Industry News

WXYT-FM, Detroit’s Kott Dies at 32

Audacy reveals that WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket” imgproducer and air personality Kenny Kott died from medical complications on Saturday (6/26). Kott was a member of “The Valenti Show with Rico.” Mike Valenti addressed Kott’s passing on Monday’s program, saying that Kott had a medical event in early June that left him hospitalized for the last few weeks and it took a turn for the worse. Valenti says, “Genuinely, I struggle to find the words for this. He’s a part of our dysfunctional family. That’s what this is.”

Industry News

Rare Interview with David Clayton-Thomas About BS&T Found in TALKERS Archives – Broadcasters Invited to Use at Will

The Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter whose powerhouse voice propelled Blood, Sweat & Tears to the summit of popular music, died peacefully last evening at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. He was 84.

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TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison was friends with Clayton-Thomas and the group back in the early 1970s while he was the morning host at pioneering album rocker WNEW-FM, New York.  However, by the mid-seventies, Harrison lost touch with Clayton-Thomas and the group.  Move the clock ahead to March of 2020 and David Clayton-Thomas was promoting a new solo album – the latest of many that enjoyed hit status in his native Canada – and Harrison had the opportunity to catch up with his old friend in an interview conducted during the height of the COVID pandemic. Clayton-Thomas was quarantining in Toronto, and Harrison was doing the same in Massachusetts. TALKERS has isolated a segment of the archival interview with the rock legend in which Clayton-Thomas recounts the history of how he joined the band.  Interested broadcasters wishing to use any or all of this clip are free to do so.  Please click here. (Photo credit: Marie Byers)

Industry News

Sports Talk Pioneer Eddie Andelman Dies at 89

Legendary Boston sports talk personality Eddie Andelman has died at 89. Andelman is often described as one of the pioneers of imgsports talk radio. Andelman, along with Jim McCarthy and Mark Witkin, launched “The Sports Huddle” on WBZ-AM, Boston in 1969. The show would move to Boston signals WEEI, WHDH and back to WEEI in 1991 and those who keep track of this sort of stuff say he broadcast more than 13,000 shows. Broadcast historians often refer to the program as one that “came to define the genre.” Andelman retired from radio at the end of 2010.

Industry News

Detroit Sports Media Figure Pat Caputo Dies at 67

imgFormer WXYT-FM, Detroit talk host and Motor City sportswriter Pat Caputo died on Thursday (5/7) after a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 67. Caputo hosted in several dayparts on 97.1 The Ticket during his time with the station. He also was a contributor to WJBK-TV, Detroit. But he was initially known in the Detroit market writing for the Oakland Press from 1983 through 2020. See the Detroit News obituary here.

Industry News

Ted Turner Dies at 87

CNN creator Ted Turner has died after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Among Turner’s accomplishments during his career was the launch of CNN – the Cable News Network – in 1980. The cable channel went on to change the way Americans got their news and launched the 24-hour news cycle. It would also ultimately bring opinion and commentary programming to television and lead Rupert Murdoch to build his own news network in the form of FOX News Channel. But it was the 1991 Gulf War that made CNN feel like “must-see TV” for Americans and much of the rest of the world. Turner sold his media assets to Time Warner in 2000.

Industry News

KFYO, Lubbock Talk Host Chad Hasty Dies at 43

Longtime talk radio show host Chad Hasty died in his sleep Thursday morning at the age of 43. Townsquare Media, owner of KFYO, Lubbock, Texas states that it is deeply saddened to share the news of Hasty’s passing. The station says, “Chad joined Lubbock radio in 2003 and soon became the voice of imgKFYO’s morning show. In 2021, ‘The Chad Hasty Show’ moved to late afternoons, where he continued informing and entertaining audiences across the region. Whether cutting through the news of the day or interviewing some of the most prominent political figures in the state and country, Chad always delivered an engaging and thought-provoking show for his loyal listeners.” Townsquare Media Lubbock market president Dan Endom adds, “We are stunned and heartbroken by the sudden passing of our beloved KFYO family member, Chad Hasty. Chad was not only a brilliant on-air host, but an even better friend. Our deepest condolences go out to [his wife] Jennifer and his baby girl, Ava. It’s hard to imagine not seeing his welcoming presence roaming the halls of Townsquare Media Lubbock.”

