Bohannon, R.I.P.
WESTWOOD ONE VP/News & Talk Programming KEVIN DELANY has confirmed in a company wide email the death of JIM BOHANNON at age 78, following a long battle with esophageal cancer.
DELANY wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that our colleague JIM BOHANNON passed away this morning at age 78. It was JIM’s wish to be cremated and he requested there be no funeral service.
“JIM’s wife ANNABELLE said, ‘I have no doubt he is looking for a microphone and headset to begin broadcasting – he will just be working for a different network.’”
NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGEYT remarked on BOHANNON’s passing, “Our industry has lost a legend in the passing of JIM BOHANNON, who embodied the spirt of broadcasting. His charismatic nature, distinct style and engaging programs have left an enduring mark on radio and the generations of audiences whose lives he touched. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to be a guest on his show and was honored to induct him into NAB’s BROADCASTING HALL OF FAME earlier this year. We offer our deepest condolences to JIM’s family, friends, and fans.”
BOHANNON retired from WESTWOOD ONE with his last show, which was set to air on OCTOBER 14th (NET NEWS 10/11). BOHANNON said of his retirement, “It’s been a great 40 years with WESTWOOD ONE, with the last 30 as host of the ‘JIM BOHANNON SHOW.’ I’ve enjoyed every minute of our daily nighttime town hall with my guests, callers, and all of AMERICA.”
WESTWOOD ONE Pres. SUZANNE GRIMES commented on BOHANNON’s retirement: “We celebrate JIM’s long radio history and all his achievements, including his induction into the NAB BROADCASTING HALL OF FAME, the FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD from the RADIO TELEVISION DIGITAL NEWS ASSOCIATION, the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD from TALKERS magazine, and his inductions into the NATIONAL RADIO HALL OF FAME and the MISSOURI BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME. JIM has been an invaluable member of our WESTWOOD ONE family over these many years. He is truly an industry legend.”
WESTWOOD ONE “THE MARK LEVIN SHOW” associate producer and AUDACY News-Talk WPHT-A/PHILADELPHIA weekend host RICH VALDES took over the 10p-1a (ET) weeknight time slot.
For more on JIM’s life, please click here.
About Post Author
More Stories
St. Vincent Presents Olivia Rodrigo the Variety Storyteller Award With Glowing Speech About Her Songwriting
Lou Reed’s Final Solo Album, Hudson River Wind Meditations, Gets First Vinyl Release
Beyoncé’s Full Renaissance Movie Setlist: See What Made the Cut