This is the time when we see, hear, and read summaries of those prominent persons who died in the past year, and much attention rightly has been paid to the recent deaths of Gerald Ford and James Brown. I'd like to draw attention, however, to the monumental life of Frank Stanton who died just a few days ago.

Dr. Stanton from 1946 to 1971 was president of CBS, the longest tenure of any network president. He took a chance on a hard-drinking comedian named Jackie Gleason, and moved CBS radio star Arthur Godfrey to TV. Stanton investigated the quiz show scandals, forced resignations, and took quiz shows off the air. Stanton oversaw the creation of the CBS "Blackrock" headquarters in New York City, and unveiled the eye logo. Stanton persuaded Congress to suspend a broadcast rule for the purpose of allowing the Nixon-Kennedy debates. Stanton presided over the CBS evening newscast going from 15 to 30 minutes, and the creation of the CBS Reports documentary series.

Frank Stanton earned a doctorate in psychology; his doctoral work included inventing a device for measuring radio audiences, a device that was the forerunner for decades of radio and TV ratings research. Working with Paul Lazarsfeld, he also created a device for program testing.

Stanton often clashed with CBS Chairman William Paley and newsman Edward R. Murrow, and Stanton came to regret how he bowed to pressure for red-baiting loyalty oaths and security lists of the blacklisting period. Stanton in the eyes of many redeemed himself when he successfully stood up to congressional pressure for outtakes and notes from the CBS documentary The Selling of the Pentagon.

In 2004 I was honored by the International Radio and Television Society with the Frank Stanton award for distinguished contributions to broadcast education. So I thought I'd let you know about the life of this important person. --Mark Harmon