James Rosenfield, a longtime television executive who held senior positions at CBS for two decades, passed away this past Saturday at age 97, according to an announcement from his family.
Rosenfield began his career in sales at CBS in 1965 and was promoted to president of the CBS Television Network in 1977, overseeing affiliated stations. Three years later in 1981, he was named executive vice president of the CBS Broadcast Group, a position that granted him oversight of the network, CBS News, CBS Entertainment, and CBS Sports divisions. During his tenure, CBS produced widely-recognized programming including “All in the Family,” “M*A*S*H,” and “60 Minutes.” He worked alongside prominent journalists and broadcasters including Walter Cronkite, Morley Safer, Dan Rather, Lesley Stahl, and Mike Wallace.
Rosenfield retired from CBS in 1985 and subsequently became chairman and CEO of John Blair Communications, a national sales representative serving local television stations. In 1999, he established JHR & Associates, a consulting firm focused on traditional and digital media as well as communications and entertainment companies.
Born in Boston on July 18, 1929, Rosenfield attended Roxbury Latin School before graduating from Dartmouth College in 1952, where he hosted a student radio program called “Rhodes Record Rack.” After military service and a sales position at NBC, he joined CBS, where he was mentored by network founder William S. Paley. Rosenfield held additional roles as a founding board member and chairman emeritus of Reisenbach Philanthropies, president of the International Radio & Television Society, and chairman of the Advertising Council.
Survivors include his partner Charlotte, daughter Laurie with son-in-law Peter, son Jim Jr. with wife Dana, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy and brother Allan. A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday morning at Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York.
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