Radio Pioneer Sima Birach Sr. Dies at Age 86

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 5:24pm CT

Sima Birach Sr.

Sima Birach, Sr., founder of Birach Broadcasting Corporation and a pioneering figure in ethnic and independent radio, passed away on October 14 at age 86 from natural causes after an extended hospitalization. He would have turned 87 on November 21.

Born in the former Yugoslavia, Birach immigrated to the United States in 1965 and quickly immersed himself in broadcasting. He launched The Yugoslav Variety Hour on radio and television, bringing news and culture to immigrant audiences across America. His first station, WNZK-AM in Detroit, signed on October 12, 1985, and remains on the air nearly 40 years later.

Under his leadership, Birach Broadcasting grew into a network of 26 radio stations in markets including Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C., along with a low-power television station. Many of his stations served multicultural and ethnic communities, reflecting his deep belief in giving a voice to America's diverse populations.

Throughout his career, Birach was admired as a trusted broadcaster and a proud representative of the Yugoslav diaspora, earning comparisons to a "Serbian Walter Cronkite." Even in his later years, he worked on creating the Birach Museum, intended to honor both his family and immigrants from the former Yugoslavia who found success abroad.

Funeral services were held October 23 at St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Detroit, followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. Birach is survived by his children Sasha and Liz.