John Christ; Radio, Early TV Producer

John Christ, 78, advertising executive who produced such radio serials as the Abbott & Costello programs and “One Man’s Family.” Christ began his career in 1930 with the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in New York and transferred to its Los Angeles office in 1937. At that time, advertising managers produced major radio shows, and Christ’s productions also included Lux Radio Theater and the Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy show. In 1949 Christ moved to the Leo Burnett company to televise specials for Fred Astaire and the Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageants. He was a co-founder of Pioneer Broadcasters and was often called the “unofficial mayor of Hollywood.” On Monday in Santa Monica of pneumonia.