Paley started out his broadcasting empire with Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System, a nearly bankrupt radio network of 16 stations. He initially aimed to use the network for the advertising of his cigar company but eventually realized the potential amount of fortune he can make out of the radio industry. Through good programming and offering affordable advertising time, Paley grew the broadcasting system from 16 stations to 114 affiliate stations in just a span of ten years. His knack for utilizing the powers of advertising and broadcasting to its maximum potential led to the massive growth of CBS, from an almost defunct radio station to a leading communication empire in the entire world. Paley expanded the CBS operations into the television industry and was also tremendously successful.