Talk:Bob Wright/Archives/2016

Page contents not supported in other languages.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

New photo and Career section

Hi all! I'm back to present some additional updates to consider for this page. First off, I've uploaded File: Bob Wright profile photo.png to Wikimedia Commons that can be used in the infobox. Secondly, I created a draft of a new Career section that will help better structure this article. More details and reasoning below.

There are some issues in the current article:

  • The article is broken up into 2 main sections: Biography, which includes everything from Mr. Wright's career to personal life; and Awards
  • Sourcing in Biography is spotty; there are only 5 in-line citations used in 10 paragraphs of text
  • There is no real flow to the narrative; the Early life and career subsection begins with the same information as the following subsection, NBC, and then moves backward

In my draft, you'll see:

  • I stuck to verifiable facts that are sourced to independent, third-party sources
  • The Career section is split into 4
    • Early career deals with Mr. Wright's time at General Electric and Cox Cable, providing more information on these early roles
    • NBC and NBCUniversal is a well-sourced look at Mr. Wright's career with the media company, including his fight against digital piracy
    • Lee Equity Partners is a brief look at one of Mr. Wright's more current roles
    • Boards and affiliations contains only Mr. Wright's current board memberships and affiliations
  • I eliminated biased language, such as instances where the article says Mr. Wright turned NBC into a "global media powerhouse"
  • I eliminated bold statements that carried no citations, such as "During Wright's tenure, NBC was GE's most successful business, enjoying double-digit compounded annual growth in operating profit"
Career
Career
Early career

Wright began his career with General Electric as a staff lawyer in 1969.[1] The following year, he left GE to take a judicial clerkship for a federal judge in New Jersey.[2][3] Wright joined GE again in 1973 as a lawyer for the company's plastics unit, where he later took on several management positions.[3] GE made a deal to acquire radio, broadcast TV and cable properties[4][5] of Atlanta, Georgia-based Cox Communications in 1979[6] and appointed Wright as Cox Cable president[2] and executive vice president of Cox Broadcasting.[7] The deal did not come to fruition, however Wright remained with Cox Cable as president until 1983.[2][7] Under Wright's leadership, Cox Cable launched franchises across the U.S., including franchises in Omaha, Nebraska, Tucson, Arizona, New Orleans, Louisiana, Vancouver, Washington, suburbs near Chicago, Illinois, and Providence, Rhode Island, and a portion of Long Island, New York.[8] Wright was a contemporary of Ted Turner (Turner Broadcasting Systems), John Malone (TCI), Chuck Dolan (Cablevision Systems) and Ralph J. Roberts (Comcast) during the early days of cable television.[9] Wright left Cox to join GE once again in 1983, when GE chairman and CEO Jack Welch hired him to lead the company's housewares and audio units.[2] He was promoted to president of GE Financial Services[7][10] from 1984 to 1986.[3]

NBC and NBCUniversal

GE named Wright the president and CEO of NBC Broadcasting when the company acquired the broadcast network in 1986.[11][12] He succeeded Grant Tinker in the role.[2] He became chairman and CEO of NBC in 2001.[12] He was named chairman and CEO of NBCUniversal in 2004.[12]

Upon succeeding Tinker, Wright's main mission became finding new areas of business in addition to running a television network,[13] and transformed the network into a media conglomerate.[14] NBC launched CNBC in 1989 and MSNBC in 1996.[15] Both are examples of the strategic partnerships NBC created under Wright to improve distribution and content.[16] CNBC included a partnership with Dow Jones allowing delivery of local business and financial news in Europe and Asia; and MSNBC was a venture with Microsoft that launched a new 24-hour news network and accompanying news website to combine the two mediums.[10][17][18]

Wright is credited with leading NBC during a time when the company became a powerful media leader, driving the company to record earnings in the 1990s.[19] The network reported $5 billion in revenues and nearly more $1 billion in operating profits in 1996.[19] Also under Wright, NBC acquired Universal Pictures, Telemundo[15] and Bravo.[20]

In the early- and mid-90s, Wright and NBC led efforts to persuade lawmakers and regulators to relax rules preventing networks from becoming multichannel program providers,[21] obtaining certain financial interests and syndication.[22]

General Electric named Wright as vice chairman of NBC's then-parent company in 2000.[1]

Under Wright, NBC completed its acquisition of Vivendi Universal Entertainment in 2004.[23] Led by Wright, the newly formed NBCUniversal controlled seven cable stations, including USA Network and SyFy (then-known as the Sci-Fi Channel); 29 TV stations; film and TV studios; and theme parks.[23]

During his career with NBC, Wright was active in opposing digital piracy and was a founding member of the Global Leadership Group for the Business Alliance to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy. In that role, Wright spoke at the Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy in Geneva, Switzerland, pushing for lawmakers and businesses to curb rising intellectual property theft in the digital age,[24] and delivered a speech titled "Technology and the Rule of Law in the Digital Age" at the Media Institute in 2004.[25] He also penned an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal titled "Stop IP theft".[26] Wright's speech at the Media Institute was published in the Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy.[27] His 2002 speech for the Legatus Tri-State Chapter on issues of faith and business was reprinted in 50 High-Impact Speeches and Remarks.[28]

Wright retired from NBC in 2007.[29] When Wright first took the helm at the network, it saw operating profits of $400 million.[2] In 2007, when he retired, NBC generated $3.1 billion in profit on $15.4 billion in revenue.[30] He remained vice chairman of GE until his retirement from that role in 2008.[31]

Lee Equity Partners

Lee Equity Partners, a private equity firm run by financier Thomas H. Lee, announed in January 2008 that Wright would join the company as a senior advisor.[15] Due to Wright's background with GE Financial Services and NBC, Wright was brought on to advise in media and financial sector deals.[15][32]

Boards and affiliations
Wright has served on numerous boards, councils and committees. As of February 2016, he sits on the board of directors for Polo Ralph Lauren;[33] Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy group he co-founded with his wife, Suzanne;[34] AMC Networks;[35] Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation;[36] and Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians & Jews.[37] He is chairman and CEO of Palm Beach Civic Association.[38] He is a life trustee of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital.[39]

