Roger King (producer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Roger M. King (August 22, 1944 - December 8, 2007) was an American television and media executive for King World Productions and CBS. [1] He is credited with launching the careers of such noted television stars as Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phil and Alex Trebek.[1]
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[edit] King World Productions
Roger King became chairman of the board of King World Productions in 1977.[1] His father, Charles King, had founded King World in 1964.[1]
Under Roger King's leadership, King World became a leading distributor of popular syndicated television programming.[1] Among the successful daytime television shows launched by Roger King were the Oprah Winfrey Show and Dr. Phil.[1] King was also credited with launching the syndicated news magazine, Inside Edition.[1] King also created Wheel of Fortune starring Pat Sajak and Vanna White, which, according to CBS, has been the number one rated syndicated television show for the past 23 years.[1] Jeopardy!, which was also created by King World Productions under Roger King, has been one of the top three syndicated shows for 22 years.[1]
[edit] CBS
Roger King joined CBS in 2000 following the merger of King World Productions with the broadcasting network.[1] King served as the chief executive officer of CBS Television Distribution from 2000 until his unexpected death in 2007.[1] King was responsible for the syndicated sale of reruns of several major CBS prime-time shows, including CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Survivor, The Amazing Race, Everybody Loves Raymond and America's Next Top Model.[1]
[edit] Honors
King was officially inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 1992.[1] He was also inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004.[1]
[edit] Death
Roger King unexpectedly suffered a stroke at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, on Friday, December 7, 2007.[2] He died at a nearby hospital on Saturday, December 8, 2007 at the age of 63.[2] He was survived by his wife, Raemali, and three daughters, Kellie, Anna Rose and Lucinda.[2]
Oprah Winfrey released a statement on the news of King's death saying, "I will never forget what he did for me. And this industry will never forget his legendary presence."[1]
[edit] External links
- New York Times: Roger M. King, 63, TV Syndicator, Dies
- Hollywood Reporter: CBS TV Distribution's Roger King dies
- Hollywood Reporter: Colleagues remember Roger King
- Variety Magazine: CBS exec Roger King dies at 63
- Broadcasting & Cable Magazine: Syndication Legend Roger King Dies
