal effectively with them," said Mr. White. "I am delighted to announce his appointment as vice-president in charge of both our networks. In this position, he will serve as the chief executive of the networks di- vision of NBC and in addition will continue to exercise general supervision over our network sales department." Sarnoff: Year-End Statement (Continued from page 5) "It is difficult to predict and unwise to limit the possibilities of the future in such a world-wide field of operations. In science, however, we are certain that progress will continue. The basis of our confidence is our faith in technology and in the ability of Americans to apply their talents in science, research, engineering and labor. The readiness of the American public to accept new ideas as well as new services and products is stimulating to all of these forces that operate within modern industry." RADIO AGE 2?