Edward Bleier

Edward Bleier (October 16, 1929 – October 17, 2023) was an American television executive. As a president at Warner Bros. Television in the 1980s and 1990s, he played a role in the development of cable television and pay TV. He served on the board of directors of RealNetworks and Blockbuster LLC and as chairman of the board of CKX, Inc., owner of the American Idol and Elvis Presley franchises.

Early career Born in New York City on October 16, 1929, Bleier's career started in high school on WNEW radio's high school hour and working as a stringer for the Long Island Press and The New York Times. He was an ABC News copy boy during summers while attending Syracuse University. He also wrote for the Syracuse Herald Journal and several Syracuse radio stations. He was a friend of William Safire, and dropped out of college with him in 1949. Bleier began his television career by managing promotion for the DuMont Television Network and New York's Channel 5. He returned to school as an adult to receive his degree in 1994.

Other accomplishments Bleier held posts as chairman of the Center for Communication, president of the International Radio & Television Society, vice-chairman of the International Television Council, chairman of the Academy of the Arts of Guild Hall of East Hampton, board member of the Keystone Center for Science and Environment and the Martha Graham Dance Company, and participated in two United Nations World TV Forums. He guest-lectured at 15 different universities.

Personal life and death Bleier was married to French-language journalist, Magda Palacci Bleier, from 1973. A native of New York City, he resided there and in East Hampton, Long Island. He died at his home in East Hampton on October 17, 2023, the day after his 94th birthday.