Yesterday, radio lost a really good manager ...

Townsquare Media introduced five new members to its management team as SVP/Operations John King announced his retirement, effective June 30.

Figures it'd take five guys to replace him.

A 39-year radio vet, King can now be reached at 937-648-3189 (home), 937-776-4288 (cell) or by email.

I had the signal honor of working for John King at the old STL KIX104 when he hired me to be part of the morning show with Frank O. Pinion.  I replaced him as PD at the station when he moved on, but I was able to only offer a pale shadow of his management skills and style. John was the best manager that any of us at that station then had ever worked for.

According to the legend, John and consultant Rusty Walker put Shelly Davis' station together on cocktail napkins and tablecloths in a bar at Westport Plaza.  It never set a fire that overwhelmed WIL, but, oh, my God, did we ever have fun with a run at the brass ring!

The entire industry is diminished by the fact that he is no longer in the ranks. I wish him the very best in his retirement.

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