Robert J. Wussler

Robert J. Wussler's instinct for innovation has left important imprints on commercial, cable, and satellite television, where he has been responsible for groundbreaking advancements during his career. In 21 years at CBS, where he began in the mailroom, and then rose quickly to Executive Producer of CBS News-overseeing special projects including election coverage and man-on-the-moon-Wussler gained prominence as an innovator and leader, from his early use of miniature cameras to his calm control room demeanor as Walter Cronkite's producer. As President of CBS Sports, he essentially invented the genre of pre-game telecasts with "NFL Today," for which he hired Brent Musburger, Irv Cross, Jimmy the Greek Snyder, and Phyllis George. Soon he was named president of the CBS Television Network at a record-setting young age.

In 1980 Mr. Wussler joined Ted Turner as a co-founder of CNN. For a decade he served as number-two executive to the man who has written "I couldn't have done it without Bob Wussler." Mr. Wussler helped enfranchise Turner Broadcasting as a major power by acquiring high-profile sports and entertainment properties including the NBA, the NFL, the Goodwill Games, and exclusive movie packages. For almost 10 years he oversaw the growth of SuperStation TBS as its President and, in 1988, he was instrumental in the founding of TNT.

From 1989 to 1992, Wussler was President and CEO of COMSAT Video Enterprises, which grew rapidly in the field of on-demand video in the hotel industry. While there, he also managed the acquisition of the Denver Nuggets, serving as Managing General Partner. Following several international entrepreneurial ventures, including Metromedia's European television distribution businesses, Mr. Wussler was President and CEO of ABC Affiliate Enterprises, the new media and marketing arm of over 100 ABC television affiliates.

For the past several years he has run The Wussler Group, an international media consultancy focused on developing television and Internet properties, electronic commerce, and convergence technologies.

Presently, Mr. Wussler is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ted Turner Pictures, a newly created company that develops theatrical motion pictures and television documentaries on current and historical issues.

Wussler has served as Chairman of the Board of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for three terms, in addition to serving as Treasurer to the Board of Governors of the National Cable Television Association and serving on the Board of Governors of the National Academy of Cable Programming. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Cousteau Society and the Washington Performing Arts Society. Mr. Wussler presently serves on the Boards of Directors of the following companies: Transaction Information Systems; Visual Data Corporation (NASDAQ: VDAT); Streamedia Communications (NASDAQ: SMIL); and MDI Entertainment (NASDAQ: LTRY).

Mr. Wussler has received four national Emmy awards, in addition to the prestigious NATAS Trustees Award, presented in the past to such recognized leaders as David Sarnoff, William S. Paley, and Ted Turner. He holds a bachelor of communication arts degree from Seton Hall University and honorary doctorates from Seton Hall and Emerson College.