Remembering Stuart Epperson
• Salem Media Group, Inc. announced the passing of co-founder, Stuart Epperson at the age of 86. Epperson, along with his brother-in-law, Edward Atsinger, founded Salem Communications (now Salem Media Group) in 1986 and expanded Salem’s influence with Christian and politically conservative News-Talk radio stations and media assets nationwide.
Epperson was a longtime leader in Christian radio as a former member of the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters Association. In 2005, Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America. He was a member and the past president of the conservative Council for National Policy (CNP), and in 1984 and 1986, Epperson was the Republican nominee for the 5th Congressional district of North Carolina. Epperson received a bachelor’s degree in radio/television broadcasting and a master’s degree in communications from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC.
Salem Media Group Executive Chairman Ed Atsinger commented, “Stuart will be greatly missed by many. I will miss him, but I take comfort in realizing that he is already receiving his reward for a life well-lived.” Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group, remarked, “Stu’s passing is another great loss in the broadcasting industry. He carried his faith and love of God throughout everything he did. Stu and his family were instrumental in George entering the broadcasting business. My father loved and respected him, both as a first cousin and as a businessman. Stu will be greatly missed by our entire family.”
Epperson is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughters Kristy, Karen, and Kathy, son Stuart Jr., and 21 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and 2 more on the way, as well as a sister, Mary Lee King. [Photo: Business Wire]
