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Roger King (producer)

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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]

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 syndicated Wheel of Fortune starring Pat Sajak and Vanna White and was created by Merv Griffin, 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 Griffin and syndicated by King World Productions under Roger King, has been one of the top three syndicated shows for 22 years.[1]

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]

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]

Personal life

Roger King had a reputation for throwing lavish industry parties. In January 1998, during the NATPE convention in New Orleans, Roger King rented out the Louisiana Superdome for the evening and hired Elton John to entertain his guests. Remembering his early struggles in his own career, Roger King was known for reaching out his hand to newcomers in the industry and often availing himself as a mentor and advisor.[2]

King was a summer resident of Bay Head, New Jersey.[3]

Death

Roger King unexpectedly suffered a stroke at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, on December 7, 2007.[4] He died at a nearby hospital on December 8, 2007, at the age of 63.[4] He was survived by his wife, Raemali, and three daughters, Kellie, Anna Rose and Lucinda.[4]

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. He was truly a great guy"[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Roger M. King". Associated Press. Legacy.com. 2007-12-09. Retrieved 2007-01-04.
  2. ^ "A Tribute To Roger King". Steven Ameche. 2008-07-27. Retrieved 2008-08-27.
  3. ^ Konrad, Walecia. "HAVENS; Weekender | Bay Head, N.J.", The New York Times, June 13, 2003. Accessed August 28, 2008. "Bay Head is still a retreat for wealthy executives. Summer residents include Roger King, chief executive of CBS Enterprises and King World Productions, and Michael Price, formerly of the Mutual Series mutual fund company."
  4. ^ a b c Lohr, Steve (2007-12-10). "Roger M. King, 63, TV Syndicator, Dies". Associated Press. Legacy.com. Retrieved 2007-01-04.
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