Industry News

Michael Reagan Dies at 80

Longtime talk radio host and conservative media personality Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, died on Sunday (1/4) at age 80. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced his death in a post on the social media saying, “Michaelimg Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals.” Reagan began his talk radio career in the late 1980’s first doing commentary on KABC, Los Angeles and then hosting his own show on KSDO, San Diego. For years his radio program was distributed nationally by Radio America and then by Premiere Networks. At the time of his death, Reagan was serving as a columnist for Newsmax. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Michael Reagan was one of the pioneering talents that launched news/talk radio to new levels of achievement and influence in the 90s, in addition to forging a successful decades-spanning career as a host and commentator.  From a media industry standpoint, he was a self-made man, never leaning on his famous family connection as an advantage. Off the air, he was a regular guy. On the air, he was just plain good.”

Industry News

Former ESPN Announcer Mike Patrick Dies at 80

Longtime ESPN play-by-play personality Mike Patrick died of natural causes on Sunday (4/20) at the age of 80. Patrick spent 36 years as a play-by-play commentator for ESPN. He also served as ESPN’s NFL voice for “Sunday Night Football” for 18 seasons. His final game behind the mic was the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, on December 30, 2017.

Industry News

Former Arizona Talk Host John C. Scott Dies at 80

Tucson.com reports that longtime Tucson market radio personality John C. Scott died on Friday (9/22) at the age of 80. He retired from his “John C. Scott Political Forum” program on Bustos Media’s KVOI-AM in July. Scott relocated to Tucson in 1967 and worked as the news anchor for KTKT-AM. He later became for news anchor for KVOA-TV, and KOLD-TV. He also hosted a talk show on KGUN-TV. In 1972, Scott won a seat in the Arizona State Senate where he served as a Democrat for two years. Current Tucson mayoral candidate Ed Ackerley comments, “He was a progressive conservative. I know that’s an oxymoron, but I believe had the best interests of the city at heart. His overall sense was that we can all come together, work together to make Tucson a better place to live.” Read the Tucson.com obit here.