Fred Silverman - Archive Interview Part 6 of 13

In this 13-part (each 30-minute segment is posted separately) oral history interview, legendary network television executive Fred Silverman speaks about his first job in TV, at WGN in Chicago, where he created such programs as Zim-Bomba, Bozo's Circus and Family Classics. He explains his move to CBS in New York, where he quickly worked his way up, first as head of daytime programming, (where he revitalized the Saturday morning lineup), and later as the Vice President of Programming where he oversaw such programs as All in the Family, The Bob Newhart Show, Kojak, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, M*A*S*H, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour and The Waltons. Next, he talks his appointment as President of ABC Entertainment, where he oversaw such programs as Charlie's Angels, Donny and Marie, Eight is Enough, Laverne & Shirley, The Love Boat and Three's Company. He also touches on the development and scheduling of the miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man and Roots. Mr. Silverman talks about his move to NBC as President and CEO in 1978. There, he oversaw the development of programs including Diff'rent Strokes, The Facts of Life and Hill Street Blues. Mr. Silverman also explains the basic tenets of working as a network television executive, and discusses his methods for development, scheduling and promotions. Finally, he talks about his work as an independent producer for such programs as the Perry Mason television movies, Matlock, In the Heat of the Night and Diagnosis Murder.

This is part of a multi-segment oral history interview. For all interview segments visit channel playlists or go to http://tvinterviewsarchive.blogspot.com

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• archive
• american
• television
• interview
• emmy
• tv
• legends
• history

[Diane81000]

You mean ABC network executives were a bunch of immature college kids writing pep songs to prove they were doing a good job? Wow! How much were you guys getting paid for playing around in your playground?

[troy19540]

Fred Silverman is generousabout the work of others. His years at ABC in the 1970's is going from strength to strength. Leonard Goldenson, Fred Pierce, Michael Eisner, Bob Shanks, Ed Bain, Brandon Stoddard and Barry Diller get praise. ABC dominated this era and Fred Silverman had a lot to do with that fact.