2011 marks the 50th year Beasley broadcasting has been in existence. The company was started by President and CEO George Beasley, who will turn 80 in April, in Benson, NC back in 1961 when he paid his uncle about $1,000 to put in an application to the FCC that led to the original Beasley station, a 500-watt daytimer, WPYB-AM (pictured). The November 21st issue of Radio Ink features George Beasley and we discuss with him the key business decisions he made along the way that have led to the Beasley Broadcasting success. The company is public, employs 646 people at 42 stations in 11 markets. One of those decisions along the way could have bankrupt the company at the hands of CBS.
When George Beasley purchased KRTH in Los Angeles in the 1980's for $86 million, he understates the risk. "It was a roll of the dice." In fact it was one of the largest deals of its time. And, lurking in the weeds was CBS. CBS was known for putting out great oldies products and was poised to take on Beasley's new toy in L.A. David Van Dyke was the General Manager of CBS's KODJ at the time. Here is asnippet of the audio you will hear in the November 21st issue about the great battle between KRTH and KODJ.
To order your issue of Radio Ink go HERE
In the November 21st issue we have produced a lot of extra digital only content, both in the Beasley broadcasting feature and in our special report, "The Best Manager's in Radio."
To order an annual digital subscription of Radio Ink for $49.00 go HERE
Add a Comment Send This Story To A Friend
