Even without Hollywood experience, Sagansky's career had been launched.

He's A Wanderer

After his work at NBC, Sagansky ventured into the movie business. From 1985 to 1989, he was president of production for TriStar Pictures, a start-up at the time rather than the media behemoth it is today. During his time there, the movie house produced films like "Glory," "Look Who's Talking," and "Steel Magnolias."

But for all his success, Sagansky made the biggest headlines when he abruptly left CBS in 1994 while the company was still winning the ratings war.

"I had been at CBS for five years and I thought the networks were becoming dinosaurs. Sony was at the cornerstone of media," he says.

And so Sangansky became co-president of Sony Pictures, helping the company gross more money in one year--$1.3 billion--than any other movie house in history. But just as he had done while at CBS, Sagansky left Sony while at the pinnacle of his success, choosing instead to take on the challenges that come with a start-up television network, Pax TV.

"I'm always looking for something that keeps me challenged and learning," he says. "One of my greatest motivators is the fear of toppling over and failing. I have a restless spirit."

Working on Pax TV, Sagansky says, will allow him to tackle what he describes as the negative influence of television.

"I really believe in the negative impact that TV can have," says Sagansky, who brought to air family programs such as "The Cosby Show," "Family Ties" and "Dr. Quinn, the Medicine Woman."

"I believe in positive programming that can help people solve their problems. [Family shows] are the shows that have lasting impact," he adds. "'Miami Vice.' 'Cheers.' 'The A-Team.' 'Night Rider.' Those programs are hot for a year and then gone. I think the shows that last are the ones that we still watch today on 'Nick at Nite.'"

This past year, says, the network has also incorporated more original programming, developing shows such as "Chicken Soup for the Soul," a feel-good anthology series based on the book series by the same name, and "Twice in a Lifetime," a fantasy drama that allows its characters to go back in time and change one decision that set their lives on its course.

It is programs like these, along with the tried-and-true reruns of shows like "Eight is Enough" and "Hogan's Family," that Sagansky hopes will boost the ratings of the 71 Pax TV stations across the country. But regardless of what comes of his latest entertainment venture, Sagansky--who met his wife while she was working for his competition, ABC--says his career has never been driven by a desire for tangible success.

"I didn't do it because I wanted to be famous. I've seen it corrupt people," Sagansky says. "It's been very satisfying to work with talented people, and I'm known to my family and friends. That's all that counts."