Beating the Odds: The Untold Story Behind the Rise of ABC : The Stars, Struggles, and Egos That Transformed Network Television by the Man Who Made I

A pioneer of broadcasting describes how he built ABC into the number one TV network

In some ways this anecdotal autobiography by ABC mogul Goldenson is disappointing. (He is now chair of the executive committee of ABC and director of Capital Cities/ABC). The editorial device of interrupting the narrative flow with what are called "Other Recollections" by Goldenson associates tends to make reading, and, often, comprehension, difficult. Nevertheless, the persistent reader is rewarded with accounts of dozens of dramatic incidents, as ABC wages a quarter-century battle to gain parity with its giant TV network rivals, CBS and NBC. One learns of the decision making inherent in such trend-setting programming as Roots, Monday Night Football, Soap, and The Fugitive , and of the moves made to bring ABC News to its current pinnacle. In the end, Goldenson, still the corporate gambler at age 80, fends off the Wall Street "sharks" by placing his company under the protective umbrella of Capital Cities. Recommended for libraries with large entertainment collections.
- Chet Hagan, Berks Cty. P.L. System, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.