Salem Media Group announced the loss of its co-founder, Stuart Epperson, who passed away at the age of 86. Epperson, along with his brother-in-law Edward Atsinger, founded Salem Communications, now Salem Media Group, in 1986. They cultivated a widespread presence in Christian and politically conservative News Talk radio stations, as well as other media assets across the country.
Epperson was a stalwart figure in the sphere of Christian radio, serving as a former member of the National Religious Broadcasters Association’s board of directors. Time Magazine recognized his influence in 2005 by listing him among the 25 most influential evangelicals in America. Beyond broadcasting, Epperson participated in various conservative organizations committed to preserving Judeo-Christian values in society through public policy. He was a member and former president of the Council for National Policy (CNP) and represented the Republican nominee for North Carolina’s fifth Congressional district in 1984 and 1986.
Epperson pursued his education at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he acquired a bachelor’s degree in radio/television broadcasting and a master’s degree in communications. He leaves behind his wife, Nancy, their four children – Kristy, Karen, Kathy, and Stuart Jr., as well as 21 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two forthcoming great-grandchildren, and his sister, Mary Lee King.
Salem Media Group Executive Chairman Ed Atsinger expressed his grief saying, “Stuart will be greatly missed by many. I will miss him, but I take comfort in realizing that he is already receiving his reward for a life well-lived. A life that personifies the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: ‘I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. Now there Is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.’”
In a statement to Radio Ink, Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley paid tribute, saying, “Stu’s passing is another great loss in the broadcasting industry. He carried his faith and love of God throughout everything he did. Stu and his family were instrumental in George entering the broadcasting business. My father loved and respected him, both as a first cousin and as a businessman. Stu will be greatly missed by our entire family.”
