Television entrepreneur ROGER KING has died at his home in Florida following a stroke. He was 63.

King, CEO of CBS Television Distribution, passed away on Saturday (08Dec07).

He was most famous for helping turn chatshow host Oprah Winfrey into one of the industry's most powerful stars.

Along with his brother Michael, King rose to prominence in the 1980s with their company King World Productions syndicating hugely profitable programmes including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jeopardy and Wheel Of Fortune.

King notably signed Winfrey when she was hosting a top-rated local talkshow called Am Chicago which he rebranded and launched nationally, propelling the former newsreader to stardom. The 63-year-old is survived by his wife, Raemali, and three daughters, Kellie, Anna Rose and Lucinda.