Milton Harry Biow (July 24, 1892 – February 1, 1976) was an American advertising executive who founded the Biow Company. Biow is recognized as one of the pioneers of the modern school of History of advertising#Since 1900: United States and Canada, advertising.

Biography

In 1917, Biow started a one-man advertising office in New York City. It quickly grew to become one of the largest advertising agencies in the United States topping $50 million in revenues at its highest winning major accounts such as Anacin, Pepsi, Pepsi‐Cola, Eversharp, Ruppert beer, Schenley whisky and Lady Esther cosmetics. Biow's agency was credited as the first to develop a national advertising campaign that used short and catchy advertising slogans on radio and television (such as "Bulova Watch Time" and Johnny's "Call for Philip Morris"). He was also responsible for bringing ''The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour'' to television and the ''Take It or Leave It (radio show), Take It or Leave It'' to radio (which later became the ''$64,000 Question).'' In 1934, he purchased WBBR with Arde Bulova and changed the call letters to WNEW, for "the NEWest thing in radio". In 1956, he disbanded his agency after the loss of several major accounts. His firm was the starting point for advertising executive Norman B. Norman. In 1964, Biow wrote ''Butting In: An Adman Speaks Out'' which told the story of his time in advertising.

Personal life

Biow was a founder of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and was active with the United Jewish Appeal, the United Hospital Fund and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was married Sophie (née Taub) Biow (1895-1943); they had two children, Richard Biow (married to Chinese translator and writer Adet Lin, daughter of Lin Yutang) and Patricia Broderick, Patricia Biow Broderick (married to actor James Broderick). He was a member of Reform Judaism, Reform synagogue Congregation Emanu-El of New York, Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan.Jewish Post (Indianapolis)
13 April 1956 , ''Milton H. Blow, who is almost a legend in the advertising field, is disbanding the company under his own name, after a fabulous career which saw his firm rise to the top in a highly competitive business. He is credited with having developed Little Johnny and his “Call for Philip Morris,” and the “$64 Question.” Biow is a member of Temple Emanu-El in New York''

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Biow, Milton H. American advertising executives 1892 births 1976 deaths Biow family Businesspeople from New York City