References

  1. ^ a b "GE names NBC president vice chairman". Bloomberg News. 29 July 2000. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Taylor III, Alex (16 March 1987). "GE's hard driver at NBC". Fortune. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  3. ^ a b c "Executive Profile: Robert C. Wright". Bloomberg. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  4. ^ Egan, Jack (6 October 1978). "GE and Cox Broadcasting plan merger". The Washington Post. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  5. ^ Jones, William H. (27 February 1979). "Mutual agrees to buy N.Y. radio station". The Washington Post. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  6. ^ Fabrikant, Geraldine (13 December 1992). "For NBC, hard times and miscues". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  7. ^ a b c Sharbutt, Jay (22 August 1986). "Wright seen as next NBC chief". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  8. ^ "Cox Cable's Wright: Building the future" (PDF). Broadcasting Now. 1 November 1982. p. 87. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  9. ^ "The Hauser Oral and Video History Project: Bob Wright". CableCenter.org. 15 May 2007. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  10. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference PBS07 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Siklos, Richard; Holson, Laura M. (8 August 2005). "NBC Universal aims to be prettiest feather in G.E.'s cap". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  12. ^ a b c Ensher, Ellen A.; Murphy, Susan E. (2011). Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges Get the Most of Their Relationships. John Wiley & Sons. p. 71. ISBN 9781118046876.
  13. ^ Boyer, Peter J. (6 June 1988). "NBC Tries a Quieter Way Of Breaking Into Cable TV". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  14. ^ "Ex-NBC head Wright joins Lee Equity". Los Angeles Times. 1 February 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  15. ^ a b c d "Ex-NBC chair to join Lee Equity Partners". The New York Times. 31 January 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  16. ^ Mermigas, Diane (4 December 2000). "NBC continues to thrive in GE's world". Electronic Media (Crain Communications). p. 38.
  17. ^ Sherman, Alex; Bass, Dina (16 July 2012). "MSNBC website renamed NBCNews.com after Microsoft split". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  18. ^ Jones, Tim (9 June 1996). "NBC prepares for '90s, and beyond". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  19. ^ a b Gunther, Marc (3 February 1997). "How GE made NBC No. 1". Fortune. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  20. ^ Hofmeister, Sallie (5 November 2002). "NBC to add new content to Bravo". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  21. ^ Wharton, Dennis (29 March 1994). "Wright set to argue for easing regs". Variety. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  22. ^ Flint, Joe (17 January 1994). "Facing the facts of life in a post fin-syn world". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  23. ^ a b Carter, Bill (13 May 2004). "Deal compete, NBC is planning to cross-market". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  24. ^ Cendrowicz, Leo (31 January 2007). "NBC's Wright" Put anti-piracy at top of agenda". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  25. ^ "Media Institute Speeches". Media Institute. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  26. ^ Wright, Bob (8 November 2005). "Stop IP theft". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  27. ^ Wright, Bob (2005). "Technology and the Role of Law in the Digital Age". Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy. 19 (2): 705-710. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  28. ^ Kador, John (2004). 50 High-Impact Speeches and Remarks. New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 121-128. ISBN 0-07-142194-7.
  29. ^ Lowry, Brian (25 April 2013). "Former NBC topper Bob Wright stayed ahead of the curve on biz changes". Variety. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  30. ^ "Chief executive says GE won't sell NBC Universal". The Associated Press. 12 March 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  31. ^ "Notice of 2008 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statements" (PDF). General Electric. 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  32. ^ Kouwe, Zachery (1 February 2008). "Bob Wright to advise on media for buyout big". New York Post. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  33. ^ "Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL)". Reuters. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  34. ^ Michelle Diament (5 May 2015). "Autism Speaks sees leadership change". Disability Scoop. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  35. ^ "AMC Networks Inc. (AMCX)". Reuters. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  36. ^ "Board of directors". Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  37. ^ "Who we are". Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians & Jews. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  38. ^ "Directors and members". Palm Beach Civic Association. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  39. ^ Cite error: The named reference NewYorkPresbyterian was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
Markup


==Career==
===Early career===
Wright began his career with [[General Electric]] as a [[lawyer|staff lawyer]] in 1969.<ref name=BloombergNews00>{{cite news |title=GE names NBC president vice chairman |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2000/jul/29/business/fi-61059 |agency=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=29 July 2000 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> The following year, he left GE to take a judicial clerkship for a federal judge in New Jersey.<ref name=Taylor87>{{cite news |title=GE's hard driver at NBC |last1=Taylor III |first1=Alex |last2= |first2= |url=http://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1987/03/16/68774/index.htm |magazine=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=16 March 1987 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref><ref name=BloombergProfile>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=394043&privcapId=29532784 |title=Executive Profile: Robert C. Wright |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Bloomberg]] |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> Wright joined GE again in 1973 as a lawyer for the company's plastics unit, where he later took on several management positions.<ref name=BloombergProfile/> GE made a deal to acquire radio, broadcast TV and cable properties<ref name=Egan>{{cite news |title=GE and Cox Broadcasting plan merger |last1=Egan |first1=Jack |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1978/10/06/ge-and-cox-broad-casting-plan-merger/d3742b3b-f01c-4439-8995-c6024e34cf2c/ |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=6 October 1978 |accessdate=14 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=Jones79>{{cite news |title=Mutual agrees to buy N.Y. radio station |last1=Jones |first1=William H. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1979/02/27/mutual-agrees-to-buy-ny-radio-station/6210bb55-e8fd-40f5-a6cd-4bc04710678a/ |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=27 February 1979 |accessdate=14 March 2016}}</ref> of [[Atlanta, Georgia]]-based [[Cox Communications]] in 1979<ref name=Frabrikant92>{{cite news |title=For NBC, hard times and miscues |last1=Fabrikant |first1=Geraldine |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/13/business/for-nbc-hard-times-and-miscues.html?pagewanted=all |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=13 December 1992 |accessdate=14 March 2016}}</ref> and appointed Wright as Cox Cable president<ref name=Taylor87/> and executive vice president of Cox Broadcasting.<ref name=Sharbutt86>{{cite news |title=Wright seen as next NBC chief |last1=Sharbutt |first1=Jay |last2= |first2= |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1986-08-22/business/fi-16988_1_nbc-wright-chief |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=22 August 1986 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> The deal did not come to fruition, however Wright remained with Cox Cable as president until 1983.<ref name=Taylor87/><ref name=Sharbutt86/> Under Wright's leadership, Cox Cable launched franchises across the U.S., including franchises in [[Omaha, Nebraska]], [[Tucson, Arizona]], [[New Orleans, Louisiana]], [[Vancouver, Washington]], suburbs near [[Chicago, Illinois]], and [[Providence, Rhode Island]], and a portion of [[Long Island, New York]].<ref name=Broadcasting82>{{cite news |title=Cox Cable's Wright: Building the future |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-11-01.pdf |page=87 |newspaper=Broadcasting Now |date=1 November 1982 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> Wright was a contemporary of [[Ted Turner]] ([[Turner Broadcasting Systems]]), [[John Malone]] ([[TCI]]), [[Chuck Dolan]] ([[Cablevision Systems]]) and [[Ralph J. Roberts]] ([[Comcast]]) during the early days of cable television.<ref name=CableCenter>{{cite web |url=http://cablecenter.org/w-z-listings/bob-wright.html |title=The Hauser Oral and Video History Project: Bob Wright |author= |date=15 May 2007 |work= |publisher=CableCenter.org |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> Wright left Cox to join GE once again in 1983, when GE chairman and CEO [[Jack Welch]] hired him to lead the company's housewares and audio units.<ref name=Taylor87/> He was promoted to president of GE Financial Services<ref name=Sharbutt86/><ref name=PBS07/> from 1984 to 1986.<ref name=BloombergProfile/>

===NBC and NBCUniversal===
GE named Wright the president and CEO of [[NBC|NBC Broadcasting]] when the company acquired the [[broadcast network]] in 1986.<ref name=Siklos05>{{cite news |title=NBC Universal aims to be prettiest feather in G.E.'s cap |last1=Siklos |first1=Richard |last2=Holson |first2=Laura M. |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/08/business/nbc-universal-aims-to-be-prettiest-feather-in-ges-cap.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=8 August 2005 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref><ref name=Ensher11>{{cite book |last1=Ensher |first1=Ellen A. |last2=Murphy |first2=Susan E. |date=2011 |title=Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges Get the Most of Their Relationships |url= |location= |publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]] |page=71 |isbn=9781118046876}}</ref> He succeeded [[Grant Tinker]] in the role.<ref name=Taylor87/> He became chairman and CEO of NBC in 2001.<ref name=Ensher11/> He was named chairman and CEO of [[NBCUniversal]] in 2004.<ref name=Ensher11/>

