Following his graduation from California State University, Northridge, with a degree in Radio & Television Broadcasting in 1978, Douglas Friedman worked on a number of television programs in a variety of capacities, most notably as a writer on "The Newlywed Game," "Treasure Hunt," and other shows for Chuck Barris Productions. Friedman worked for television stations KTLA Los Angeles (1976-1985) and WGBS Philadelphia (1985-1986) before becoming a marketing executive in television syndication at TeleVentures, Genesis Entertainment, New World/Genesis Distribution, and LionsGate Television. In 2005, Friedman became Director of Creative Services for television station KUSI in San Diego, California, where he won an Emmy and numerous other recognitions for his work, including NATAS-PSW's Silver Circle Award for lifetime achievement in television.