Goldenson focused on investing heavily on sports and news coverage along with creating synergy between Hollywood studios and television networks.

Goldenson turned ABC into a media conglomerate, owning television and radio stations along with newspapers and book publishers.

His innovations with ABC in terms of programming and media synergy would have lasting implications on the American television industry, and be emulated by leadership of other networks.

Very early on in his tenure, Goldenson also hired the first African-American staff announcer in network television and radio history, Sid McCoy.

The Leonard H. Goldenson Theater at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences building in North Hollywood, California, is named in his honor.