Martin Starger, Key Figure at ABC in 1970s, Dies at 92

Martin Starger, a prominent figure in the television and movie industry, passed away at the age of 92 on May 31 at his residence in Los Angeles. His niece, Ilene Starger, a casting director, confirmed the news of his death.

Starger's career at ABC in the 1970s was marked by his significant contributions in bringing popular shows like “Happy Days,” “Roots,” and “Rich Man, Poor Man” to the small screen. His efforts almost led the network to the brink of No. 1 in prime time during that era.

Joining ABC in the mid-1960s, Starger steadily climbed the ranks and eventually became the president of ABC Entertainment in 1972. His impact on the network was influential, as noted by Barry Diller, an entertainment mogul and one of Starger's proteges at ABC.

Acknowledgement by Barry Diller

Barry Diller described Starger as the "quintessential television executive of the 1970s," praising him for being culturally ahead of his audience and pragmatic in his programming choices while continually striving for improvement.