Barger celebrates 55 years in broadcasting

posted on 4.05.2013

Texas Pioneer Broadcaster John Barger celebrated 55 years in broadcasting on Saturday, March 30.

Barger began his broadcast career in 1958 as a DJ at WTAW-AM Bryan College Station.

In 1960, he moved to Austin to join KNOW-AM, as the city’s top-rated afternoon-drive personality, while earning his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Texas.

He twice worked for legendary Texas broadcaster Gordon McLendon, first as program director of WYSL in Buffalo and later as general counsel of the broadcast and theatre divisions in Dallas.

Co-founder of Clear Channel Communications and developer of the news-talk radio format in Texas, Barger’s nearly 40 years of radio operations in San Antonio began in 1975, including management and ownership at differing times of WOAI-AM, KAJA-FM, KONO-AM/FM, KAHL-AM, KRIO-FM, KBBT-FM, and KMFR-FM.

Barger still owns KAHL-AM-FM San Antonio, and with his partner Cindy Cox has a five-station group in Victoria. He also continues his leadership and advocacy on behalf of the industry as a member of the Radio Music Licensing Committee negotiating team which in the past two years completed new agreements with BMI and ASCAP that are saving Texas radio broadcasters more than $100 million.

He served as TAB Chairman in 1987 and hired longtime TAB President Ann Arnold.

TAB named him Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year in 1997 and Broadcaster of the Year in 2012.

“John Barger has dedicated his life to Texas and the broadcasting industry,” said TAB President Oscar Rodriguez.

“We congratulate him on all he’s accomplished and, somewhat selfishly, wish him many more years of an already stellar career.”