Roone Arledge

Profession: Sports Broadcasting Pioneer

Nationality:

Biography: President of ABC Sports from 1968 to 1986 and ABC News from 1977 until 1998, Arledge was a key part of the company's rise to equal status with the other two main US television networks, NBC and CBS.

Arledge created many programs still airing today, including "Monday Night Football", "20/20" and "ABC World New Tonight".

Born: July 8, 1931
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: December 5, 2002 (aged 71)
Cause of Death: Prostate cancer

Married Life

1953-12-27 Broadcasting pioneer Roone Arledge (22) weds Joan Heise at St. Frances de Chantal Parish in Wantagh, New York
1975-09-01 Broadcasting pioneer Roone Arledge (44) weds Ann Fowler; divorce in 1985
1994-05-21 ABC Sports President Roone Arledge (62) weds third wife Gigi Shaw

Historical Events

1970-09-21 "Monday Night Football" created by Roone Arledge, premieres on ABC - Browns 31, Jets 21
1978-06-06 US TV news program "20/20", created by Roone Arledge premieres on ABC

Biographies and Sources

Roone Arledge - Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Television Pioneer Roone Arledge - Columbia College Today