Daniel Burke (executive)

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For other people named Dan Burke, see Dan Burke (disambiguation).
Daniel Burke
Born(1929-02-04)February 4, 1929
Albany, New York, U.S.
DiedOctober 26, 2011(2011-10-26) (aged 82)
Rye, New York, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Vermont
Harvard University

Daniel Burke (February 4, 1929 – October 26, 2011) was an American television executive.

Biography[]

Originally from Albany, New York, Burke served in the Korean War, later earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont and his MBA from Harvard Business School.[1] He worked for General Foods in Albany for five years after leaving Harvard before joining Capital Cities.[1] In 2011, the Los Angeles Times called Burke one of the "architects of the modern television industry."[1]

Acquisition of the American Broadcasting Company[]

With Capital Cities Chairman Tom Murphy, Burke spearheaded the $3.5 billion acquisition of the American Broadcasting Company in 1986 by Capital Cities, a much smaller company.[1] Burke became President of ABC following the merger, running the daily operations of the television network until his retirement in 1994.[1] Burke and Murphy streamlined ABC's operations and made the network more profitable.[1] One of Burke's three sons, Steve, former head of Comcast, has headed NBCUniversal since 2010.

Philanthropy[]

His philanthropic efforts included serving as Chairman Emeritus of NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and as director of Partnership for a Drug-Free America.[1] He founded a minor league baseball team based in Portland, Maine.[1]

Death[]

Daniel Burke died at aged 82 from complications of diabetes at his home in Rye, New York, on October 26, 2011.[1]

Awards and Honors[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Flint, Joe (2011-10-27). "Daniel Burke dies at 82; former president of Capital Cities/ABC". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
  2. ^ "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". www.achievement.org. American Academy of Achievement.
  3. ^ "Hall of Fame – 2008 Winner – Daniel B. Burke". www.emmys.com. Television Academy.
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