Industry News

Talk Radio News Pro Chris Barnes Dies at 66

Former radio host and news director Chris Barnes died on April 14 at the age of 66 from a blood infection that led to live and kidney failure. Syracuse.com reports that he posted a video to Facebook hours before his passing at Reading Hospital in West Reading, Pennsylvania, saying, img“I had a good run. I spent every cent I ever made… I would have rather saved some, but you can’t take it with you. I love you all. Thank you so much.” Barnes began his radio career in the 1980s at WEOK-WPDH in Poughkeepsie, followed by a nearly four-year run as an afternoon news anchor and reporter for WGHQ-WBPM in Kingston. He served as morning news anchor and news director for WSYR, Syracuse; worked at “All News 99.1 WNEW” in Washington, DC, as well as with USA Today Channel on SiriusXM in Washington; FOX News Radio in New York; and The Blaze Radio Network in Washington. DC. See the Syracuse.com obituary here.

Industry News

Pioneering Black Talk Host Bob Law Dies at 86

Bob Law, the Black radio personality who hosted “Night Talk” on WWRL,img New York, has died at age 86. According to The Grio, Law put “Night Talk” into national syndication in 1981 through the National Black Network. The piece says it was considered the first nationally broadcast Black radio talk show in the country. He began his career with WWRL in New York as a community affairs director, eventually rising to program director. See The Grio piece here.

Industry News

Chicago Agribusiness Radio Legend Orion Samuelson Passes

Chicago broadcasting legend Orion Samuelson has died at the age of 91. Samuelson grew up on his family’s farm in Wisconsin and the famer in hm never left. Though he did numerous on-air jobs during his career – including hosting the morning WGN-TV show “Top of the Morning” in the 1960s, his work as a farming news broadcaster is where he truly excelled. Samuelson spent 60 years broadcasting until his retirement in 2020. See the WGN-TV story here.

Industry News

New York News Icon Ernie Anastos Dies at 82

Longtime Emmy-winning New York City news anchor Ernie Anastos hasimg died at the age of 82. Anastos worked at the local New York affiliates of ABC, CBS and FOX. In recent years, he hosted a feature on WABC Radio titled, “Positively Ernie.” Red Apple Media Group CEO John Catsimatidis commented on Anastos’ passing saying, “Ernie was a friend for 50 years. He was always there for every charity and worked tirelessly to help people — especially New Yorkers.”

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Legend Warren Pierce Dies at 82

Warren Pierce, legendary WJR-AM, Detroit personality, died on Friday (10/31) at the age of 82. Pierce served with WJR for almost 40 years and, according to the Detroit Free Press, “was saidimg to have interviewed tens of thousands of celebrities, authors, politicians and other assorted newsmakers during his long radio career.” The Free Press obit states, “He filled a variety of roles for WJR across the decades beginning in the 1970s. Whether hosting a weekday morning or afternoon slot or doing a weekend shift, he drew fans with his friendly, upbeat style and filled ‘The Warren Pierce Show’ with a mix of interviews, movie reviews, news and weather.  A dedicated fan of University of Michigan football, Pierce also did sideline reporting for WJR’s coverage of Wolverines games during the era of coach Bo Schembechler.” He left WJR in 1993 and joined WJBK-TV, Detroit as a morning news anchor. See the Detroit Free Press story here.

Industry News

Former KYW, Philadelphia Anchor Harry Donahue Dies

Audacy reports that former longtime KYW, Philadelphia anchor Harry Donahue died at age 77 after a battle with cancer. The company says, “Donahue joined KYW Newsradio as a freelanceimg reporter in 1974 and became an anchor in 1979, beginning a 35-year run as a morning drive and sports anchor. Countless Philadelphians came to know Donahue’s voice as he brought the news, traffic, weather, and much-longed-for snow days over the airwaves in his time at the station. He was also a fixture in the city’s sports radio scene, doing play-by-play for the Philadelphia Stars — the city’s USFL team in the 1980s — and was the TV and radio voice of Temple football and basketball for more than two decades.” Donahue retired from KYW in 2014 and was promptly inducted into the KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame. In 2000, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Industry News

Media Spiritual Guide Joyce Keller Dies

Media personality and psychic medium & spiritual teacher Joyce Keller has died. She was aimg host on WGBB-AM, Freeport, New York (Long Island) for more than 35 years. She appeared on major television programs including, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Good Morning America.” She also served as a columnist for Lifetime Television since. Keller’s long-running radio program with international reach established her as an enduring voice in the metaphysical and self-help space.

