Mission & History

Mission

Mission

The Paley Center for Media, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry.

The Collection

The Paley Center for Media has an international collection of more than 140,000 programs covering almost 100 years of television and radio history, including news, public affairs programs and documentaries, performing arts programs, children's programming, sports, comedy and variety shows, and commercial advertising. Programming from overseventy countries is represented in the collection. "Lost" radio and television programs recovered by The Paley Center for Media and preserved in the collection include Super Bowl III, a Rat Pack benefit variety show, and James Dean performances.

Public Programs

Events 

Throughout the year, The Paley Center for Media hosts discussions with influential newsmakers, journalists, and world leaders on today's important issues. The Paley Center also celebrates excellence in drama, comedy, and documentary film with a range of events that examine the creative process behind great entertainment.

The William S. Paley Television Festival 

The annual William S. Paley Television Festival is now in its 25th year. This Festival, named for William S. Paley, founder of CBS and The Paley Center for Media, celebrates television's rich and diverse programming and the creative process behind it.
 

PaleyDocFest 

The annual DocFest—in its 9th year in 2008—celebrates the art and craft of the documentary form with a variety of premieres, special screenings, and workshops. The majority of screenings are followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and special guests, which have become a hallmark of the Festival.

Programs for Industry Professionals

Media Council in New York 

The Paley Center's Media Council (formerly the Media Center) is a membership organization composed of top-level executives that serves as an intellectual center for the media industry and a forum for discussing major issues facing the world's media, communications, and technology industries.
 

International Council

The International Council is composed of the chief executives of the world's leading media and communications companies. The International Council fosters partnerships around the world and tackles media issues on a global scale. 

 

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