Remembering Roger King

Roger King, CEO of CBS TV Distribution, brought Oprah Winfrey to national television and was known as one of the greatest salesmen in the history of TV. King, who died of complications from a stroke today at age 63, has been the subject of so many colorful stories through the years because of his accomplishments and his antics alike.

Click here to read King's obituary and take a look back at the milestones in the syndication giant's career, which we have chronicled in an image gallery.

We invite you to share your memories and condolences in the comments section below.

Comments

[Robert King]

Roger I will miss you! while I am a King un-related you made me feel like family.
My concondolences to the King Family and your extended family of Friends

You know it's uncanny that you and Michael transformed the tv marketing business and your passing is AT THE VERY TIME THAT USA TV IS TRANSFORMING AGAIN.. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY THE MANY INCLUDING THOSE WHO WON'T GET TO MEET YOU...
I WILL DO MY BEST TO KEEP YOUR MEMORY ALIVE..... robert king

[steve rosenberg]

Babe Ruth!!

If you have ever watched, touched or played the game of television syndication then you know, or should know, that we’ve lost Babe Ruth.
As I heard about the news this morning I thought about how lucky I am to have known Roger King.
He’s made me pissed, he’s made me nervous, he’s made me laugh and he’s made me better.
Like the Babe,...Roger was larger then life, could light up a very large room, was prolific and dangerous…and he alone could hit more home runs then most teams.

I’m honered to have played the game with him...and man was he good!

[E.V. Di Massa, Jr.]

Roger King was my boss for many years when I headed programming and development at KingWorld. He was bigger than life, always fun, exciting to be with, amazing to learn from but more important than the success he had with ratings and the money he made for others was the fact that he had a heart and a soul.

There have been many stories about Roger over the years but take this from one who was there... when it counted Roger always did what was right. He had a true sense of conscience and fairness.

He and his brother Michael worked harder than anyone I have ever known in this business. When we were going to 'pitch' a new show or concept to someone Roger made sure that we all knew the answers to any question we might be asked. He studied the market, the programming and the potential. If you bought a show from Roger you got his attention and support 24/7. If the show didn't work (and sometimes they didn't) he always found a way to make it up to you... and he didn't have to do that.

Roger loved his family, respected those of us lucky enough to work for him and always found time to call someone who needed a call. When my Dad passed away Roger spent an hour on the phone with my Mom and I will never forget him for doing that… I just wish I could pick up the phone right now and say
thank you again.

E.V. Di Massa, Jr.

[Margie Tortoriello]

I worked as Roger's personal executive assistant at King World for almost 13 years during the 80's and 90's. I am shocked and sad by his untimely death. What can I say, Roger was Bigger than Life. I learned so much about the television business from him and I hope for all those years and planning NATPE and his big birthday bashes at his Bay Head Home were enjoyed by many.
Roger (without paper and pen) knew 250 television station numbers in his head. He was a genious and very generous. He allowed me to take the lead in my job and trusted my judgement. I will never forget that or forget a most unforgettable boss.
God Bless you Roger. And for Raemali and the girls please accept the deepest sympathy from Joe and myself.
Love, Margie

[Mary Jean Serrano]

I am shocked and saddened by this news.

I worked in the Traffic Dept. at King World Productions during the late 80's early 90's and I have to say that King World was one of the best places I've ever worked.

Besides knowing the business inside and out, Roger was so down to earth. I thought it was so generous of him to open his home in Bayhead NJ for our company picnic. (my friends that I brought to the party talked about it for years!) I will never forget our Christmas party where he played "Guess the Number" and Roger would take out a wad of $100 bills and give them away if you guessed correctly. He really knew how to throw a party, that's for sure.

My heart goes out to his family. Roger was a Legend and I'm proud to say I worked at King World.

