Henry Siegel, TV Syndication Pioneer, Dies at 85
Henry Siegel, a pioneer of advertiser-supported television syndication, has died aged 85. His work helped shape how programmes were distributed to local stations and included major live events, among them the first MTV Video Music Awards and ESPY Awards.
Siegel died at home in Newtown, Connecticut, on Monday, his son Brian said. He founded Lexington Broadcast Services in 1976 with his twin brother Paul; the company distributed or produced shows including *Family Feud*, *Baywatch* and *He-Man and the Masters of the Universe*. Their live events slate also included the 1987 *Return to the Titanic*, whose two-hour build-up ended with the reveal of a salvaged ship’s safe. Siegel later led Kaleidoscope Media Group as chairman and chief executive through its 1997 public offering.
- Henry Siegel has died aged 85.
- He pioneered barter television syndication.
- His work included the first MTV VMAs and ESPYs.
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Television syndication is the sale or distribution of programmes to local stations, often outside the schedules of the major networks. In advertiser-supported syndication, a distributor may provide a programme to stations and sell advertising around it, giving local broadcasters shows they can schedule for their audiences.
Henry Siegel and his twin brother Paul founded Lexington Broadcast Services in 1976. The company distributed or produced programmes such as Family Feud, Baywatch and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, as well as live events including the first MTV Video Music Awards and ESPY Awards. Syndication helped such programmes reach viewers across many local stations, while live specials gave broadcasters events to show at the same time.