Longtime Network Exec Gary Krantz Dies at Age 65

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 23, 2025 | 3:25pm CT

Gary Krantz

Krantz Media Group President and CEO Gary Krantz, a prominent figure in the media industry with a distinguished career spanning over four decades, has died. He was 65. Krantz was renowned for his contributions to broadcast radio, digital media, and content syndication. He died on January 21 in Manhattan, NY, leaving behind a legacy marked by innovation and leadership.

Born and raised in Queens, NY, and White Meadow Lake, NJ, Krantz pursued his education at Emerson College, setting the stage for a successful career in radio broadcasting. In 2008, he founded Krantz Media Group (KMG), a full-service media firm that specialized in new business development, content syndication, and investment counseling for digital media companies.

Under his leadership, KMG expanded its reach with the creation of KMG Networks in 2011, which focused on multi-platform content syndication. This venture produced notable programs such as "On Tap" presented by VH1 Classic and "John Lennon: The Final Interview."

Before his entrepreneurial success, Krantz had impactful roles across the industry. He served as the Chief Digital Media Officer at Westwood One, President of Air America Radio and Executive Vice President at Premiere Radio Networks during the Clear Channel era. His expertise also contributed to the launch of the programming division at AMFM Inc., which later merged into what is now iHeartMedia. Notable productions under his oversight included "American Top 40 with Casey Kasem."

Krantz was also deeply involved in the community, serving as past Board President for Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB). RJ Curtis, Executive Director of CRB, reflected on his passing, stating, "The passing of Gary Krantz is stunning news, a profound loss for the entire industry, and deeply felt by CRS. Gary had countless friends and was universally respected and well-liked by all who knew him."

Krantz's recent projects included bringing the Podcast Radio format to the U.S. and advising Geo Broadcast Solutions.

He is survived by his mother, Lila Krantz; brothers, Scott and Mark Krantz; and children, Michael, Jane, and Jacqueline Krantz. A service to honor his memory will be held on January 26 at Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York City. The family requests that donations in Gary Krantz's memory be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.