BIOGRAPHY
Reese Schonfeld has been in the broadcast and cable
news business for more than thirty years, helping to
change the direction of news and information programming
in both media.
He
began his career with United Press Movietone News in
1956, advancing to managing editor before becoming Vice
President of United Press International Television News.
In 1975, Schonfeld founded the Independent Television
News Association, the first satellite-delivered
television news service.
In
1979 he helped found the Cable News Network and served
as its first President and Chief Executive. At CNN he
originated and developed the 24 hour news concept. Under
his leadership, CNN grew from a universe of 1.5 million
homes to more than 15 million homes. After leaving CNN,
Schonfeld joined Cablevision Systems in New York where
he developed and oversaw "News Twelve" on Long Island,
the first 24-hour local all news service.
Schonfeld also produced "People Magazine on TV" for CBS
and helped to develop "Newschannel 8" for Allbritton
Communications Company.
Schonfeld then worked with Time Warner in planning the
International Business Channel and in 1993 had designed
and implemented the Medical News Network, an interactive
TV News Service for Whittle Communications. He also
served on the board of Robert Halmi International prior
to its sale to Hallmark
In
1992, Schonfeld began developing the TV FOOD NETWORK
with The Providence Journal Company. The Network
launched on November 23, 1993 with Schonfeld as
President. In 1995 Schonfeld organized the internet team
that launched FoodTV.com. and was named Vice Chairman of
the network. In 1996 the FoodNetwork was sold to Belo
Broadcasting and subsequently resold to the E.W. Scripps
Company. In 1999 Schonfeld sold his interest in the
FoodNetwork to Scripps but continues to consult to both
the FoodNetwork and Belo Broadcasting.
For the past several years, Schonfeld has been actively
involved in the internet. In 1996 he advised the
founders of Auto-by-Tel; he now continues to develop
projects for cable and television, while serving on the
board of
Minutemeals.com Inc., which publishes
MyFoodDirectory.com.
Schonfeld has recently completed his memoirs, "Me and
Ted Against the World," detailing the creation and
course of CNN. Me and Ted was published by HarperCollins
in February 2001.
Schonfeld is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds
an M.A. and a law degree from Columbia University.
----------------
© 2001 Reese Schonfeld
Updated 1/29/01
