Broadcast executive and researcher Sam Holt has passed away. Holt is best known for his landmark 1969 Public Radio Study, which advocated for a dedicated FM band for noncommercial stations and the creation of NPR.
During his time at Harvard, Holt connected with Hartford Gunn, president of WGBH and later the founding president of PBS. This connection led to Holt directing the Public Radio Study, which candidly assessed the state of noncommercial radio stations and underscored their financial and organizational challenges.
This study proposed key strategies for public radio’s growth, notably His work didn’t stop there; Holt was instrumental in supporting the establishment of PBS’ National Program Service and later joined NPR as a senior program executive, where he helped establish Morning Edition.
After leaving NPR in 1983, Holt continued his impact as a consultant, focusing on interactive media products. His early career included positions at CBS News and WATV Radio in Birmingham, where he established the first all-news/talk format in the South.
Holt is survived by his partner Vicki, his daughters Louise Elliott Holt, Elizabeth Burwell Holt, Katharine Mansfield Holt, sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.