Upon succeeding Tinker, Wright's main mission became finding new areas of business in addition to running a television network,<ref name=Boyer88>{{cite news |title=NBC Tries a Quieter Way Of Breaking Into Cable TV |last1=Boyer |first1=Peter J. |last2= |first2= |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/06/business/the-media-business-television-nbc-tries-a-quieter-way-of-breaking-into-cable-tv.html?ref=robertcwright |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=6 June 1988 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> and transformed the network into a media conglomerate.<ref name=James08>{{cite news |title=Ex-NBC head Wright joins Lee Equity |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/feb/01/business/fi-wright1 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=1 February 2008 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> NBC launched [[CNBC]] in 1989 and [[MSNBC]] in 1996.<ref name=Dealbook08>{{cite news |title=Ex-NBC chair to join Lee Equity Partners |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |url=http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/ex-nbc-chair-to-join-lee-equity-partners/?_r=2 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=31 January 2008 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> Both are examples of the strategic partnerships NBC created under Wright to improve distribution and content.<ref name=Mermigas00>{{cite news |title=NBC continues to thrive in GE's world |last1=Mermigas |first1=Diane |last2= |first2= |url= |magazine=Electronic Media (Crain Communications) |page=38 |date=4 December 2000 |accessdate=}}</ref> CNBC included a partnership with [[Dow Jones]] allowing delivery of local business and financial news in Europe and Asia; and MSNBC was a venture with [[Microsoft]] that launched a new 24-hour news network and accompanying news website to combine the two mediums.<ref name=PBS07/><ref name=Sherman12>{{cite news |title=MSNBC website renamed NBCNews.com after Microsoft split |last1=Sherman |first1=Alex |last2=Bass |first2=Dina |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-07-16/msnbc-website-renamed-nbcnews-com-after-microsoft-split |newspaper=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=16 July 2012 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref><ref name=Jones96>{{cite news |title=NBC prepares for '90s, and beyond |last1=Jones |first1=Tim |last2= |first2= |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-06-09/business/9606090261_1_president-andrew-lack-cable-nbc |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=9 June 1996 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref>

Wright is credited with leading NBC during a time when the company became a powerful media leader, driving the company to record earnings in the 1990s.<ref name=Gunther97>{{cite news |title=How GE made NBC No. 1 |last1=Gunther |first1=Marc |last2= |first2= |url=http://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1997/02/03/221549/index.htm |magazine=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=3 February 1997 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> The network reported $5 billion in revenues and nearly more $1 billion in operating profits in 1996.<ref name=Gunther97/> Also under Wright, NBC acquired [[Universal Pictures]], [[Telemundo]]<ref name=Dealbook08/> and Bravo.<ref name=Hofmeister02>{{cite news |title=NBC to add new content to Bravo |last1=Hofmeister |first1=Sallie |last2= |first2= |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2002/nov/05/business/fi-bravo5 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=5 November 2002 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref>

In the early- and mid-90s, Wright and NBC led efforts to persuade lawmakers and regulators to relax rules preventing networks from becoming multichannel program providers,<ref name=Wharton94>{{cite news |title=Wright set to argue for easing regs |last1=Wharton |first1=Dennis |last2= |first2= |url=http://variety.com/1994/tv/news/wright-set-to-argue-for-easing-regs-119737/ |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=29 March 1994 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> obtaining certain financial interests and syndication.<ref name=Flint94>{{cite news |title=Facing the facts of life in a post fin-syn world |last1=Flint |first1=Joe |last2= |first2= |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-14737462.html |newspaper=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=17 January 1994 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref>

General Electric named Wright as vice chairman of NBC's then-parent company in 2000.<ref name=BloombergNews00/>

Under Wright, NBC completed its acquisition of Vivendi Universal Entertainment in 2004.<ref name=Carter04>{{cite news |title=Deal compete, NBC is planning to cross-market |last1=Carter |first1=Bill |last2= |first2= |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/13/business/the-media-business-deal-complete-nbc-is-planning-to-cross-market.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=13 May 2004 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> Led by Wright, the newly formed NBCUniversal controlled seven cable stations, including [[USA Network]] and [[SyFy]] (then-known as the Sci-Fi Channel); 29 TV stations; film and TV studios; and theme parks.<ref name=Carter04/>

During his career with NBC, Wright was active in opposing digital piracy and was a founding member of the Global Leadership Group for the Business Alliance to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy. In that role, Wright spoke at the Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy in [[Geneva, Switzerland]], pushing for lawmakers and businesses to curb rising [[intellectual property theft]] in the [[digital age]],<ref name=Cendrowicz97>{{cite news |title=NBC's Wright" Put anti-piracy at top of agenda |last1=Cendrowicz |first1=Leo |last2= |first2= |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcs-wright-put-anti-piracy-129075 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=31 January 2007 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> and delivered a speech titled "Technology and the Rule of Law in the Digital Age" at the Media Institute in 2004.<ref name=MediaInstitute04>{{cite web|title=Media Institute Speeches|url=http://www.mediainstitute.org/Banquet2004/Wright_2004BanquetSpeech.php|website=Media Institute|accessdate=9 January 2016}}</ref> He also penned an [[op-ed]] in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' titled "Stop IP theft".<ref name=WrightWSJ05>{{cite news |title=Stop IP theft |last1=Wright |first1=Bob |last2= |first2= |url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB113141674959790815 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=8 November 2005 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> Wright's speech at the Media Institute was published in the Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy.<ref name=Wright05>{{cite journal|last1=Wright|first1=Bob|title=Technology and the Role of Law in the Digital Age|journal=Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy.|date=2005|volume=19|issue=2|page=705-710|url=http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndjlepp/vol19/iss2/16|accessdate=11 January 2016}}</ref> His 2002 speech for the Legatus Tri-State Chapter on issues of faith and business was reprinted in ''50 High-Impact Speeches and Remarks.''<ref name=Kador04>{{cite book|last1=Kador|first1=John|title=50 High-Impact Speeches and Remarks|date=2004|publisher=McGraw-Hill|location=New York|isbn=0-07-142194-7|page=121-128}}</ref>

Wright retired from NBC in 2007.<ref name=Lowry13>{{cite news |title=Former NBC topper Bob Wright stayed ahead of the curve on biz changes |last1=Lowry |first1=Brian |last2= |first2= |url=http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/former-nbc-topper-bob-wright-stayed-ahead-of-the-curve-on-biz-changes-1200412724/ |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=25 April 2013 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> When Wright first took the helm at the network, it saw operating profits of $400 million.<ref name=Taylor87/> In 2007, when he retired, NBC generated $3.1 billion in profit on $15.4 billion in revenue.<ref name=AP08>{{cite news |title=Chief executive says GE won't sell NBC Universal |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/mar/12/business/fi-ge12 |agency=[[The Associated Press]] |date=12 March 2008 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> He remained vice chairman of GE until his retirement from that role in 2008.<ref name=Proxy08>{{cite web |url=https://www.ge.com/sites/default/files/ge_proxy2008.pdf |title=Notice of 2008 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statements |author= |date=2008 |work= |publisher=[[General Electric]] |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref>

===Lee Equity Partners===
[[Lee Equity Partners]], a [[private equity firm]] run by [[financier]] [[Thomas H. Lee]], announed in January 2008 that Wright would join the company as a senior advisor.<ref name=Dealbook08/> Due to Wright's background with GE Financial Services and NBC, Wright was brought on to advise in media and financial sector deals.<ref name=Dealbook08/><ref name=Kouwe08>{{cite news |title=Bob Wright to advise on media for buyout big |last1=Kouwe |first1=Zachery |last2= |first2= |url=http://nypost.com/2008/02/01/bob-wright-to-advise-on-media-for-buyout-big/ |newspaper=[[New York Post]] |date=1 February 2008 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref>

