Remembering James L. Loper
The respected television industry professional was instrumental in many changes during his 16-year tenure as Executive Director of the Television Academy.
Pasadena, California - James L. Loper, executive director of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences from 1984-1999, died Monday at his home in Pasadena, California He was 81.
His contributions to the Academy were numerous and significant. During his tenure, the fourth network (Fox) was added to the rotating schedule of networks that televise the annual Emmy Awards broadcast. The Emmy Awards were broadened to include television programs originating on the nascent cable networks.
He also directed the creation of the Archive of American Television, and the Academy's move into its showcase headquarters in North Hollywood.
Watch his 2003 interview with the Archive.