Mission

Drawing upon its curators, collection, and relationships with the media community, The Paley Center for Media examines the intersections between media and society.

The Paley Center for Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms, drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the media community. The general public can participate in Paley programs in both New York and Los Angeles that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. They can also access the Paley Center’s permanent media collection, which contains over 160,000 television and radio programs and advertisements. Through the global programs of its Paley Media Council and Paley 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 Paley Archive

The Paley Center for Media has an international collection of over 160,000 programs from over 70 countries, covering more than 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.

"Lost" television programs recovered by The Paley Center for Media and preserved in the collection include the first Super Bowl, a Rat Pack benefit variety show, and James Dean performances.

 

Public Programs

PaleyLive 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: PaleyFest

Named for William S. Paley, founder of CBS and the Paley Center, this annual Festival began in 1984 to celebrate the collaborative creativity behind making great entertainment content. In connecting media enthusiasts with individuals who bring to life outstanding programming, PaleyFest creates an extraordinary interactive pop culture event.

 

Programs for Industry Professionals

Paley Media Council

The Paley Center's Media Council 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.

Paley 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.