Pacific NW Broadcast Legend Steve West Dead at 81

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 12:00pm CT

Steve West, one of the country's premiere broadcast executives, died on March 11 after a protracted battle with cancer. He was 81. His family shared the news in a heartfelt message to the Washington State Association of Broadcasters (WSAB), expressing mixed emotions over his passing. "It is with both joy and sadness that we say goodbye to Steve," they stated, noting his relief after enduring a long hospitalization and his contentment with life at its end, alongside the deep void his absence leaves behind.

Born and raised in Hoquiam, WA, West's broadcasting career took off in 1962 at KHOK-AM in his hometown before moving on to host a morning show at KPUG-AM in Bellingham. It was there he met his future wife, Sharon. His career saw an unexpected turn when he was fired during his honeymoon, an event that serendipitously led him to Seattle's KJR-AM.

By 1970, West had ascended to program management, transforming KTAC-AM in Tacoma into the leading Top 40 station in the South Sound. His prowess caught the attention of Kaye/Smith Broadcasting, which offered him a chance to lead KJRB-AM in Spokane. After a successful four-year tenure, he returned to Seattle to take over programming at KJR.

West's career continued to flourish as he took the helm at KISW-FM, steering it to become Seattle's number one FM station-a historic first for the city. After its sale to Nationwide Communications, he joined Roy Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting, launching 96.5 KXRX-FM which thrived under his guidance for a decade. In 1996, he revisited his roots by purchasing the KTAC frequency, creating News/Talk station KH2O (KHHO-AM), later sold to the Ackerley Group.

In the latter part of his career, West focused on serving retail advertising customers through his own agency, the Steve West Group. His contributions to the industry were recognized with numerous accolades, including two Radio Station of the Year awards from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Puget Sound Radio Broadcasting Association Crystal Soundie Lifetime Achievement Award. West also played a pivotal role in the Washington State Association of Broadcasters, serving as its Board Chair in 1991-92.

West leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Sharon, and their children, Kerrington and Kelli.