[Mike St. Angelo]

My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire King family. I was lucky enough to work for Mr. & Mrs. King as their private chef in Boca & Bay Head. I was fortunate enough to spend alot of time with Mr. King. He was larger than life itself. It was an experience that I will and have always cherrished !! You will be missed !!
I always think of you when I make creamed onions and pot roast !!
With love and affection !!
Chef Mike

[Art Ginsburg]

Roger King could easily have been King Roger. He promoted my success as "Mr. Food" after I joined King World in 1982. And Roger did this as a friend, fairly and loyally. Just as the TV industry progressed and flourished because of Roger and will miss his foresight and exuberance, so am I in line to express my appreciation for his doing the same for me.

My sympathies to Raemali and the entire King family –- I love you all!

Art Ginsburg
"Mr. Food"

[Geraldine Rebello]

My prayers go out to the family I was fortunate to have met the king family in fl. at their Christmas party with my Grandson Anthony and daughter Michele God Bless you all

Geraldine Rebello

[Sandy Mason]

Raemali,

I send my deepest sympathy to your whole family. I worked for Roger at your estate in Boca Raton as his personal assistant and
those are years I will never forget. He was a wonderful man to work for. Raemali, I wish you all the best. Take Care.

[Michael A. Freeman]

I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Roger King, who, indeed, was a maverick and true legend in the TV syndication industry. He really was one of those “larger-than-life” pioneers of the industry, particularly when it came to ushering in the first real A-tier, marquee syndie shows like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Oprah.

Undoubtedly, Roger had a zest for living by expressing it through an unabashed display of showmanship, salesmanship and three-ring glitz probably unparalleled in the annals of the television business – and it ends a unique chapter in the once independent-dominated TV syndication industry.

Even with his occasional idiosyncrasies and devil-may-care attitude, Roger really was a one-of-a-kind showman… he was Babe Ruth, Dale Carnegie and Willy Loman rolled into one. Some syndie competitors may have even loathed the Kings’ unrivaled successes and occasional excesses, but Roger and brother Michael were unstoppable, sometimes infectious carnival barkers who were infinitely quotable and entertaining. They even gave Ted Turner a run for his money on who was most quotable and original. Perhaps, when Michael retired from King World to start this millennium, it ended what was the most dynamic sales/creative duo since Barnum & Bailey – they will not be forgotten, for sure.

My condolences and best wishes go out to the King family. Along with Bob, the King brothers and their father, the family really owns a hallowed place in television history. It really does seem like an end of era for the TV and syndie businesses. I’m not sure if it would even be in the realm of possibility, but it would be great if Michael or another King (maybe even a younger off-spring?) came in to fill Roger’s position as CBS Television Distribution and King World Productions. Whatever happens, I’m sure their legacy will live on.

[Len Koch]

Roger was the best of the best in his trade...Aa a saleman none better, as a drinking partner (a few years ago) none better, as a sport, none better, as a golfer down to earth.

I knew the family especially Michael and Bob and together they set the world on fire....he will be missed by all

[BILL BARRY JR.]

Roger truely was "one-of-a-kind". When the good lord created Roger, he then broke the mold! I was one of Roger's casino hosts while he was in Las Vegas for some R&R. He kept me on my toes whenever he would arrive, which usually meant that "we" would not sleep for the next few days! When Roger took a liking to someone, he would always invite them into the "King Family". Whether it was in Fl, NJ or Las Vegas, you were always treated royally.
My most memorable experience was spending an afternoon at the Hilton Villa with Roger, Michael, Robert & Richard. The stories that were told that afternoon were so precious & the bond between brothers that afternoon could & will never be broken.
My heart goes out to Rameli & Roger's family for "our" loss, but may all of you keep your "Memories of Roger" close to your heart! I will always think of Roger as a "boy" in a man's body. He was always full of fun & what a prankster. A very giving person who loved his "girls" tremendously!
RIP & save me a seat for the "big" game in the sky!
Bill & Mary Barry

[Christmas Party London]

God rest his soul.