===Boards and affiliations===

Wright has served on numerous boards, councils and committees. As of February 2016, he sits on the board of directors for [[Polo Ralph Lauren]];<ref name="ReutersRalphLauren>{{cite web |url=http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyOfficers?symbol=RL |title=Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Reuters]] |accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref> [[Autism Speaks]], an autism advocacy group he co-founded with his wife, Suzanne;<ref name=Diament15>{{cite web |url=https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/05/05/autism-speaks-leadership/20269/ |title=Autism Speaks sees leadership change |author=Michelle Diament |date=5 May 2015 |work= |publisher=Disability Scoop |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> [[AMC Networks]];<ref name=ReutersAMCNetworks>{{cite web |url=http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyOfficers?symbol=AMCX.OQ |title=AMC Networks Inc. (AMCX) |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Reuters]] |accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref> Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation;<ref name=SmithFoundation>{{cite web |url=http://www.alsmithfoundation.org/board-of-directors/ |title=Board of directors |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> and Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians & Jews.<ref name=PalmBeachFellowship>{{cite web |url=http://www.palmbeachfellowship.net/who-we-are/leadership/ |title=Who we are |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians & Jews |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> He is chairman and CEO of Palm Beach Civic Association.<ref name=PalmBeachCivic>{{cite web |url=https://palmbeachcivic.org/directors |title=Directors and members |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Palm Beach Civic Association |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> He is a life trustee of the [[New York-Presbyterian Hospital]].<ref name=NewYorkPresbyterian/>

Now, the current Biography section that encapsulates Mr. Wright's career also contains information on his personal life, his book and his co-founding of Autism Speaks. These are all things I will incorporate into drafts in the near future. For the time being, if my draft for the Career section is acceptable, and can be added, I'd suggest retaining those details within Biography. Ie. adding the new Career draft, then removing all info from Biography except the Autism Speaks details and and personal life info.

I would very much appreciate it if anyone can review and add the Career section and the also add the new photo to the article. Happy to respond to any questions here. Many thanks! 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 17:09, 18 March 2016 (UTC)

Pinging to see if Omni Flames would be interested to look at this request, since they assisted with the above request. (Based on User:Zeke Essiestudy's user page note, it sounds like this current request might be a bit more complex than they're used to looking at, which is why I'm just pinging Omni.) Thanks in advance. 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 18:10, 29 March 2016 (UTC)
@16912 Rhiannon: Well sourced, fairly neutral, looks good to me. I'll add the section and I've also added the image, which will definitely help the article. Thanks for that. — Omni Flames (talk contribs) 21:14, 29 March 2016 (UTC)
Many thanks, Omni Flames, for your review and updating the article with the draft and image! I do have a few more suggestions for improving this page, so if you don't mind too much I may ping you again once those are ready to share. Thanks again, 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 01:30, 30 March 2016 (UTC)

New Bibliography section

Hi Omni Flames and any others who might be watching and interested, I am back with another suggestion for this article. This is just a quick one: I have put together a short Bibliography section that could be added following Career to note Mr. Wright's published works.

Bibliography
Bibliography
  • Wright, Bob; Mermigas, Diane (2016). The Wright Stuff: From NBC to Autism Speaks. RosettaBooks. ISBN 978-0795346927.
Markup

==Bibliography==

*{{cite book |last1=Wright |first1=Bob |last2=Mermigas |first2=Diane |date=2016 |title=The Wright Stuff: From NBC to Autism Speaks |publisher=RosettaBooks |isbn=978-0795346927}}

As noted previously, due to my paid COI (I am here on behalf of Mr. Wright via publisher Hilsinger Mendelson as part of my work at Beutler Ink), I will not make edits to this page and am proposing these changes here for discussion and for other editors to review. I would very much appreciate it if editors watching this page could review and add the Bibliography section. I have a few more suggestions coming shortly. Many thanks! 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 16:40, 30 March 2016 (UTC)

@16912 Rhiannon: So what is it that you're proposing, exactly? All I can see is a reference, is that what you want to be added to the page? — Omni Flames (talk contribs) 08:12, 31 March 2016 (UTC)
@Omni Flames: Yes, that is indeed what I'm suggesting: A Bibliography section header followed by the {{cite book}} template. Check out the Bibliography section to the Tina Fey article. That's what I'm thinking, per #9 in the WikiProject Biography Tips for writing biographies. Of course, if there's another way to include this that would be more appropriate, I'd be open to that. Thanks! 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 15:43, 31 March 2016 (UTC)
@16912 Rhiannon: Ah, I see! Seems simple enough, will do :) — Omni Flames (talk contribs) 05:48, 1 April 2016 (UTC)
@Omni Flames: Thanks so much for adding Bibliography. I will have more suggestions very shortly if you're interested. Thanks! 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 19:44, 1 April 2016 (UTC)

New Early life and education section

Hi again! I'm back with another proposed addition: an Early life and education section to be included before the Career section. This proposed draft is fairly short and to-the-point. It includes Mr. Wright's birthdate and birthplace, his family and the schools he attended. Again, I am working on behalf of Mr. Wright via HMI as part of my work at Beutler Ink. With my COI in mind, I am proposing these changes here for discussion and for other editors to review.

Early life and education
Early life and education

Wright was born on April 23, 1943, in Hempstead, New York, on Long Island,[1] the only child of Catherine Drum Wright and Gerald Franklin Wright.[2] After graduating from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, Wright enrolled at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.[1] He originally studied pre-med but later changed his studies to major in psychology and minor in history.[1] He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965.[1] He earned an LL.B from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1968.[3]

  1. ^ a b c d Michael Reardon (2005). "The Profile: Robert C. Wright '65". Holy Cross Magazine. College of the Holy Cross. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  2. ^ Wright, Bob; Mermigas, Diane (2016). The Wright Stuff: From NBC to Autism Speaks. RosettaBooks. p. 3. ISBN 978-0795346927.
  3. ^ Wright, Bob (2003), "No profession is more honorable than the law" (PDF), UVALawyer, p. 69, retrieved 8 February 2016
Markup

==Early life and education==

Wright was born on April 23, 1943, in [[Hempstead, New York]], on [[Long Island]],<ref name=HolyCross/> the only child of Catherine Drum Wright and Gerald Franklin Wright.<ref name=Wright16>{{cite book |last1=Wright |first1=Bob |last2=Mermigas |first2=Diane |date=2016 |title=The Wright Stuff: From NBC to Autism Speaks |publisher=RosettaBooks |page=3 |isbn=978-0795346927}}</ref> After graduating from [[Chaminade High School]] in [[Mineola, New York]], Wright enrolled at the [[College of the Holy Cross]] in [[Worcester, Massachusetts]].<ref name=HolyCross/> He originally studied [[pre-medical|pre-med]] but later changed his studies to major in [[psychology]] and minor in [[history]].<ref name=HolyCross/> He graduated with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in 1965.<ref name=HolyCross/> He earned an [[Bachelor of Laws|LL.B]] from the [[University of Virginia School of Law]] in 1968.<ref name=UVALawyer>{{Citation |last=Wright |first=Bob |title=No profession is more honorable than the law |magazine=UVALawyer |pages=69 |year=2003 |url=https://www.law.virginia.edu/pdf/UVALawyerSpring03.pdf |access-date=8 February 2016}}</ref>

If this looks OK, can someone add this Early life and education section? Thanks! 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 19:51, 1 April 2016 (UTC)

Quick ping note to Omni Flames to see if they'd be interested to take a look at this request given their help before. Thanks, 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 21:21, 6 April 2016 (UTC)
 Done Thanks for your contributions! — Omni Flames (talk contribs) 22:35, 7 April 2016 (UTC)
Thanks for your review and adding this to the article! 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 14:18, 8 April 2016 (UTC)

New Autism Speaks section

Hi all! Here with a proposed Autism Speaks section to add to the article. Until recently, Mr. Wright's role as co-founder of Autism Speaks was mentioned in two sentences scattered in the article: one in an Early life and career section, and another in Personal life. Being such a large organization and a high-profile role in Mr. Wright's life, I'd like to suggest Autism Speaks could be handled in a section of its own following the existing Career section. Again, I'm also pinging Omni Flames, who has helped with previous requests, though of course any other editors watching would be welcome to provide feedback!

Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks

One of Wright's grandchildren, Christian, was diagnosed with autism, prompting him and his wife, Suzanne, to found an advocacy group.[1] The couple launched Autism Speaks in 2005 and Wright became its chairman.[1] The Wrights' organization merged with Autism Coalition for Research and Education in 2005, National Alliance for Autism Research in 2006 and Cure Autism Now in 2007.[2][3] In its first 9 years, Autism Speaks invested a half-billion dollars, focusing on science and research.[1] The organization helped persuade the U.S. government to invest billions in autism research;[4] as of 2014, Congress had dedicated more than $3 billion for autism research and monitoring.[1] During Wright's tenure, the organization teamed up with Google in 2014 on the MSSNG project to sequence a database of autism genomes.[5][6] Wright resigned as chairman of Autism Speaks in May 2015; as of February 2016, he remained on the board as a co-founder of the organization and on its executive committee.[7][8]

References
  1. ^ a b c d McKenna, Josephine (21 November 2014). "Pope Francis tackles autism as families seek hope and support". Deseret News. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  2. ^ "Bob Wright". Cable Center. 2007. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  3. ^ "Autism Speaks". philanthropynewsdigest.org. Foundation Center. 15 April 2008. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  4. ^ Lowry, Bob (25 April 2013). "Former NBC topper Bob Wright stayed ahead of the curve on biz changes". Variety. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  5. ^ Lee, Hailey (6 November 2014). "Ex-NBC chief Bob Wright paves way for autism research". CNBC. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  6. ^ "'MSSNG' project, partnership between Autism Speaks and Google for autism research, has official launch". ABC News. 9 December 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  7. ^ Michelle Diament (5 May 2015). "Autism Speaks sees leadership change". Disability Scoop. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  8. ^ "Board members". Autism Speaks. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
Markup

==Autism Speaks==
{{see also|Autism Speaks}}

One of Wright's grandchildren, Christian, was diagnosed with [[autism]], prompting him and his wife, Suzanne, to found an advocacy group.<ref name=McKenna14>{{cite news |title=Pope Francis tackles autism as families seek hope and support |last1=McKenna |first1=Josephine |last2= |first2= |url=http://national.deseretnews.com/article/2839/pope-francis-tackles-autism-as-families-seek-hope-and-support.html |agency=[[Deseret News]] |date=21 November 2014 |accessdate=29 February 2016}}</ref> The couple launched [[Autism Speaks]] in 2005 and Wright became its chairman.<ref name=McKenna14/> The Wrights' organization merged with Autism Coalition for Research and Education in 2005, National Alliance for Autism Research in 2006 and Cure Autism Now in 2007.<ref name=CableCenterBio>{{cite web |url=http://cablecenter.org/support-the-center/donor-recognition/13-support-us/521-about-the-cable-center-about-the-cable-center-support-the-center-how-to-support-the-cable-center-gift-in-kind-honor-roll.html |title=Bob Wright |author= |date=2007 |work= |publisher=Cable Center |accessdate=29 February 2016}}</ref><ref name=PhilanthropyNewsDigest>{{cite web |url=http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/npo-spotlight/autism-speaks |title=Autism Speaks |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=15 April 2008 |website=philanthropynewsdigest.org |publisher=[[Foundation Center]] |access-date=29 February 2016}}</ref> In its first 9 years, Autism Speaks invested a half-billion dollars, focusing on science and research.<ref name=McKenna14/> The organization helped persuade the U.S. government to invest billions in autism research;<ref name="Lowry13">{{cite news |title=Former NBC topper Bob Wright stayed ahead of the curve on biz changes |last1=Lowry |first1=Bob |last2= |first2= |url=http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/former-nbc-topper-bob-wright-stayed-ahead-of-the-curve-on-biz-changes-1200412724/ |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=25 April 2013 |accessdate=29 February 2016}}</ref> as of 2014, Congress had dedicated more than $3 billion for autism research and monitoring.<ref name=McKenna14/> During Wright's tenure, the organization teamed up with [[Google]] in 2014 on the MSSNG project to sequence a database of autism [[genomes]].<ref name=Lee14>{{cite news |title=Ex-NBC chief Bob Wright paves way for autism research |last1=Lee |first1=Hailey |last2= |first2= |url=http://www.cnbc.com/2014/11/06/ex-nbc-chief-bob-wright-paves-way-for-autism-research.html |newspaper=[[CNBC]] |date=6 November 2014 |accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref><ref name=ABC14>{{cite news |title='MSSNG' project, partnership between Autism Speaks and Google for autism research, has official launch |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Health/mssng-project-partnership-autism-speaks-google-autism-research/story?id=27460433 |newspaper=[[ABC News]] |date=9 December 2014 |accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref> Wright resigned as chairman of Autism Speaks in May 2015; as of February 2016, he remained on the board as a co-founder of the organization and on its executive committee.<ref name=Diament15>{{cite web |url=https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/05/05/autism-speaks-leadership/20269/ |title=Autism Speaks sees leadership change |author=Michelle Diament |date=5 May 2015 |work= |publisher=Disability Scoop |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="AutismSpeaks">{{cite web |url=https://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us/board-directors |title=Board members |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Autism Speaks]] |accessdate=29 February 2016}}</ref>

As a reminder to reviewing editors, I have a COI as I'm here on behalf of Mr. Wright as part of my work at Beutler Ink, so I'm proposing these changes here for discussion and review. Can someone add Autism Speaks to the article if this looks OK? If any adjustments are needed to the proposed text, I'm more than happy to discuss.

After this request, I will have suggestions to clean up the Awards section, re-establish a Personal life section and update the introduction to better reflect the article after recent changes. Thanks! 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 13:33, 11 April 2016 (UTC)

 Done TimothyJosephWood 19:11, 18 April 2016 (UTC)

Thanks so much for your review and adding this into the article, TimothyJosephWood! I have a few small requests still to come and I'm aiming to wrap them all up into one note. I hope editors who've helped here so far will be able to assist with those finishing touches! Thanks again, 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 13:43, 19 April 2016 (UTC)

Updating Awards and new Personal life section

Hi again! I'm back with a few more proposals to improve this article. Both of the drafts are short and pretty straight forward, and the other suggestion is a very quick formatting fix. Seeing as I have a COI (as noted previously, I am here on behalf of Bob Wright via publisher HMI, as part of my work with Beutler Ink), I ask other editors to review the changes and update the article if they approve.

Awards section

First, I'd like to suggest replacing the existing Awards section, which is a bulleted list of accomplishments. My draft below puts this information in paragraph form and updates with independent, third-party sourcing where possible.

