Westwood One Founder Norm Pattiz Dead at Age 79

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."

Latest Radio Stories

Second Circuit Mandate Restores Cumulus Injunction

Cumulus Media and Nielsen

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has formally issued its mandate in Cumulus Media's antitrust case against Nielsen, putting the preliminary injunction against Nielsen's Network Policy back into effect and ending the stay that had remained in place during the appeal. The mandate was issued More

Edison: Younger Americans Over-Index for Audio

Edison Research at SSRS

Younger Americans account for a disproportionately large share of daily audio consumption, according to new Share of Ear data from Edison Research at SSRS. Americans age 13 and older spent an average of three hours and 57 minutes per day listening to audio during the second quarter of 2026. Edison says More

''Reyna 103.1 FM'' Launches in Los Angeles

KDLD-FM (Reyna 103.1) Los Angeles

Reyna, a new creator-led multimedia platform targeting Latinas, has launched with KDLD-FM (103.1) in Los Angeles serving as its flagship station. Described as a digital-first platform created by and for Latinas, Reyna combines its broadcast presence with a mobile app, streaming, More

Westwood One Adds Bongino Morning Radio Show

Dan Bongino

Westwood One is expanding its Dan Bongino programming with the launch of "The Bongino Report AM," a new syndicated one-hour weekday radio program debuting September 21. The show will air Monday through Friday from 5-6am ET, with affiliates also given the flexibility to carry it between 6-9am ET. "The More

KNSS Host Ted Woodward Named to KAB Hall of Fame

Ted Woodward

News/Talk KNSS-AM Wichita, KS host Ted Woodward has been named a 2026 inductee into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the organization's highest honor recognizing broadcasters who have made a lasting impact in the state. A Wichita native, Woodward began his media career as a sports More

FCC Settles Kentucky Stations Compliance Case

Federal Communications Commission

The FCC's Media Bureau has reached a Consent Decree with Morgan County Industries resolving a series of rule violations involving four Kentucky radio stations, including late license renewal filings, periods of silence and reduced-power operation without required authority and deficiencies in the stations' More

Return to Menu

Westwood One Founder Norm Pattiz Dead at Age 79

Latest Radio Stories

Follow us on:

Copyright © 1989-2026 RADIO ONLINE ^®

Westwood One Founder Norm Pattiz Dead at Age 79

Latest Radio Stories

Follow us on:

Copyright © 1989-2026 RADIO ONLINE ®

Copyright © 1989-2026 RADIO ONLINE ^®