Who was Thomas W. Sarnoff? NBC Network Executive Dead at 96

Thomas W. Sarnoff was an NBC Network Executive who died at the age of 96. His death occurred on Sunday, June 4, 2023. No cause of death was given. He began his career in the media as a floor manager at ABC in Los Angeles. In 1952, he was hired as an assistant to the Director of Finance and Operations and transitioned to become VP of Production and Business Affairs in 1957.

He also served as Staff Executive VP West Coast and President of NBC Entertainment Corp., from 1965 to 1977. He was reporting to the President of NBC. He negotiated contracts for NBC’s Burbank studio and production deals with network talents like Bob Hope and Col. Tom Parker on behalf of Elvis Presley’s TV specials.

Sarnoff was born into an American media family. His father was the legendary David Sarnoff – a businessman who played an integral role in the American history of radio and television. He led RCA for most of his career in various capacities from shortly after its founding in 1919 until his retirement in 1970.