William Fineshriber; Film, TV Show Distributor

William Fineshriber, a motion picture and broadcasting executive who pioneered distribution of American films and television shows around the world, has died.

Fineshriber died Saturday in his Century City home two days after his 90th birthday, said Marcia Moskin, his daughter-in-law.

From 1960 to 1984, Fineshriber served as vice president of the Motion Picture Assn. of America. Earlier, he had directed international operations for Screen Gems Inc. In both capacities, he created extensive markets for American films and television programs abroad.

“Bill was a dear friend and great contributor to the work we accomplished during his time at the MPAA,” said Jack Valenti, president and chief executive officer of the association. “He will be sorely missed by the legions who have had the good fortune to know him.”

Born Nov. 4, 1909, in Davenport, Iowa, Fineshriber graduated with high honors from Princeton and began his entertainment career in the CBS publicity department in 1931.

Concentrating on a different aspect of the business, he was manager of New York’s concert showplace, Carnegie Hall, from 1934 to 1937.

Returning to CBS radio, he wrote scripts, directed, headed its music department and then became director of shortwave programming. He was general manager of the CBS program department from 1943 to 1949.

After four years as programming executive at the Mutual Broadcasting System, Fineshriber joined NBC in 1953 as vice president and general manager of networks.

Although Fineshriber had spent years in radio, he was in network programming from the inception of television, and in 1956 became vice president of Television Programs of America. From there he switched to motion pictures, expanding foreign distribution for Screen Gems.

Fineshriber was on the board of the National Assn. of Radio and Television Broadcasters and the Radio Assn. of Broadcasters, and vice president of the Radio Pioneers.

He was the author of the book, “Stendhal, the Romantic Rationalist.”

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Moskin-Fineshriber; a son, Jeffrey Moskin, and two grandchildren.

No public services are planned.