Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
July 18, 2006
Appreciation for the Life and Work of William Joseph Lamb, Public Television Pioneer
5 in favor, 1 absent
The Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting recognizes the extraordinary contributions to public television of Bill Lamb, who helped to lead two great public television stations and shared in creating some of their most distinctive programming.
In 1962, Bill Lamb was a member of the executive team that created Channel Thirteen/WNET in New York. He served WNET for a decade as senior vice president, board member and director of production.
He relocated to Los Angeles, where, from 1975 to 1981, he played a similar role at KCET. During his tenure as vice president of production and business affairs, and later as chief operating officer, he oversaw productions such as "Cosmos" with Carl Sagan and "The Cousteau Odyssey."
Bill Lamb rejoined WNET in 1981. As senior vice president in charge of national and international production, he helped create programs like "Great Performances" and "Nature," which continue to be among the most highly regarded on television.
The Board expresses its gratitude for Bill Lamb's dedication to public television and extends the deepest sympathy to his family and friends.