Radio Remembers Randy Kabrich
• The radio industry is still coming to terms with the untimely passing of veteran programmer and consultant Randy Kabrich. As initially reported by RAMP on Wednesday, Kabrich died on March 17 of an apparent heart attack at the age of 68. While his family take the time to mourn and plan a possible memorial service, we wanted to highlight these heartfelt remembrances that were shared with us by some of Randy’s friends and former colleagues.
• “Randy Kabrich was instrumental in creating the market research and launch strategy in Los Angeles at Pirate Radio, and he helped build the in-house research department at Z100. A true critical thinker the industry will miss.” — Scott Shannon
• “Randy was an extremely bright professional who loved Radio deeply. He was passionate, tough yet kind, and would help anyone in need. I will miss him greatly. Randy’s passing is a huge loss to the radio industry.” — Lisa Miller, Miller Broadcast Management, Inc.
• “Randy was a brilliant guy. He was never afraid to tell you exactly what he thought, even if he knew you weren’t going to like it. That was immensely valuable in an advisor. And, importantly… he was usually right. He really had a feel for the legacy branded radio stations and was highly focused on delivering on those stations brand values relentlessly.” — Bob Neil, former Cox Media Group EVP & Cox Radio CEO.
• “We competed — Edens (Y95) vs Nationwide (KZZP) — and later were partners on the Strategic Radio Team at Clear Channel/iHeartMedia. More than just about anyone I’ve ever met in radio, Randy always had an answer on the issues we explored as we worked together as part of the. People throw out the term ‘genius’ loosely, but but Randy was one of the most exceptional minds I’ve ever met. Brilliant. Funny. Quirky. A Contrarian. Look, we didn’t agree on everything, but he was my friend and I loved him.” — Guy Zapoleon.
• “Randy and I spoke a few weeks ago. A long freewheeling conversation, with the same passion for radio and blunt talk I’ve respected for 30 years. Randy was my consultant when I was PD at B98.5/Atlanta in the late ’80s/’90s. His ability to strategize, be ahead of trends, and ‘call the baby ugly’ was really helpful to me. I really enjoyed his passionate takes on the business. We kept in touch over the years, and he signed off the last call with, ‘Hey, don’t be a stranger.’ I was really looking forward to our next conversation…” — Phil LoCascio, Sr. Account Executive, Audacy New York
• “I worked with Randy at Cox Radio, where we launched 106.9 The Point in Birmingham, ‘Best of the ’80s.’ Randy was incredibly passionate and detail oriented. No doubt, he was one of the original architects of the ’80s format. My prayers for God’s peace and comfort.” — David R. DuBose, Market President, Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa
• “I knew Randy for nearly 40 years. We worked on many projects throughout the years, and he was one of the smartest programmers of our time. He would challenge anyone at anytime. That was Randy! Probably why so many people wouldn’t talk to him (LOL). And what a pair of ears. He told me over and over that you could hear Keith Moon‘s drum stool squeaking on one song. I called him out on it, and he showed up in my office one day with the album and an isolated part of the song. After about an hour I thought I heard it. Then we went to lunch and argued about it. HA! RIP Randy.” — Chuck Beck
• “Randy was one of the smartest programmers I’ve ever met. No, I take that back. He was THE smartest. And most intense. And most passionate. I met him many years ago when he programmed Q105/Tampa, and we became friends through that relationship. He loved to discuss (debate) every aspect of programming and ratings manipulation, no matter how small. It drove me crazy, especially since he was always right. I learned so much from him, and he became one of a small handful of influential mentors who have helped me for many years. The news of Randy’s passing hit me hard, but I can imagine him arguing with St. Peter right now about ratings methodology and flaws in the sequencing of the music rotations in the heavenly playlist. You’d think the playlist would be perfect, but leave it to Randy to find a problem.” — Tracy Johnson
