Condolences: Dan Fritz
• Reno Media Group is deeply saddened to announce the passing of programmer Dan Fritz, who, over the course of 24 years built AC KRNO (Sunny 106.9)/Reno into one of Northern Nevada’s most successful radio stations. Fritz died early Thursday, March 9 — one day short of his 64th birthday.
Reno Media Group President Tom Quinn said, “Dan was a great talent and led what became our flagship station to ratings and financial success. Over the past two decades many of us became close friends of Dan’s, and his sudden death is shocking and extraordinarily sad.” Quinn said Fritz had not been feeling well for the past week and on Wednesday visited a doctor, who diagnosed him with pneumonia and prescribed medication. Tragically, Fritz died in his sleep early Thursday morning.
In addition to programming KRNO since 1999 and hosting afternoon drive, Fritz also oversaw Reno Media Group’s two Spanish-language stations, Juan 101.7 and Suave 96.9. He previously programmed the company’s AM stations, KBZZ and KZTQ. Before joining the former Americom Broadcasting, Fritz was APD/afternoon personality at KYMX (Mix 96)/Sacramento. Earlier in his radio career Fritz worked in Monterey and Palm Springs.
Quinn continued, “It may sound trite, but I think most of us here are grieving the loss of what we feel was a family member. It’s difficult to express our deep affection for Dan. He was an extraordinary man — funny at times, always hard-working, driven to perfection, sensitive, warm, and kind.” Fritz, who was born in Detroit, is survived by his mother and a sister who live in the Palm Springs area.
