• by Wayne Friedman , March 28, 2008

The biggest syndication company in the U.S., CBS Television Distribution, has named John Nogawski as its president/COO.

Nogawski moves into the company's most senior executive role with the passing of syndication legend and company CEO Roger King back in December. King and his brothers founded the forerunner of CBS Television Distribution--King World Productions--back in the 1970s.

Nogawski will oversee all creative, business and administrative operations for CBS' syndication company and will report to CBS Corp. president/CEO Leslie Moonves. He had been CBS Television Distribution's co-president/chief operating officer since September 2006, and reported to King.

Three years ago, CBS Paramount and King World Productions merged, establishing one of the most dominant companies in the syndication business--which today commands, at any given time, the majority of top ten-rated syndicated shows including "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Dr. Phil," "Wheel of Fortune," "Jeopardy," and "Judge Judy."

Other senior executives are expected to stay with CBS Television Distribution either in new or existing positions. They include Robert Madden, who will now be senior executive vice president, in charge of programming partnerships; Terry Wood, who will remain as president of creative affairs and development; Joe DiSalvo, who will remain as president of station sales.