Industry News

WTOP Reporter Jeff Clabaugh Dies at 63

imgWTOP, Washington is announcing that its business reporter Jeff Clabaugh died last Thursday at the age of 63 after a yearlong battle with cancer. WTOP says that Clabaugh, “whose steady-paced voiceconversationally delivered money news to the D.C. region for three decades,” was “a master of consumer business news” who “gave reports twice an hour on WTOP’s airwaves and wrote punchy, popular stories for WTOP.com.” WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler wrote to the staff, “Jeff Clabaugh made WTOP’s Business Reports what they are today. His work ethic was incredible. And his voice was so smooth. He was one of the best storytellers in the WTOP newsroom.” Read the WTOP story here.

Industry News

Gary Burbank Dies at 84

Legendary WLW, Cincinnati personality Gary Burbank has died at age 84. Burbank – born Billy Purser – isimg best known for hosting the afternoon drive show on WLW from 1981 through his retirement in 2007. He created numerous voice characters on his program, the most famous of which was Earl Pitts Uhmerikun – which took the form of a nationally syndicated commentary during his time at WLW. He also worked at stations including, WMPS, Memphis; WNOE, New Orleans; WAKY and WHAS in Louisville; and CKLW, Windsor/Detroit during his career. In memory of Gary Burbank, Art Vuolo has posted this video tribute.

Industry News

Christian Broadcaster James Dobson Dies at 89

Psychologist, Christian leader and broadcaster Dr. James Dobson – founder of the Focus on the Familyimg ministry – has died at age 89. Dobson launched a radio program titled, “Focus on the Family” and, after leaving Focus on the Family to his successor Jim Daly in 2010, Dobson founded Family Talk and a new radio program. He later founded the James Dobson Family Institute and the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal defense firm.

Industry News

Former KMJ, Fresno News Anchor Ron McCary Dies

Former longtime KMJ, Fresno news anchor Ron McCary died on Friday (8/15) at the age of 80. According to the station, McCary served with KMJ for almost two decades as a news anchor, traffic reporter, andimg anchor of the agriculture report. McCary also taught high school locally and served as a substitute teach until his retirement in 2018. KMJ says, “McCary’s background as an English teacher gave him a solid foundation as a reporter. KMJ staff could turn to him for his historical knowledge, a valuable asset and vital to a newsroom. His command of the English language was equally impressive and he often corrected bemused coworkers and hosts for any grammatical infractions.”

Industry News

WWJ, Detroit News Pro Mike Campbell Dead at 65

Audacy all-news WWJ, Detroit announces that longtime reporter and anchor Mike Campbell died on Sunday at 65 years of age. No cause of death is being reported. The station posted the following to itsimg website: “He was our friend and co-worker at WWJ Newsradio 950 and also a friend to our listeners, bringing you the stories of the day from Detroit and across Southeast Michigan. Someone recently described him as a hero, and we can’t argue with that. We are heartbroken to share that WWJ reporter and anchor Mike Campbell died on Sunday. He was 65 years old, having just celebrated his birthday at the end of May. He was a fearless reporter, with unique style — a way of talking to and connecting with the people who were a part of the stories he told.” Campbell is survived by his wife Terri and is children. See the complete WWJ story here.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Takes Part in Virginia’s “Say Their Names” Ceremony

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Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon host Jeff Katz at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond participating in the first-ever “Say Their Names” marathon. Katz joined some 200 people chosen – including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin – to recite the names of the almost 12,000 Virginia military heroes who died in service of their nation. The marathon took place over the course of 12 hours and included those who died in conflicts from World War II through the Global War on Terror.

