New York University. Office of Radio and Television.

In 1952 the Office of Radio and Television was created to oversee the development of University sponsored and produced radio and television programs. In addition to producing educational programs, the Office of Radio and Television advised NYU faculty members on developing their prospective programs. The office also acted as a liaison between NYU and the media. Between 1957 and 1980, the Office of Radio and Television underwent several changes of administrative jurisdiction. The frequent changes of jurisdiction and the addition of new administrative levels led to a complicated chain of command. On April 22, 1957, the Board of Trustees amended the New York University By-Laws to create the Office of Vice President for University Relations and appointed Arthur L. Brandon to the post. Brandon served until 1964 when Thomas P. Robinson succeeded him. In 1957, the Office of Radio and Television was one of several functions placed under the jurisdiction of the Vice President for University Relations. Director of the Office of Radio and Television, Warren A. Kraetzer, became the of vice president's assistants. Ralph Rourke served as Assistant to the Director of the Office of Radio and Television from 1957-1965. In 1960, Thomas J. Brophy succeeded Kraetzer as Director of Radio and Television.

The decade from 1965-1975 witnessed increased administrative influence over Radio and Television activities. In 1965, the administrative jurisdiction of the Office of Radio and Television, along with other public relations functions, transferred to Vice President for University Development, George H. Williams. Paul H. Rader was appointed Director of Public Relations-a new post. Rader supervised public relations functions, including radio and television productions, and reported to Vice President Williams. Although the News Bureau, which included radio and television functions, was under Rader's supervision, it is unclear if the News Bureau Manager, Paul T. Herte, had any control over the Office of Radio and Television. As a result of these administrative changes, the position of Director of Radio and Television disappeared and Thomas Brophy became the Assistant Manager for the Office of Radio and Television. Ralph Rourke's title changed to Producer/Writer.

From the description of Records of the Office of Radio and Television, 1953-1985. (New York University). WorldCat record id: 476095171

The Office of Radio and Television was created in 1952 to oversee the development of University-sponsored and -produced radio and television programs. In addition to producing educational programs, the Office of Radio and Television advised NYU faculty members on developing their prospective programs. The office also acted as a liaison between NYU and the media.

Between 1957 and 1980, the Office of Radio and Television underwent several changes of administrative jurisdiction. On April 22, 1957, the Board of Trustees amended the New York University By-Laws to create the Office of Vice President for University Relations. In 1957, the Office of Radio and Television was one of several functions placed under the jurisdiction of the Vice President for University Relations. The director of the Office of Radio and Television, Warren A. Kraetzer, became one of the vice president's assistants. Ralph Rourke served as assistant to the director of the Office of Radio and Television from 1957-1965. In 1960, Thomas J. Brophy succeeded Kraetzer as Director of Radio and Television.

The decade from 1965-1975 saw increased administrative influence over radio and television activities. In 1965, the administrative jurisdiction of the office along with other public relations functions was transferred to the office of the Vice President for University Development, and the post of Director of Public Relations was created. The Director supervised radio and television productions and reported to the Vice President of University Development. Although the News Bureau, which included radio and television functions, was under the supervision of the Director of Public Relations, it is unclear if the News Bureau manager, Paul T. Herte, had any control over the Office of Radio and Television.

As a result of these administrative changes, the position of Director of Radio and Television disappeared, and Thomas Brophy became the assistant manager for the Office of Radio and Television. Ralph Rourke's title changed to producer/writer.

In the 1970s, the educational and public relations functions of the Radio and Television Office were divided. Brophy became "Sunrise Semester" producer, and Rourke became assistant manager for the new Bureau of Radio and Television, promoting NYU to the media, and arranging radio and television appearances for faculty and administrators.

The Office of Radio and Television underwent a third transfer of administrative jurisdiction in 1975 when a new Senior Vice President for External Affairs was appointed. His responsibilities included supervising the director of public affairs, who oversaw all public relations activities, including radio and television.

From 1975-1980 it is uncertain whether public affairs activities were supervised by a vice president, director or both. In 1975, Michael Blumenfeld is referred to as both "Director of Public Affairs" and "Vice President of Public Affairs."

From the guide to the Records of the Office of Radio and Television, 1953-1985, (New York University Archives)