Page 16 - Radio_Ink

LI SA M C K AY TR I B U T E

As we were going to print with this issue, WQDR/Raleigh Program Director Lisa McKay passed away at the age of 54, after a short
battle with cancer. Lisa has been on this list, consistently near the top, for many years. Colleagues and friends share their thoughts
about Lisa, what she meant to the industry, and her sudden passing on January 14, 2018.

“She was one of the most passionate and devoted McKay was seated nearby and snapped a picture
associates I have ever had. She leaves a legacy of me and posted it saying, ‘I just love the passion
and example that will be difficult to follow.” the KRTY crew have for the music.’ I didn’t know
Don Curtis, CEO her very well, wasn’t even sure she knew who I
Curtis Media Group was, but clearly she did, and she took the time
to recognize something good in another radio
“Lisa had a tremendous and positive impact on station. She understood the sense of community
so many people’s lives and careers, and will be CRS is trying to promote and did her part to make
greatly missed by all of us.” it a reality.”
Trip Savery, President/COO Julie Stevens, KRTY-FM/San Jose
Curtis Media Group Empire Broadcasting

Entercom Market Manager Phil Zachary hired Lisa “I always had a soft spot for Lisa because I
McKay at Curtis Media Group when he worked consulted WQDR before she arrived there. I was
for Curtis. “Lisa was fiercely competitive, yet always impressed with the great job she did with
her kindness was without limit. She took special the station. Lisa was always very active on the
pleasure in grooming the next generation of air ACM Radio committee and I knew that I could call
talent and never met a human — or an animal — on her to help.”
she wouldn’t help. A remarkable woman and a Lisa McKay with an adoptable pup at WQDR’s Charlie Cook, VP Country, Cumulus Media
devastating loss to all who knew her.” “12 Strays of Christmas” event Operations Manager,
Cumulus/Nashville
“We have unexpectedly lost one of the finest
broadcasters I have known during my entire “Lisa was a successful, bright, talented, and
career in Lisa McKay. She was a consummate creative programmer and broadcaster. She had
winner in our business and the best friend you passion for radio and for life. Her passing is a great
could hope to have as a person. Lisa will truly be loss to our country community and our format.”
missed by all that knew her! I was blessed and Shelly Easton, WXTU-FM/Philadelphia
honored to have her as a friend and colleague all Entercom
these years.”
Bill Mayne, Executive Director “It seems we don’t often lose people we’ve worked
Country Radio Seminar with for a long time, but when we do it’s always
totally devastating. Especially when they’ve left
“I am just devastated to learn of Lisa’s sudden us way too soon. That just happened to me a few
passing, only days after it was reported she was With country artist Dierks Bentley weeks ago when my on-air partner of 23 years,
taking a leave for health reasons. I admired her Harvey J. Steele, died. You’re numb, you’re in
so much, not only as a tremendous programmer “Lisa McKay embodies everything in a radio shock. You don’t know how you’re going back
but as a lovely person. I had only been at WQMX programmer and talent. She was innovative, on the air, or how you’ll get through delivering
a short while and met her on an industry trip. creative, and truly loved her radio station and her the news to your listeners. Best advice I got was
There were very few women PDs in Country, and people, and the love poured back to her from the from our GM, who said, ‘Be yourself, be honest.
2 016 I was so impressed by her knowledge and talent, legion of WQDR fans she had in Raleigh-Durham. When you feel emotional, let it flow.’ That’s real.
Lisa also was a wonderful role model for women
2 9, and I connected with her then and followed her in broadcasting and was always willing to help And real tough. Again, very sorry to hear of Lisa’s
passing. Lisa will always be a part of WQDR.”
continued success. We were both trying to stay
Januar y awake for a late-night showcase one night. She formidable competitor, loved country music, and Gary Shores
other women coming up in the ranks. She was a
asked me if I wanted to split a five-hour energy
WKKO-FM/Toledo
was a wonderful, caring person that everyone
drink — hoping it would keep us up for just two
and a half hours! Our industry lost an incredible loved. Country radio lost a great one in Lisa, but “Lisa was a beautiful person, in every sense of
OM talent, and our country music family will miss her we will never forget her.” the word. While I always had tremendous respect
C so much. Things like this put life in perspective. Tim Roberts, VP Music Programming/Operations for her professionally, I think I had even more
• How precious it is — and that we have no time Entercom Detroit fondness for her personally — I always enjoyed
K
N to waste. Deepest sympathy to her family and “One year at the New Faces show at CRS, the KRTY any opportunity to spend some time talking with
DIOI friends and to all of us who will mourn her loss.” general manager, sales manager, and myself were her. Our industry has lost a great programmer, but
more importantly, the world lost a great person
Sue Wilson, Program Director
A WQMX-FM/Akron, OH particularly overzealous with Brett Eldredge’s You’ll be missed, Lisa.”
R performance of ‘One Mississippi.’ So much so that Mark McKay, WGH-FM/Norfolk, VA
I think I stood on a chair to do my applauding. Lisa
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