The Daily OrangeTV experts to discuss future of industry
By Courtney Tunney
Posted: 4/8/09, 5:28 AM EST Section: News
Fred Silverman, the only person to have been an executive for ABC, CBS and NBC, will discuss the future of the television industry today at 8 p.m. in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Newhouse III.
In his lecture, "From Test Patterns to Pixels: Envisioning the Future of Television," the 1958 Syracuse University alumnus will reflect on his contributions to the entertainment business and offer thoughts on upcoming trends in the industry. The event will also include other speakers, who will host sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Before starting his own company in 1981, Silverman served as the chief executive officer of NBC. Prior to his years at NBC, Silverman was the president of ABC Entertainment, and before that, vice president of programs at CBS. He's also an inductee of the Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. Silverman is responsible for signing classics such as "Roots," "M*A*S*H," "Hill Street Blues" and "All in the Family." He also produced other programs, such as "Diagnosis Murder," while serving as founder and president of The Fred Silverman Company.
Bob Thompson, a television, radio and film professor, is either a moderator or a panelist for nearly every event of the Silverman Symposium. He met Silverman years ago, and has followed his career ever since. Thompson said he believes that without Silverman, contemporary television would be dramatically different.
"Some of the biggest moments of American television can be seen through the lens of Silverman's career," Thompson said. "He has been a friend of the university for decades and I am confident that he will offer great insight about the industry."
After an introduction, the first event, "The Silverman Years: Setting New Standards for Programming" will begin at 9:35 a.m. Other events include "Breaking Barriers and Pushing Boundaries" at 11 a.m., "Profit and Progress: The Legacy of Fred Silverman" at 1:35 p.m., an interview with Silverman at 3 p.m. and "The Future of Programming and Television Networks" and 4:15 p.m.
In his lecture, "From Test Patterns to Pixels: Envisioning the Future of Television," the 1958 Syracuse University alumnus will reflect on his contributions to the entertainment business and offer thoughts on upcoming trends in the industry. The event will also include other speakers, who will host sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Before starting his own company in 1981, Silverman served as the chief executive officer of NBC. Prior to his years at NBC, Silverman was the president of ABC Entertainment, and before that, vice president of programs at CBS. He's also an inductee of the Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. Silverman is responsible for signing classics such as "Roots," "M*A*S*H," "Hill Street Blues" and "All in the Family." He also produced other programs, such as "Diagnosis Murder," while serving as founder and president of The Fred Silverman Company.
Bob Thompson, a television, radio and film professor, is either a moderator or a panelist for nearly every event of the Silverman Symposium. He met Silverman years ago, and has followed his career ever since. Thompson said he believes that without Silverman, contemporary television would be dramatically different.
"Some of the biggest moments of American television can be seen through the lens of Silverman's career," Thompson said. "He has been a friend of the university for decades and I am confident that he will offer great insight about the industry."
After an introduction, the first event, "The Silverman Years: Setting New Standards for Programming" will begin at 9:35 a.m. Other events include "Breaking Barriers and Pushing Boundaries" at 11 a.m., "Profit and Progress: The Legacy of Fred Silverman" at 1:35 p.m., an interview with Silverman at 3 p.m. and "The Future of Programming and Television Networks" and 4:15 p.m.
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