Summary
Jamie Kellner, who made his name as the only exec ever to create two broadcast networks, died Friday at his home in Montecito, Calif. He was 77. Kellner’s impact includes landmark programming like “The Simpsons,” “Married… With Children,’ “Cops,“ “In Living Color” and “21 Jump Street”
Kellner was named the first president and chief operating officer of Fox Broadcasting Co. in February 1986. He had already been a syndication exec and alum of CBS, Viacom and Orion when he was hired by Rupert Murdoch and Barry Diller to help start what would become Fox.
Jamie Kellner was a TV titan during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The exec, who was keen on building brands, had his own uniform: Blue shirt, Khaki pants. “Jamie was my mentor, my colleague and most of all my friend,” former WB chairman Ancier said.
Jamie was eternally youthful. He gave you tremendous latitude as a boss and mentor, always empowering you to make bold, decisive decisions. A self-made man who had fun every step of the way. A wonderful and passionate leader who was smart enough to know when to get out while the getting was good.
