TVW’s FIRST GENERAL MANAGER

Sir James Cruthers, born in Cottesloe, began a long career in the media and entertainment fields as a journalist at the Perth Daily News, after his war service in the RAAF. In 1958 he became General Manager of Perth’s first television station TVW Channel 7 and later Chairman. He retired as Chairman and Managing Director in 1981 and became Chairman of the Australian Film Commission.

In 1983 Sir James accepted a position at News American Publishing Inc as personal advisor to Mr Rupert Murdoch and worked with Mr Murdoch for seven years in New York, London and Los Angeles. Sir James was knighted in 1980 for services to business, the arts, and the community and the same year was WA Citizen of the Year for commerce and industry. He was also chairman of The Sunday Times.

Sir James is a philanthropist who established TVW Telethon and the annual WA Christmas Pageant. He actively supports many charitable groups. Sir James was awarded a UWA Honorary Doctorate of Letters in 2005.