Richard S. Salant

Richard Samuel Salant (April 14, 1914 – February 16, 1993) was a CBS executive from 1952 and president of the CBS News division from 1961 to 1964 and 1966–79. He was noted for the introduction of 60 Minutes and the CBS Morning News and Sunday Morning programs during his tenure and for his quest to shape broadcast journalism integrity in the face of the industry's own tendency to emphasize entertainment content, and in the face of pushback from the Nixon administration regarding unfavorable reporting on the conduct of the US Department of Defense during the Vietnam War era.

Salant first married Rosalind Robb, whom he divorced. In 1953, he married the former Frances Trainer. Salant had three daughters, Linda, Susan, and Priscilla, plus a son, Robb, with his first wife. He had one daughter, Sarah, with his second wife.

Salant was president of CBS News from 1961 to 1964 and from 1966 to 1979. The New York Times credits him with raising professional standards and expanding news programming at CBS. During his tenure, CBS was the first network to expand its weeknight news report from 15 to 30 minutes. Under his leadership, CBS also introduced "60 Minutes" and the "CBS Morning News" and "Sunday Morning" programs. He broadcast the documentary "The Selling of the Pentagon," which "examined the military's manipulation of public opinion and the news media, including CBS". He retained his interest in broadcasting after retirement when he was appointed president and chief executive officer of the National News Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening press freedom and advancement of the fairness and accuracy of journalism.

Recognition 1979: Paul White Award, Radio Television Digital News Association