James H. Rosenfield, Sr., CBS Executive Who Shaped a Golden Era, Dies at 97

James H. Rosenfield, Sr., a former top CBS executive who helped build the network into a cultural powerhouse, died Sept. 26. He was 97.

Rosenfield spent two decades at CBS, spanning the years that brought the network "All in the Family," "MAS*H" and "60 Minutes." He rose from account executive in television network sales in the 1960s to president of the CBS Television Network and ultimately executive vice president of the CBS Broadcast Group. In that final role he was responsible for the company's key operating divisions: CBS Television Network, CBS News, CBS Entertainment and CBS Sports.

Rosenfield was born July 18, 1929, in Boston. He attended Roxbury Latin School, where he later served as an alumni trustee, and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1952. His broadcasting career began early: while at Dartmouth he worked as a student DJ on his own radio show, "Rhodes Record Rack."

At CBS, William S. Paley, the network's founder and chairman, became an important mentor. Paley tapped Rosenfield for an early assignment taking responsibility for the company's sales relationship with Grey Advertising. Rosenfield retired from CBS in 1985.

His tenure coincided with the period when network television functioned as America's dominant cultural institution — a fact reflected in the programming slate he helped shepherd. "All in the Family" redefined the sitcom; "MAS*H" became one of the most-watched series finales in television history; "60 Minutes" built a new template for television journalism.

After leaving CBS, Rosenfield served as chairman and chief executive officer of John Blair Communications, Inc. He later founded JHR & Associates, a firm consulting with traditional and new media companies.

His civic and industry commitments were extensive. Rosenfield was a founding board member and later chairman emeritus of Reisenbach Philanthropies, an organization founded in memory of John Reisenbach, son of his friend Sanford Reisenbach. He served as president of the International Radio & Television Society, as chairman and board member of the Advertising Council, and on the boards of Internews International and Salon Media. He was a lifetime fellow of the International Council of the Television Academy and received an honorary doctorate from St. John's University.

Rosenfield is survived by his partner Charlotte Rosenblatt, his children Laurie Rosenfield and Jim Rosenfield Jr., five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family requests that donations be made to The Reisenbach Philanthropies, the organization Rosenfield helped found and led as chairman emeritus — a final act of continuity with the philanthropic work that occupied his decades after broadcasting's golden age.