Norman Feuer, a longtime broadcaster and executive whose career in radio spanned more than five decades, died Oct. 19 following a three-year battle with dementia. He was 88.
Feuer worked in advertising, marketing and management. He had multiple successful tenures as a station owner.
“Norman had a way of connecting with people from all walks of life, treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their position or circumstances,” his family shared in an obituary.
Feuer began his media career in research and documentation at major New York advertising agencies, including Kelly, Nason; Benton & Bowles; and Needham, Harper & Steers.
He later served as a marketing associate at Life magazine before transitioning into radio sales with CBS Radio Spot Sales and Katz Radio.
In 1971, Feuer moved into station management as vice president and general manager of WLYF(FM) in Miami and WLAK(FM) in Chicago, commuting between the two markets. He would then serve as owner and president of Force Communications and general manager of KBZT(FM), “K-Best,” in San Diego.
As president of Viacom Radio from 1983 to 1985, Feuer oversaw eight stations across six major markets. During his tenure, he led the transformation of New York country station WKHK(FM) into adult contemporary powerhouse WLTW(FM), which grew into one of the most profitable radio stations in the nation.
Feuer subsequently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Noble Broadcast Group, overseeing 18 stations in 10 markets. He went on to become COO of Pourtales Radio Partnership, managing 23 stations across six markets.
From 1995 to 1999, Feuer served as president and chief executive officer of Triathlon Broadcasting, leading the publicly traded company as it expanded to 32 radio stations in mid-sized and smaller markets. Capstar acquired Triathlon in 1999 for $200 million.
From 1999 to 2003, Feuer served as COO and board director of First Media Works, providing website design, hosting, content, publishing tools and training to approximately 1,500 radio stations. He also pursued station ownership through JMJ, formerly Feuer/McCord Communications, acquiring FM stations in Amarillo, Texas, and Topeka, Kan.
Later in his career, Feuer served as vice president and market manager for Clear Channel Radio in Jacksonville, Fla., and as market manager for Morris Communications’ cluster in Palm Springs, Calif. From 2012 to 2014, he served as vice president and general manager of Broadcast Companies of America in San Diego, overseeing XEPRS(AM), XHPRS(FM) and XEPE(AM).
XEPRS, “The Mighty 1090,” rose from 17th place to number one in the 25–54 ratings demographic during his tenure, according to his obituary. He also brought back the popular “Scott and BR Show.”
Beyond his station management roles, Feuer served on the boards of directors of the Radio Advertising Bureau and the National Radio Broadcasters Association.
Feuer is survived by his three children: Justin, Brian and Melinda, as well as two grandsons, Justin and Jesse.
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