Industry News

Broadcast Engineer Ted Randall Dies at 73

Nashville-based broadcast engineer Ted Randall has died at the age of 73. Randall was a Michigan native show worked at numerous stations there. He moved to Tennessee in 1979 and worked atimg signals including WQKR, WAMG, WCOR, WRMX, WSM-AM, WSM-FM, WZPC – Power Country 102.9, WFCM / Moody Radio, WJKM, and more. He also served with Cumulus and as chief engineer for 5 Star Radio in Clarksville. During his time with WSM-AM, he also served as an announcer for the Grand Ole Opry. Randall managed and operated WJKM for five years and served as chief engineer for Cromwell Radio (now Cromwell Media) for over 20 years, overseeing engineering for ten stations in the greater Nashville area. Randall’s son, Matt Aaron, serves as a broadcast engineer for Ramsey Solutions. See his obituary here.

Industry News

Radio Pro Brad Krantz Dies After Myeloma Battle

Talk radio and podcast personality Brad Krantz died yesterday (5/6) after a battle with myeloma.img Krantz was most recently co-host of “The BradandBrittcast” podcast with Britt Whitmire. He served as host at a number of rock stations during his long radio career as well as morning host on news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte.

Industry News

Talk Host Sam Greenfield Dies

Details are incomplete but TALKERS is being informed that progressive talk host Sam Greenfield hasimg died. During his career, Greenfield hosted radio talk shows at WEVD, WWRL, and WVNJ in the New York City market. Recently, he’d been producing talk content posted to his YouTube channel. Information posted on the Democratic Underground message board indicates that Greenfield had been in some sort of occupational therapy and rehabilitation when he contracted COVID and died from pneumonia.

Industry News

Former WNIR, Akron Personality Angela Bellios Dead at 53

The Akron Beacon Journal reports that former WNIR, Akron radio personality Angela Bellios has died at age 53.img The story reports that the 53-year-old Bellios, who had left the radio business in 2021, was found dead at a friend’s home where she had been staying while dog-sitting. The cause of death was not revealed and is pending an investigation. See the Beacon Journal story here.

Industry News

Radio Pro Jim Quinn Dies at 82

Radio personality Jim Quinn died on Sunday (3/30) at the age of 82. Pittsburgh’s TribLIVE reports about the career radio host who worked for much of his career as a music jock and morning show host beforeimg transitioning to a conservative talk host in the early 2000s. Quinn started his radio career at KQV, Pittsburgh in the 1960s. Quinn partnered with Don Jefferson for the popular “Quinn and Banana” show on WKTQ in Pittsburgh from 1983 to 1992. The TribLIVE story notes that Quinn took a position at WRRK, Braddock, PA where he honed his conservative talk chops. He partnered with Rose Tennent and had a successful run with “The Warroom with Quinn and Rose” on iHeartMedia’s WPGB-FM, Pittsburgh as well as on satellite radio. See the TribLIVE story here.

Industry News

Industry Mourns Gary Krantz Who Died Tuesday at Age 65

Gary Krantz, founder of Krantz Media Partners, died on Tuesday (1/21) at the age of 65. He entered the radio business after graduating from Emerson College. He served with syndicator MJI Broadcasting from 1981 through 1996. He joined AMFM Radio in 1997 as EVP of programming and, after then-Clear Channel’simg acquisition of AMFM, took on an EVP role at Premiere Networks. He was the president of the fledgling liberal talk radio company Air America and joined Westwood One after Air America shut down in 2006. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “This is a devastating loss to the radio industry. I had the privilege of working with Gary all the way back to my music radio days when he was a young executive at the old MJI Broadcasting with major industry players like Julie Talbott and Josh Feigenbaum in the early days of our careers. He has subsequently worn a number of key management and entrepreneurial hats in the business – all reflecting his dedication to professionalism and quality.  He was very well liked and respected by broadcasters on both sides of the Atlantic. He will be missed.” A service will be held on January 26, 2025 at Riverside Memorial Chapel at 180 West 76th Street, New York, NY 10023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Gary Krantz’s memory.