NAB to Honor 'Roots' Executive Producer David Wolper

Marking the 30th anniversary of the monumental mini-series "Roots", NAB will honor David L. Wolper, executive producer of the 12-hour epic with the NAB Distinguished Service Award during NAB2007 in Las Vegas.

In Wolper's 50 years in show business, he has made over 700 films that have won more than 150 awards, including two Oscars, 50 Emmys, seven Golden Globes and five Peabodys. In addition to "Roots", the milestone story of several generations of a slave family, Wolper's collection of work includes "The Thorn Birds," "North and South," "L.A. Confidential," and the 1971 version of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."

"David Wolper is one of America's most successful and influential television producers," said NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr. "'Roots' is 30 years old this year and is recognized as a seminal event in the history of mass media. We are honored to recognize him for his contributions to broadcasting."

The NAB Distinguished Service Award recognizes broadcasters each year who have made significant and lasting contributions to the broadcasting industry. Last year's recipients were former NBC Nightly News anchor and managing editor Tom Brokaw, former "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Dan Rather, and Peter Jennings, the late "ABC World News Tonight" anchor and senior editor. Other past recipients include Cokie Roberts, Edward R. Murrow, Bob Hope and Walter Cronkite.

Wolper has also been awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He also holds the French Legion of Honor, France's highest civilian honor.

In April 1998, TV Guide chose Wolper as one of the 45 People Who Made A Difference in television history, "a true original whose vision and innovation shaped the medium." As one of television's top creative forces, TV Guide said of Wolper, "His many contributions to broadcast history have embedded themselves in the American psyche."

Wolper also produced the critically acclaimed opening and closing ceremonies for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.