James H. Rosenfield Sr., a senior CBS executive who helped shape the network during a period of major television success, died on 26 September aged 97. His career spanned two decades at CBS, where he rose to lead the television network and later oversee the group’s main operating divisions.

Rosenfield joined CBS in television sales in the 1960s and was mentored by founder William S. Paley. He retired in 1985, later becoming chief executive of John Blair Communications and founding a media consultancy; he also held several media and philanthropic board roles. He is survived by his partner, two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.