Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Find Radio Online
AM FM HD

Advertisement

Retired WRHU/Hempstead, NY GM Bruce Avery Dead at 69


Bruce Avery
Bruce Avery

Retired WRHU/Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University General Manager Bruce Avery, a dedicated mentor and teacher who helped the station become an international leader in college radio, died Saturday after a long illness. He was 69. Avery, who retired in August 2022, spent 28 years as General Manager at WRHU. He also served as a coach and counselor for thousands of students.

"Avery spent his life inspiring other people," said WHRU's Sports Director Yaw Bonsu. "He was someone I could always turn to and talk to, who always believed in me."

Over Avery's three decades at Hofstra, WRHU consistently won accolades from a variety of organizations, including the National Association of Broadcasters, the Alliance of Women in Media, the Society of Broadcast Engineers, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Press Club of Long Island and Princeton Review.

"Hofstra University is deeply saddened by the loss of Bruce Avery, who was dedicated to his craft and to the university in myriad ways - as an expert in his field, a teacher, a colleague, and friend to so many," said Hofstra President Susan Poser. "During his long tenure at Hofstra, Bruce built WRHU into a national and international award-winning radio station. This includes winning four Marconi awards, most recently in 2022, as the best college radio station in the country. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Bruce's family."

Dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Mark Lukasiewicz said, "Bruce Avery was a consummate professional, a great role model, and above all a mentor to literally thousands of student members of WRHU Radio Hofstra University over his years of service as general manager. His rich legacy includes legions of young men and women who are better broadcasters, better journalists, and better people for having known him."

Avery was also well-known for his work as a meteorologist at News 12 Long Island, where he worked for more than 20 years. But his primary role, and the one he relished most, was at WRHU, where he forged bonds that lasted long after students graduated.

"Bruce Avery's legacy are the thousands of Hofstra radio alumni that can say Bruce helped them find their voice," said ABC News Executive Editorial Producer John Santucci. "He was a friend and advocate to any student that entered the station in his newly three-decade run."

"I can honestly say Bruce was my first call when things were great and when times were tough in life," added Santucci. "I will miss his guidance and boundless love."

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Urban One Expands Spanish Programming in Ohio, Indianapolis
Claudia DeLeon
Claudia DeLeon
In a move to bolster its Spanish-language broadcast services, Urban One inks a new Local Management Agreement (LMA) with La Mega Media and Lazo Media. Beginning November 1, Urban One will assume ownership and/or operational responsibilities for More

San Diego's XEPRS Revamps as Oldies with Wolfman Jack
Wolfman Jack is back
Wolfman Jack is back
XEPRS-AM (1090) in San Diego makes a significant format shift, now dedicating its airwaves to Oldies. What sets this format apart is its revival of broadcasts by the iconic Wolfman Jack, known for his presence on 1090 XERB during the 1960s. This More

MIW Launches Erica Farber Mentorship in Management Program
Erica Farber
Erica Farber
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) launches the Erica Farber Mentorship in Management program. Formerly known as the Mildred Carter Mentorship, this program is designed specifically to empower and elevate women in senior leadership across More
Advertisement

WWKX/Providence Flips to Classic Rock as ''106.3 The Wolf''
WWKX-FM (106.3 The Wolf)/Providence
WWKX-FM (106.3 The Wolf)/Providence
Rhythmic CHR WWKX-FM in Providence flips to Classic Rock, rebranding as "106.3 The Wolf." This change took effect on Saturday, November 2. The station, licensed to Woonsocket since 1990 and formerly known as "Hot 106.3," had been known for its More

Miami Mourns Loss of Radio Icon ''Jammin'' Johnny Caride
''Jammin'' Johnny Caride
''Jammin'' Johnny Caride
The radio waves of South Florida are quieter Monday as the community mourned the passing of "Jammin" Johnny Caride, a towering figure in Hispanic radio broadcasting whose personality and musical genius left an indelible mark on the industry. Johnny More

Sean Perkins to Lead Marketing Strategy for NAB Show
Sean Perkins
Sean Perkins
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) names Sean Perkins as Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Connections and Events (GCE), where he will oversee marketing efforts for NAB Show and NAB Show New York. Perkins will 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