ABC's Robert G. Burton: championing print in a TV world

Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management, March, 1987 by David Tuller

Because he was raised in a religious family and remains an active member of the Baptist Church, Burton said he feels particularly close to ABC's Word unit, the Waco, Texas-based publisher of religious and inspirational books and records. Its authors include Billy Graham ("a dear friend of mine'), James Dobson ("an outstanding individual') and Robert Schuller ("just a terrific guy'), and its records feature such Gospel stars as Sandi Patti ("a sweetheart of a gal') and Amy Grant ("a big winner for us').

But Burton is concentrating on more than religious publishing. He clearly has yet to attract the full attention of top management: In 1985, Capital Cities, to the surprise of some observers, bypassed him when it appointed one of its own veteran executives to oversee its publishing operations, which include daily and weekly newspapers, Institutional Investor and Fairchild Publications.

But Burton shrugged off any comments about disappointment, saying he has his hands full shaping ABC Publishing. "I'd like to see it grow through acquisitions and expansion into a $1-billion-a-year business that contributes $100 million in profits,' he explained.

Photo: Burton's bottom-line mentality has made his unit a bright spot at Cap Cities.