RELATED: Steve Jobs Passes Away
The news of Steve Jobs' death on Wednesday evening has spread throughout the media industry. The following are statements from various executive and figures.
Apple CEO Tim Cook sent the following email to all
Apple employees:
Team,
I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier
today.
Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an
amazing
human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve
have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company
that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of
Apple.
We are planning a celebration of Steve's extraordinary life for Apple employees
that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories
and condolences in the interim, you can simply email
rememberingsteve@apple.com.
No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve's death or our gratitude
for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating
ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
Tim
President Obama
"Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing
of Steve Jobs," the president said in a statement released by the White
House Wednesday night. "Steve was among the greatest of American
innovators -- brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he
could change the world, and talented enough to do it.
"By building one of the planet's most successful
companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity,"
said the president. "By making computers personal and putting the internet in
our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but
intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought
joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that
he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed
our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in
human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.
"The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no
greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned
of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and
prayers to Steve's wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him."
Chris Dodd, chairman and CEO, Motion
Picture Association of America
"The genius of Steve Jobs, a man I've known for 40
years, not only brought to life the visual magic and brilliant storytelling of
Pixar, but brought the world one of the most innovative and successful
platforms to make movies and TV available online at the click of a mouse,"
said Dodd. "He was a pioneer, and helped all of us better understand how
technologists and creators can work together to enrich and enliven our shared
world. If anyone ever wonders whether one person can make a difference, the
answer is Steve Jobs. He will be deeply, deeply missed."
Julius Genachowski , FCC chairman
"We have lost an American hero. Steve Jobs is
irreplaceable, but he will inspire people for generations - to innovate, to
tackle great challenges, to do what you love, to change the world. My thoughts
and prayers are with his family and loved ones."
Steve Largent, president and CEO, CTIA
"Steve Jobs was a visionary in the technology and telecom community. His contributions to innovating communications have forever changed our industry and our lives. He will be greatly missed."
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
"Today the world lost an irreplaceable man. Steve Jobs was a rare person of immense talent, drive, creative genius and guts who drew on the rich wellspring of innovation to change forever the way we communicate, work, and play. No one else had his ability to recognize systems at the leading edge of computer and communications research that were ready to be packaged and offered to ordinary people. He humanized technology and made it work in wondrous ways that genuinely improved our lives. We join his family, his co-workers, and his many admirers in mourning his passing."
Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.)
"Steve Jobs was an American original whose bold, brilliant ideas transformed the technology landscape, from the personal computer to the iPod and from the iPhone to the iPad. His unique, elegant designs delighted millions around the world while revolutionizing the way we experience music, movies and books. He was an extraordinary innovator and an incredible businessman. The world has lost a pioneer who leaves a legacy that will inspire future generations to dream, to invent, and to create."
Andrew J. Schwartzman, SVP and policy director, Media Access Project
"I only hope that this country continues to provide an environment that allows innovators like Steve Jobs to flourish."
