John Backe
American television executive
About John Backe
Lived 1932 – 2015 (aged 83).
John David Backe (July 5, 1932 – October 22, 2015) was an American television executive who served as the President and CEO of CBS from 1977 until 1980. Previously a bomber pilot, Backe helped CBS return to number 1 in the late 1970s before being ousted by CBS' founder, William S. Paley. He died on October 22, 2015, from heart failure. He was 83.
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Important facts
People in John Backe's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Backe's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Backe?
American television executive
When was John Backe born?
John Backe was born on 5 July 1932.
When did John Backe die?
John Backe died on 22 October 2015.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Backe. https://biography.guide/john-backe/
MLA: "John Backe." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-backe/.
Chicago: "John Backe." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-backe/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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