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King World Makes Mark on Television Landscape

Jan 19, 2004  •  Post A Comment

1964
Charles King founds King World Productions and acquires the syndication rights to “The Little Rascals.”
1972
Charles King dies, leaving the company to his six children. The company is led by Roger and Michael King.
1977
Barry & Enright engage King World to assist distribution of “Tic Tac Dough” and “Joker’s Wild.”
1982
Roger King and Michael King acquire the syndication rights to “Wheel of Fortune” from Merv Griffin Enterprises.
1983
The syndicated version of “Wheel of Fortune” premieres on only 59 stations in small markets, but catches on very quickly.
1984
The Kings launch a syndicated “Jeopardy!” as a companion to “Wheel of Fortune.” On the enormous success of both shows, King World goes public.
1986
King World begins syndicating then-unknown Oprah Winfrey’s daytime talk show, birthing a media empire.
1989
“Inside Edition,” King World’s first foray into producing, premieres.
1993
“Martha Stewart Living” premieres.
1998
With Whoopi Goldberg as the center square, King World brings “Hollywood Squares” back to syndication.
1999
King World merges with CBS Television. Roger King is named CEO, CBS Enterprises and King World Productions, while Michael steps aside.
2002
King World teams with Harpo Productions and Paramount Pictures to launch “Dr. Phil.”