The radio industry is remembering longtime network radio and syndication executive Gary Krantz, who died Tuesday. He was 65.
Krantz was born on Dec. 29, 1959 in Queens, NY where he grew up and later went to Emerson College before entering the radio industry. That journey began in 1981 when he was part of the team that launched syndicator MJI Broadcasting. He would remain there until 1996 when after more than tripling in size, it was acquired by Clear Channel. Krantz then jumped to AMFM Radio in 1997 where as Executive VP of Programming he launched a syndication arm. But just two years later amid the industry’s consolidation frenzy, AMFM was also acquired by Clear Channel. This time, Krantz joined the company where he became an Executive VP at Premiere Radio Networks. During his five years at Premiere, Krantz oversaw divisions that worked with radio format directors to identify marketing, programming and branding opportunities as well as music sales at Mediabase.
But by 2005, the startup spirit called again and Krantz left Premiere to become President of the fledgling liberal network Air America for what ended up being just a 16-month run. Krantz then moved to Westwood One in 2006, becoming Chief Digital Media Officer for the network.
Krantz then struck out on his own in 2011, launching his consultancy Krantz Media Partners where he worked for clients like Red Apple Audio Networks and GeoBroadcast Solutions.
In recent years he was also Managing Partner for Podcast Radio US, evangelizing the opportunity for podcast content on the radio dial. “It’s still early, but the local buzz is very good,” he told Inside Radio last year in an email championing the progress they were making.
Krantz was also working as an advisor to Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips, an investment bank focused on the media, marketing, information, and technology industries.
“Gary was known for his sense of humor, his style, and his generosity. He loved Bruce Springsteen, the beach, and his three kids. He spent much of his time embracing life,” his family says in a statement. “To his kids, he was their rock. He was an iconic legend. He introduced his children to music, his Jewish culture, and knowing exactly what to say at the right time.” Krantz’s three children—Michael, Jane, and Jacqueline Krantz—say they will continue to honor his legacy.
A memorial service will be held Jan. 26 at Riverside Memorial Chapel in Manhattan. The family requests donations be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Krantz’s memory.
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