Honors and awards
Honors and awards

Wright has accepted various awards and honors during his career in media. He was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 1996,[1] the Cable Center's Cable Hall of Fame in 2007[2] and AAF's Advertising Hall of Fame in 2009.[3] He received the "Gold Medal Award" from International Radio & Television Society Foundation in 1997,[4] the "Steven J. Ross Humanitarian of the Year Award" of UJA-Federation of New York in 1998,[5][6] "Public Service Award" from the Ad Council in 2002,[7] Broadcasters’ Foundation's "Golden Mike Award" in 2003,[8] Media Institute's 2004 "Freedom of Speech Award",[9] "Humanitarian Award" from the Simon Wiesenthal Center in 2005,[10] "Distinguished Leadership in Business Award" from Columbia Business School in 2005,[11] and the "Visionary Award" from the Museum of Television & Radio in 2006.[12] He also was awarded the Minorities in Broadcasting Training Program's "Striving for Excellence Award".[13]

Wright and his wife, Suzanne, have been honored for their work with Autism Speaks. They were presented with the first-ever "Double Helix Medal" for Corporate Leadership from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory,[14] the New York University "Child Advocacy Award", the Castle Connolly "National Health Leadership Award" and the American Ireland Fund "Humanitarian Award".[15] They received the "Dean’s Medal" from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,[16] the "President’s Medal for Excellence" at Boston College’s Wall Street Council Tribute Dinner[14] and the "Visionary Award" at the 20th Annual Nantucket Film Festival.[17] The Wrights were named among Time’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2008.[18]

References
  1. ^ "Benefits". The New York Times. 3 November 1996. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  2. ^ "Broadband briefs". CED. 12 April 2007. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  3. ^ "Advertising Hall of Fame Members". Advertising Hall of Fame. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  4. ^ "Billboard". 29 March 1997. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  5. ^ "UJA-Federation of New York". UJA-Federation of New York. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  6. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. 4 October 1997. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  7. ^ "Adweek Calendar". Adweek. 18 November 2002. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  8. ^ "Mike Bloomberg to receive Golden Mike Award". Broadcasting & Cable. 22 December 2009. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  9. ^ Kaplan, David (28 October 2004). "NBC's Wright cites erosion of intellectual property rights". MediaPost Communications. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference PBS07 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ "Distinguished Leadership In Business Award". Columbia Business School. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  12. ^ Paul J. Gough (3 February 2006). "NBC Chairman and 'SNL' Honored at Gala". Backstage. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  13. ^ "SFE Awards". MIBTP. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  14. ^ a b "Cable Hall of Fame 2007 Honorees". Cable Hall of Fame. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  15. ^ "A Strong Voice: An interview with Suzanne and Bob Wright, co-founders, Autism Speaks". Leaders Magazine. April 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  16. ^ Gouveia, Georgette (31 October 2014). "Autism Speaks and Suzanne and Bob Wright ensure the world listens". WAG Mag. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  17. ^ Gerard, Jeremy (14 May 2015). "Robert Towne will be feted at 20th Nantucket Film Fest". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  18. ^ Brokaw, Tom (12 May 2008). "The 2008 Time 100". Time. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
Markup

==Honors and awards==

Wright has accepted various awards and honors during his career in media. He was inducted into the [[Broadcasting_%26_Cable#Hall_of_Fame|Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame]] in 1996,<ref name=NYTimes96>{{cite news |title=Benefits |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/03/style/benefits-093394.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=3 November 1996 |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> the Cable Center's Cable Hall of Fame in 2007<ref name=CED07>{{cite news |title=Broadband briefs |url=http://www.cedmagazine.com/news/2007/04/broadband-briefs-4-12-07 |newspaper=CED |date=12 April 2007 |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> and [[American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame|AAF's Advertising Hall of Fame]] in 2009.<ref name=AdvertisingHall>{{cite web|title=Advertising Hall of Fame Members|url=http://advertisinghall.org/members/member_bio.php?memid=2731&uflag=w&uyear=|website=Advertising Hall of Fame|accessdate=9 January 2016}}</ref> He received the "Gold Medal Award" from International Radio & Television Society Foundation in 1997,<ref name=BillboardMarch97>{{cite news|title=Billboard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Q4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA79&lpg=PA79&dq=international+radio+and+television+society+gold+medal+1997&source=bl&ots=F4f0hTBijH&sig=7nNyDc8bpxnnPsbK9KTqXPw5irc&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi2zeOs7pzKAhUEzz4KHT51BgwQ6AEINTAG#v=onepage&q=international%20radio%20and%20television%20society%20gold%20medal%201997&f=false|accessdate=9 January 2016|date=29 March 1997}}</ref> the "Steven J. Ross Humanitarian of the Year Award" of [[UJA-Federation of New York]] in 1998,<ref name=UJAFNY>{{cite web|title=UJA-Federation of New York|url=https://www.ujafedny.org/get-involved/join-a-group/entertainment-media-communications/|website=UJA-Federation of New York|accessdate=9 January 2016}}</ref><ref name=BillboardOct97>{{cite news |title=Billboard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1wkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA25&lpg=PA25&dq=bob+wright+Steven+J.+Ross+Humanitarian+of+the+Year+Award&source=bl&ots=IZF6bGAB4C&sig=BL5FQsFqfpYTw7LncNo8noEVUkw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiKw9C02ePLAhVMwiYKHd5TD_oQ6AEIJjAC#v=onepage&q&f=false |newspaper=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=4 October 1997 |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> "Public Service Award" from the [[Ad Council]] in 2002,<ref name=Adweek02>{{cite web|title=Adweek Calendar|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising/calendar-60023 |website=[[Adweek]] |date=18 November 2002 |accessdate=9 January 2016}}</ref> Broadcasters’ Foundation's "Golden Mike Award" in 2003,<ref name=Broadcasting&Cable09>{{cite news |title=Mike Bloomberg to receive Golden Mike Award |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/mike-bloomberg-receive-golden-mike-award/126006 |newspaper=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=22 December 2009 |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> Media Institute's 2004 "Freedom of Speech Award",<ref name=Kaplan04>{{cite news |title=NBC's Wright cites erosion of intellectual property rights |last1=Kaplan |first1=David |url=http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/20243/nbcs-wright-cites-erosion-of-intellectual-propert.html?edition= |newspaper=[[MediaPost Communications]] |date=28 October 2004 |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> "Humanitarian Award" from the [[Simon Wiesenthal Center]] in 2005,<ref name=PBS07/> "Distinguished Leadership in Business Award" from [[Columbia Business School]] in 2005,<ref name=Columbia>{{cite web |url=http://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/centennialdinner/distinguished-leadership-business-award |title=Distinguished Leadership In Business Award |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Columbia Business School]] |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> and the "Visionary Award" from the [[Paley Center for Media|Museum of Television & Radio]] in 2006.<ref name=>{{cite web |url=http://www.backstage.com/news/nbc-chairman-and-snl-honored-at-gala/ |title=NBC Chairman and 'SNL' Honored at Gala |author=Paul J. Gough |date=3 February 2006 |work= |publisher=[[Backstage (magazine)|Backstage]] |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> He also was awarded the Minorities in Broadcasting Training Program's "Striving for Excellence Award".<ref name=MIBTP>{{cite web|title=SFE Awards|url=http://www.thebroadcaster.com/sfe-awards/|website=MIBTP|accessdate=9 January 2016}}</ref>

