Ed Christian
Ed Christian | |
|---|---|
| Born | Edward Kieran Christian June 26, 1944 Grosse Pointe, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | August 19, 2022 (aged 78) Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupations | Businessman, radio executive |
| Years active | 1958–2022 |
| Spouse |
Judith Dellaire (m. 1966) |
| Children | 2 |
Edward Kieran Christian[1] (June 26, 1944 – August 19, 2022) was an American businessman and radio executive who was the founder and CEO of Saga Communications from 1986 until his death in 2022.[2]
Early life
Christian was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan on June 26, 1944,[1] to Dorothy and Ed Christian and was of Icelandic heritage.[3][4]
Career
In 1958, as a teenager, Christian ran control boards at several FM radio stations in Detroit.[3] He later worked as a radio reporter at several Lansing radio stations, while studying at Michigan State University.[3]
In 1966, after graduating from Wayne State University with a bachelor's degree of Arts in Mass Communications, Christian became an account executive for WCAR in Detroit.[3] He later went through job changes and earned a master's degree in management from Central Michigan University.[3][5]
In 1971, at 26 years old, Christian purchased WCER-FM in Charlotte, Michigan (now licensed to Grand Ledge).[3][1]
In 1974, Christian was brought in as vice president and general manager to save WNIC (which was in deep financial trouble at the time).[3][6][1] He would later join Marvin Josephson with his company Josephson Communications Inc. after the company purchased the station, but kept Christian to help build the company.[1] In 1977, he became the president of the company.[7]
In April 1986, Josephson sold all of his acquired stations (including WNIC) to Christian.[1][7] Christian later named his company Saga Communications (a tentative name that later became official).[7] Christian stated in an newspaper interview that the name "saga" came from the words "an ongoing adventure" in the Nordic language as his "heritage is Icelandic."[4]
Death
Christian died on August 19, 2022, after a "short illness", he was 78.[2] He was survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "The saga of Ed Christian" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. December 28, 1987. p. 87. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
- ^ a b Manes, Nick (August 22, 2022). "Grosse Pointe Farms radio executive Ed Christian dies at 78". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived from the original on March 18, 2025. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Edward K. Christian Obituary". The Detroit News. August 30, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
- ^ a b Farber, Erica (August 21, 1998). "Publisher's Profile: Ed Christian" (PDF). Radio & Records. p. 112. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
- ^ Nelson, Gabe (September 20, 2009). "Ed Christian". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived from the original on May 19, 2026. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
- ^ "Saga Communications CEO Ed Christian Has Died". InsideRadio. August 22, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
- ^ a b c "Josephson sells radio stations to Christian" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. April 21, 1986. p. 36. Retrieved May 19, 2026.