Robert J. Wussler | CNN cofounder, 73
Robert J. Wussler, 73, a CNN cofounder who became the youngest president of the CBS television network when he took over in 1976 at age 39, died June 5 at his home in Westport, Conn., after a long illness.
Robert J. Wussler, 73, a CNN cofounder who became the youngest president of the CBS television network when he took over in 1976 at age 39, died June 5 at his home in Westport, Conn., after a long illness.
Mr. Wussler started his 21-year career at CBS in the mail room. He eventually became executive producer of CBS News, overseeing special projects including the 1969 moon landing.
In 1978, Mr. Wussler formed a production company, Pyramid Enterprises. It produced syndicated programming for the international marketplace, specializing in Japan, France, and the former Soviet Union.
In 1980, Ted Turner recruited Mr. Wussler to join Turner Broadcasting Systems and help develop CNN. During his career, Mr. Wussler won seven Emmy Awards. - AP