Wright and his wife, Suzanne, have been honored for their work with Autism Speaks. They were presented with the first-ever "[[Double Helix Medal]]" for Corporate Leadership from [[Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory]],<ref name=CableCenter07>{{cite web|title=Cable Hall of Fame 2007 Honorees|url=http://cablecenter.org/2007-honorees/bob-wright.html |website=Cable Hall of Fame|accessdate=9 January 2016}}</ref> the [[New York University]] "Child Advocacy Award", the Castle Connolly "National Health Leadership Award" and the [[American Ireland Fund]] "Humanitarian Award".<ref name=Leaders11>{{cite web |url=http://www.leadersmag.com/issues/2011.2_apr/New%20Frontiers%20in%20Doing%20Good/LEADERS-Suzanne-Bob-Wright-Autism-Speaks.html |title=A Strong Voice: An interview with Suzanne and Bob Wright, co-founders, Autism Speaks |author= |date=April 2011 |work= |publisher=Leaders Magazine |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> They received the "Dean’s Medal" from the [[Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health]],<ref name=Goiveia14>{{cite news |title=Autism Speaks and Suzanne and Bob Wright ensure the world listens |last1=Gouveia |first1=Georgette |url=http://www.wagmag.com/autism-speaks-and-suzanne-and-bob-wright-ensure-the-world-listens/ |newspaper=WAG Mag |date=31 October 2014 |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> the "President’s Medal for Excellence" at [[Boston College]]’s Wall Street Council Tribute Dinner<ref name=CableCenter07/> and the "Visionary Award" at the 20th Annual [[Nantucket Film Festival]].<ref name=Gerard15>{{cite news |title=Robert Towne will be feted at 20th Nantucket Film Fest |last1=Gerard |first1=Jeremy |url=http://deadline.com/2015/05/robert-towne-nantucket-film-festival-chinatown-1201427324/ |newspaper=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=14 May 2015 |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> The Wrights were named among ''[[Time (magazine)|Time’s]]'' 100 most influential people in the world in 2008.<ref name=Brokaw08>{{cite news |title=The 2008 Time 100 |last1=Brokaw |first1=Tom |url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0%2C28804%2C1733748_1733756_1735237%2C00.html |newspaper=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=12 May 2008 |accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref>
Personal life section

Second, at the moment the article has no Personal life section, so I'd like to propose one that could be added beneath Bibliography. This is a small section including info on Mr. Wright's family and where he lives, typical for these types of bios.

Personal life
Personal life

Wright married his wife, Suzanne, in 1967.[1] They have three children[2] and six grandchildren.[3] He lives in Palm Beach, Florida.[4]

References
  1. ^ O'Brien Mackey, Sarah (Spring 2006). "Inspired to make a difference: Bob Wright '65" (PDF). Holy Cross Magazine. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  2. ^ Gunther, Marc (3 February 1997). "How GE made NBC No. 1". Fortune. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  3. ^ "About the author". RosettaBooks. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  4. ^ Ostrowski, Jeff (11 March 2016). "Ex-NBC chief living in Palm Beach writes book; talks Trump, autism". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
Markup

==Personal life==

Wright married his wife, Suzanne, in 1967.<ref name=Mackey06>{{cite news |title=Inspired to make a difference: Bob Wright '65 |last1=O'Brien Mackey |first1=Sarah |url=http://www.holycross.edu/departments/publicaffairs/hcm/spring06/spring06_campaign.pdf |newspaper=Holy Cross Magazine |date=Spring 2006 |accessdate=4 April 2016}}</ref> They have three children<ref name=Gunther97>{{cite news |title=How GE made NBC No. 1 |last1=Gunther |first1=Marc |last2= |first2= |url=http://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1997/02/03/221549/index.htm |magazine=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=3 February 1997 |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> and six grandchildren.<ref name="RosetaBooks">{{cite web |url=http://www.rosettabooks.com/the-wright-stuff-by-bob-wright/ |title=About the author |author= |date= |work= |publisher=RosettaBooks |accessdate=4 April 2016}}</ref> He lives in [[Palm Beach, Florida]].<ref name=Ostrowski16>{{cite news |title=Ex-NBC chief living in Palm Beach writes book; talks Trump, autism |last1=Ostrowski |first1=Jeff |url=http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/business/ex-nbc-chief-living-in-palm-beach-writes-book-talk/nqgMy/ |newspaper=[[The Palm Beach Post]] |date=11 March 2016 |accessdate=4 April 2016}}</ref>
Quick refs fix

Third, a small suggestion to adjust the formatting of the References: can someone make the refs section appear as two columns by adding {{reflist|2}}? This will make it much easier to read.

As always, I'm happy to answer to any questions or talk through adjustments to my proposed updates. Just as a heads up, after these suggestions, my final area of focus will be updating the article's introduction, which seems very short compared with the article content. I'll be offering my thoughts on that once editors have had a chance to review the above proposals. Thanks, 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 21:34, 20 April 2016 (UTC)

 Done Looks like a neutral, well sourced edit to me, basically just rearranging of existing information. —  crh 23  (Talk) 07:56, 25 April 2016 (UTC)
BTW, I just noticed than the integer column number argument for {{reflist}} is deprecated, so I've updated the article to use the new format. —  crh 23  (Talk) 08:26, 25 April 2016 (UTC)
Thanks so much, appreciate your review and moving these live! And thanks for catching the reflist fix. 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 19:39, 26 April 2016 (UTC)

Updating introduction

Hi all! I'm here with what should be my final suggestion for now. As the article has been significantly updated, and the introduction has never provided a complete overview of the article, I'd like to suggest that it be revisited and expanded. The current introduction is one sentence. A slightly longer lede would help summarize the article's content for readers. Here's what I would suggest:

Introduction

Robert Charles "Bob" Wright, born (1943-04-23) April 23, 1943 (age 81), is an American lawyer, businessman, philanthropist and author. Since the late 1960s, Wright has served in numerous business and media roles and founded an autism awareness foundation.

Wright is a former NBC executive, having served as president and CEO from 1986 to 2001, and chairman and CEO from 2001[1] until he retired in 2007.[2] He has been credited with overseeing the broadcast network's expansion into a media conglomerate and leading the company to record earnings in the 1990s.[3] Prior to NBC, he held several posts at General Electric in the 1960s, 70s and 80s and served as GE's vice chairman until he retired from that role in 2008.[4] In 2005, he and his wife, Suzanne Wright, founded Autism Speaks.[5]

His book, The Wright Stuff: from NBC to Autism Speaks, written with Diane Mermigas, was published March 29, 2016.

References

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Ensher11 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Lowry13 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Gunther97 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference BloombergProfile was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference McKenna14 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
Markup

'''Robert Charles "Bob" Wright''', born {{birth date and age|1943|04|23}}, is an [[United States|American]] [[lawyer]], [[businessman]], [[philanthropist]] and [[author]]. Since the late 1960s, Wright has served in numerous business and [[mass media|media]] roles and founded an autism awareness foundation.

Wright is a former [[NBC]] executive, having served as [[president (corporate title)|president]] and [[chief executive officer|CEO]] from 1986 to 2001, and [[chairman]] and CEO from 2001<ref name=Ensher11/> until he retired in 2007.<ref name=Lowry13/> He has been credited with overseeing the broadcast network's expansion into a media conglomerate and leading the company to record earnings in the 1990s.<ref name=Gunther97/> Prior to NBC, he held several posts at [[General Electric]] in the 1960s, 70s and 80s and served as GE's vice chairman until he retired from that role in 2008.<ref name=BloombergProfile/> In 2005, he and his wife, Suzanne Wright, founded [[Autism Speaks]].<ref name=McKenna14/>

His book, ''The Wright Stuff: from NBC to Autism Speaks'', written with Diane Mermigas, was published March 29, 2016.

