William A. 'Bill' Leonard (1921-2005) was a prominent American television executive and journalist, best known for his tenure as president of CBS News from 1973 to 1983. Born in New York City, Leonard began his career in broadcasting after serving as a Marine Corps officer during World War II. He joined CBS in 1946 as a producer and quickly rose through the ranks, working as a correspondent and producer on programs like 'CBS Reports' and '60 Minutes,' covering major events such as the Korean War and the civil rights movement. As president of CBS News, Leonard oversaw a period of significant growth and innovation, including the expansion of investigative reporting and the launch of key programs. He navigated competitive pressures from ABC and NBC, emphasizing journalistic integrity amid the evolving media landscape of the 1970s and early 1980s, and was instrumental in hiring notable talents like Dan Rather and Mike Wallace. After leaving CBS in 1983, Leonard transitioned into a media consulting role, advising on news operations and ethics. He remained active in industry discussions until his death, leaving a legacy as a steward of American broadcast news. Leonard was married to actress Louise King and authored a memoir, 'In the Storm,' reflecting on his career.