Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

Westwood One Founder Norm Pattiz Dead at Age 79


Norm Pattiz
Norm Pattiz

Westwood One founder Norm Pattiz died Sunday evening at age 79. He launched the radio programming and syndication network in 1976. After leaving the company in 2010, Pattiz then went on to launch Courtside Entertainment and then PodcastOne. Pattiz was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2009, and received the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation's Giants of Broadcasting in 2009.

"With Norm Pattiz' passing, we have lost a true media visionary," said Suzanne Grimes, President of Westwood One and EVP of Marketing for Cumulus Media. "He founded Westwood One, which grew to become the largest radio network in the United States and one of the top media companies in the world. His legacy lives on in all of us at Westwood One."

PodcastOne President Kit Gray commented, "Norm was a great innovator in the world of broadcast, and his contributions to the genre are immeasurable. He left an indelible impact on everyone that he met, and he will be deeply missed."

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Urban One Expands Dallas Footprint with KKDA, KRNB
Urban One
Urban One
Urban One has reached an agreement to acquire Service Broadcasting Group, including Dallas stations KKDA and KRNB, while also agreeing to sell KZMJ to Fuzion Dallas. Both transactions remain subject to approval by the FCC and customary closing conditions. The company said the More

NAB Opens 2026 Marconi Awards Nominations
Marconi Radio Awards
Marconi Radio Awards
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has opened the nomination window for the 2026 Marconi Radio Awards, with entries accepted through May 31. Winners will be announced during a special dinner program sponsored by Xperi on October 20 at the Edison Ballroom. The event More

Whitten Named Program Director of Indie 102.3
Jessi Whitten
Jessi Whitten
Colorado Public Radio (CPR) has appointed Jessi Whitten as Program Director of Indie 102.3, its independent music service, effective June 8. Whitten brings more than a decade of experience in radio programming, artist development and community engagement. She previously served as Music Director for CPR's More
Advertisement

SiriusXM Q1 Revenue Up, Profit Jumps 20%
SiriusXM
SiriusXM
Sirius XM Holdings reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $2.09 billion, up 1% year-over-year, while net income rose 20% to $245 million, according to its latest earnings release. Adjusted EBITDA increased 6% to $666 million, and free cash flow more than tripled to $171 million, More

Curtis Media to Acquire Coastal NC Radio Cluster
Curtis Media Group
Curtis Media Group
A deal has been reached for Curtis Media Group to acquire a group of North Carolina radio outlets from Capitol Broadcasting Company, with an application to be filed with the FCC. The transaction includes 100kW WRMR-FM (98.7) in Jacksonville, NC; 0.8kW WMFD-AM (630) and translators W269DF-FX (101.7) and More

Cumulus Expands Data Tools for Local Ad Sales
The Media Audit
The Media Audit
Cumulus Media is expanding its data-driven sales strategy through a new partnership with The Media Audit and TOMA.Solutions, bringing enhanced consumer and competitive insights to stations in a growing number of U.S. markets. The collaboration integrates The Media Audit's More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement