Las Vegas, NV -- How's this for a contradiction: A man who has produced dozens of awards shows for TV actually hates getting awards.

George Schlatter has produced events like the Grammy Awards, the People's Choice Awards and the American Comedy Awards but says he hates awards himself because, in his words, "I'd rather talk about other people than myself."

But the man who created shows like "Laugh-In" and "Real People" may have to let himself enjoy the awards of his fame next week because he is getting a lifetime achievement award at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival, taking place Oct. 13-17.

Schlatter is receiving the "Uncle Miltie Pioneer Of TV" Award, but says he hopes to use the honor to reflect back on the man who inspired the award, comedian Milton Berle.

According to Schlatter, Uncle Miltie was responsible for the invention of TV staples such as split-screen and the laugh track -- although he insists that "Berle needed it less than anyone else."

Although Berle's TV shows are no longer seen, Schlatter says he was the best all-around entertainer of his day and says, these days, "only Robin Williams comes close."

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