Remembering Brian Burns

• We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of longtime programmer and consultant Brian Burns, who succumbed to cancer on Saturday, Dec. 14. He was 67 years old.

Brian’s life and career can be nest summed up in this heartfelt email we received from his longtime friend and former Network 40 colleague, Pat Gillen: “The radio and music business has always had the odd ability to open the door to new friends, while at the same time making it difficult in staying in touch with them. One particular person who has remained an important part of my life over the years has been Brian Burns. We were friends in radio, when among other things he helped invent the Rock 40 format on KXXR/Kansas City. He hired me at the launch of the trade magazine The Network 40. Most importantly, we were best friends, there in good times and bad. Recently was of those bad times, as the world has lost Brian to cancer.

I’ll miss our almost daily chats… amazing enough, often about radio!”

Brian is survived by his three children: daughter Carley, and sons Austin and Casey. We will pass along additional details as we get them.