Morris Novik
1903-1996

Morris Novik's involvement in broadcasting began in 1932 when he was asked to take over the management of radio station WEVD in New York. It was during this time that he also founded the University of the Air. He was recruited by New York mayor Fiorello LaGuardia to run radio station WNYC. He became director of communications at WNYC (1938-1946) and it while it was at this position that he coined the term "Public Broadcasting." It was also during this time that he became involved in the genesis of the National Association of Educational Broadcasters. Novik claimed he was one of the seven men who met in Ames, Iowa in 1939 to plan the permanent organization of this association. He then served as its first executive secretary from 1941 to 1948. Subsequently, Novik was involved in buying or establishing radio stations in Detroit, Cleveland, and the New York area.

Morris Novik died on November 10, 1996.

Other Resources

Papers of Morris Novik
Burt Harrison interview
Jim Robertson interview