Reminder: I have a COI as I'm here on behalf of Mr. Wright via HMI as part of my work at Beutler Ink, so I'm proposing these changes here for discussion and review. Can someone add the new introduction to the article if it looks OK? Just in case any of them are available and would like to look at this, I'm pinging Omni Flames, TimothyJosephWood and crh23 who have helped with my previous requests. Thanks! 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 19:42, 26 April 2016 (UTC)

@16912 Rhiannon: Content looks good, as far as I can see it basically duplicates information that's already in the article. However, some more pedantic editors may reject based on the fact that it is currently unreferenced: could you add a few relevant references (named from the rest of the article if appropriate) inline? It doesn't need to be 100% perfect (per WP:CITELEAD), but some of the more major points could do with citing IMO. Cheers —  crh 23  (Talk) 19:51, 26 April 2016 (UTC)
Hi Crh23, thanks for reviewing this! I've added in references to the introduction to support the key details (I just used the named cites from the article body, so the details will only show up once dropped into the article). Typically, I follow the guideline of not including references in the lede unless I'm including something either not mentioned and supported within the main article text or that makes an extraordinary claim. That said, since you've asked, I'm happy to include the cites here. Is this all set now? Let me know if there's anything else that needs another look before it can go live. Thanks again, 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 14:29, 27 April 2016 (UTC)
 Done @16912 Rhiannon: OK, that all looks good. My reason for requesting cites is (on reflection) that this is a pretty major COI edit request, so some people might reflexively revert if they see it is uncited. —  crh 23  (Talk) 15:21, 27 April 2016 (UTC)
Thanks so much, Crh23! That makes perfect sense, just wanted to explain why I hadn't included cites in the first place :-) Really appreciate your help and thorough review. 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 15:23, 27 April 2016 (UTC)

Addition of infobox

Hi all! I'm working on behalf of Mr. Wright as part of my work at Beutler Ink. To bring this article in line with Wikipedia's guidelines for biographies and similar articles for businesspeople, I'm preparing some updates to propose here. In particular, it would be great to ensure the article is reflective of his career and presented clearly.

To start off, I'd like to propose a simple and straightforward addition: an infobox with basic biographical information. Here's what I would suggest:

How was Wright able to avoid the draft, which was very intense pressure as the Vietnam War buildup via conscription unfolded when he was of prime draft age.

Infobox
Bob Wright
Born
Robert Charles "Bob" Wright

(1943-04-23) April 23, 1943 (age 81)[1]
Nationality (legal)American
Alma materCollege of the Holy Cross[2]
University of Virginia School of Law[2]
Occupation(s)Lawyer
Businessman
Autism advocate
Author
Known forCox Cable
NBC
NBCUniversal
General Electric
Autism Speaks
Board member ofPolo Ralph Lauren[3]
AMC Networks[4]
New York-Presbyterian Hospital (life trustee)[5]
Palm Beach Civic Association (Chairman and CEO)[6]
SpouseSuzanne Wright[7]
Children3[1]
Markup


{{Infobox person
| name = Bob Wright
| image = <!-- filename only, no "File:" or "Image:" prefix, and no enclosing [[brackets]] -->
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1943|04|23}}<ref name=HolyCross>{{cite web <nowiki>|url=http://www.holycross.edu/departments/publicaffairs/hcm/summer05/GAA/gaa5.html |title=The Profile: Robert C. Wright '65 |author=Michael Reardon |date=2005 |work=Holy Cross Magazine |publisher=[[College of the Holy Cross]] |accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Hempstead, New York]]<ref name=HolyCross/>
| birth_name =Robert Charles "Bob" Wright
| residence =
| nationality = [[American]]
| alma_mater = [[College of the Holy Cross]]<ref name=PBS07>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbs.org/wttw/ceoexchange/episodes/ceo_bwright.html |title=Biography: Bob Wright |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[PBS]] |accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref><br>[[University of Virginia School of Law]]<ref name=PBS07/>
| occupation = [[Lawyer]]<br>[[Businessman]]<br>[[Autism]] [[advocate]]<br> [[Author]]
| years_active =
| known_for = [[Cox Communications|Cox Cable]]<br>[[NBC]]<br>[[NBC]]<br>[[NBCUniversal]]<br>[[General Electric]]<br>[[Autism Speaks]]
| boards = [[Polo Ralph Lauren]]<ref name=ReutersRalphLauren>{{cite web |url=http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyOfficers?symbol=RL |title=Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Reuters]] |accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref><br>[[AMC Networks]]<ref name=ReutersAMCNetworks>{{cite web |url=http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyOfficers?symbol=AMCX.OQ |title=AMC Networks Inc. (AMCX) |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Reuters]] |accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref><br>[[New York-Presbyterian Hospital]] <small>(life trustee)</small><ref name=NewYorkPresbyterian>{{cite web |url=http://www.nyp.org/about-us/governance-and-leadership/life-trustees |title=Life Trustees at New York-Presbyterian Hospital |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[New York-Presbyterian Hospital]] |accessdate=12 February 2016}}</ref>
Palm Beach Civic Association <small>(Chairman and CEO)</small><ref name=PalmBeachCivic>{{cite web |url=https://palmbeachcivic.org/directors |title=Directors and members |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Palm Beach Civic Association |accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> | religion = <!-- Religion should be supported with a citation from a reliable source -->
| spouse = Suzanne Wright<ref name=Lee14>{{cite news |title=Ex-NBC chief Bob Wright paves way for autism research |last1=Lee |first1=Hailey |last2= |first2= |url=http://www.cnbc.com/2014/11/06/ex-nbc-chief-bob-wright-paves-way-for-autism-research.html |newspaper=[[CNBC]] |date=6 November 2014 |accessdate=8 February 2016}}</ref>
| partner = <!-- (unmarried long-term partner) -->
| children = 3<ref name=HolyCross/>
| parents =
| awards =
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->

}}

Due to my paid COI, I have not and will not be making edits to the article myself. I would very much appreciate it if anyone watching this page could review and add the infobox to the article. Happy to respond to any questions here. Many thanks! 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 04:57, 4 March 2016 (UTC)


References

  1. ^ a b c Michael Reardon (2005). "The Profile: Robert C. Wright '65". Holy Cross Magazine. College of the Holy Cross. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Biography: Bob Wright". PBS. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  3. ^ "Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL)". Reuters. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  4. ^ "AMC Networks Inc. (AMCX)". Reuters. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  5. ^ "Life Trustees at New York-Presbyterian Hospital". New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  6. ^ "Directors and members". Palm Beach Civic Association. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  7. ^ Lee, Hailey (6 November 2014). "Ex-NBC chief Bob Wright paves way for autism research". CNBC. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
Addition of an infobox is definitely needed. Thank you. Zeke Essiestudy (talk) 09:21, 4 March 2016 (UTC)
Thanks so much, Zeke Essiestudy! Appreciate you reviewing and adding this so quickly. I also realize that in my attempt to give clear markup to be added to the article, I inserted a couple of errors, one you caught and the other in need of a quick edit: NBC is listed twice in the "Known for" parameter. No worries if you're not able to get to this, I'll be returning with some more updates soon, and I can be sure to ask about it then. Thanks again, 16912 Rhiannon (Talk · COI) 19:34, 4 March 2016 (UTC)
 Done Thanks for the catch! — Omni Flames (talk contribs) 00:46, 5 March 2016 (UTC)