Making Radio Stronger In A Disaster
Radio Executive Carl Hirsch Dies of Heart Attack at Age 64.
Radio Executive Carl Hirsch Dies of Heart Attack at Age 64.
Hirsch's friend, Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan told Radio Ink when he heard the news his jaw dropped. "It was just a shock. Carl was a very likeable guy, a very good guy. He was one of the great entrepreneurs of this business." Like everyone else, the passing of Hirsch was a surprise to Smulyan who started in Radio at about the same time Hirsch did.
NextMedia's Jeff Dinetz told Radio Ink he had the honor of working with Carl twice in his career. "The first time was in 1983 at Z100, then 17 years later with NextMedia. Carl was P.T. Barnum who had the ability to make his staff's "go for the gold." Our Malrite meetings were legendary. Every employee in the company was invited to places like Colorado, Scottsdale and Orlando. You were proud to be a part of that company."
"He had that same intensity at NextMedia. He made coming to work fun and it was impossible not to laugh when you were in his presence. Most of all, Carl knew how to live. He worked hard, but he took the time to enjoy life. He was a proud man who spoke of his children, his fellow workers, and his beloved Cleveland. He was very generous and made significant donations to many causes. Today is one to truly reflect on his life."
Hirsch was president/CEO of Malrite from 1974-1985. He ran Legacy Broadcasting from 1986-1990. In the 1990s, he was president and CEO of OmniAmerica. In 1999 he founded NextMedia, which owns and operates broadcast properties around the country. Most recently, he had been doing consulting through his Legacy Management Group.
Hirsch was also known for his philanthropy. He was generous to his alma mater, Kent State University, giving $500,000 for the Carl E. Hirsch Media Convergence Lab. Last year he gave $1 million to the Cleveland Clinic Florida Health and Wellness Center, its largest single donation ever, which named its main lobby was named after him.
|
(3/2/2011 11:47:08 AM) Carl Hirsch was born to be a radio person. For Carl, radio was not a way to make a living but a way of life. Carl did not go to "work "in the morning. He hurled himself into the day with a level of energy and excitement beyond compare. Carl believed that a new idea was a good idea! He spent his career embracing change, understanding human energy, cultivating creativity and daily exhorting colleagues to meet new challenges. He expected the best from those around him and his confidence in people was returned in kind. The industry is populated with professionals mentored by Carl. Carl Hirsch announced himself with his very presence. Whether the gathering was small or large there was never any doubt that he was in the room. In the early days at Malrite Broadcasting Carl assembled a fabulous team of programming people who have left a permanent mark on the evolution of FM music and personality radio. It is appropriate that his radio hometown is the location of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As radio history unfolds, we gain greater knowledge and respect for the fact that the industry was built by strong, smart, committed, bold, risk taking, creative and larger than life personalities! Carl’s legacy has placed him at the top of the register of those who made a difference. |
| - Gordon Hastings |
Add a Comment | View All Comments
