Tom Murphy is was instrumental in building one of the largest communications companies in the world - Capital Cities/ABC Inc.
Murphy thinks being a broadcaster means something special. And the way he did it over 40 years is the best possible evidence that he is right
He began his broadcasting career as the first employee of a bankrupt television station in Albany, New York. Acquisition by acquisition, he built the company (now, Capital Cities/ABC Inc.)into a $6 billion media enterprise that today is grounded in television, radio, cable and publishing, with expanding international interests.
To Murphy, success as a broadcaster was never limited to growth or ratings. He understood that building a company began with doing well for your viewers, your advertisers and your shareholders. He would soon come to believe that success for a broadcaster had to be rooted in involvement with the community, in public service and in reinvesting in and upgrading your news.
Murphy has had significant involvement for more than 20 years in two important institutions: the New York University Medical Center and the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club. To honor his work and dedication, the Medical Center established the Thomas and Suzanne Murphy Professorship of Neuroscience in 1985.
Many of Murphy’s charitable efforts have focused on the educational needs of inner-city school children. He was honored by the Inner-City Scholarship Fund of New York for his work to fund the education of inner-city youth.