Broadcasters mourn loss of “Taz”
posted on 2.29.2016Longtime broadcaster James "Taz" Taszarek passed away Feb. 25 after a battle with esophageal cancer.
With more than 30 years of proven success in media, management and consulting, sales and fundraising, Taz was well-known for his innovation, expertise and integrity. He spoke to a packed house at the TAB Convention in 2008.
"Taz was one of the most influential people in my professional life. And, certainly many others. He was an amazing man," said TAB Board Member Tim McCoy, general manager of KFMK-FM "Spirit 105.9" Austin.
He started on air, then sales and management positions in both radio and television in Miami, St. Louis and Cincinnati. For 10 years he was the general manager of a radio cluster in Phoenix - breaking records in ratings, revenues and profits.
He also was a former member of the Board of Directors of the NAB and Radio Advertising Bureau. At RAB, Taz was instrumental in developing the Certified Radio Marketing Consultant Certification Program.
About his presentations, Taz always said, "My goal is for everyone to leave with three or four new ideas they can use the very next day to increase billing significantly – billing they wouldn’t have had without these ideas. The secondary goal is to have some laughs in the process.”
A vigil will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 2, and a mass at 10:30 m on Thursday, March 3. Both will take place at the Franciscan Renewal Center (5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, Arizona).
Donations in Taz's honor can be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Franciscan Renewal Center.
Former KTAR executive Jim Taszarek passes away (KTAR.com)
Jim 'Taz' Taszarek Passes Away (AllAccess.com)
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