Jamie Kellner, Visionary TV Executive Behind Fox and WB, Passes Away at 77

Jamie Kellner, a media executive instrumental in building Fox Broadcasting with hits like Beverly Hills, 90210 and The Simpsons and later creating the WB network known for Dawson’s Creek and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died on June 21 at his home in Montecito, Calif. He was 77. The cause was cancer, said Brad Turell, a family spokesman.

Kellner was a pioneering television executive who excelled in attracting young viewers, first men at Fox and then women at WB, diverting audiences from the Big Three networks. He believed ABC, NBC, and CBS overlooked viewers under 35, prompting Rupert Murdoch and Barry Diller to recruit him from the television syndication business in 1986 to lead Fox Broadcasting.

Despite scepticism, Fox quickly gained traction, becoming number one with 18- to 34-year-olds by 1992 with shows like “Melrose Place.” “We don’t really need anyone over 50 years of age to succeed with our business plan,” Mr. Kellner told The New York Times.

After resigning from Fox in 1993, Kellner launched WB, drawing former colleagues to create a network that appealed to younger audiences. WB’s prime-time lineup, including “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Dawson’s Creek,” became a cult favourite among teens and young adults. He played a crucial role in launching the careers of J.J. Abrams, Kevin Williamson, and Joss Whedon.

Kellner later became Chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting, overseeing CNN and other properties. Amidst efforts to revitalise CNN, he retired from television in 2004 at the age of 57. Born on April 18, 1947, in Brooklyn, Kellner initially aspired to be a teacher but entered the TV industry through an executive training programme at CBS.