Former KTAR executive Jim Taszarek passes away

Feb 26, 2016, 2:58 PM | Updated: 3:02 pm

PHOENIX — One of the biggest voices in news-talk radio has been silenced: Former KTAR News Vice President and General Manager Jim Taszarek has passed away.

jimtaszarek

Taszarek passed from cancer on Thursday night, leaving behind a legacy in the radio station industry that will take only the biggest of shoes to fill.

The radio legend, who liked to be called “Taz,” began his career in 1965, as a disc jockey in St. Louis. He quickly rose up the ranks to general manager and took his talents across the country, from Miami to Cincinnati.

Taz spent one of the the biggest portions of his career with KTAR News, from 1981 to 1983 and then again from 1987 to 1995. At KTAR, he increased the station’s earnings from $300,000 to more than $3 million in just two years.

Taz then went on to start TazMedia, a consulting firm for broadcast, online and print media, in 1996.

His influence has not only been felt throughout the Valley, but also the country.

Arizona Diamondbacks announcer Greg Schulte offered his condolences to Taszarek in a Twitter post, calling it an “honor” to have worked with the radio giant.

https://twitter.com/GubnuhDbacks/status/703054456879865856

Ryan Wrecker with Radio Ink in Indiana called Taz a “good man indeed” in a Twitter post.

Taszarek leaves behind his wife, Sharon, who celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary earlier this month.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photo)...

KTAR.com

Child critically injured in accident involving police vehicle in Phoenix

A child was taken to a hospital in critical condition after being struck by a Phoenix Police patrol vehicle on Wednesday.

22 hours ago

Photo of a homeless encampment in Phoenix. Six Arizona jurisdictions were awarded nearly $20 millio...

KTAR.com

Nearly $20M awarded from new Arizona fund to combat homelessness

Six Arizona jurisdictions were awarded nearly $20 million to combat homelessness, with more than half going to the city of Phoenix.

22 hours ago

(Facebook Photo/Lake Pleasant Regional Park)...

KTAR.com

Authorities recover body of man who didn’t resurface at Lake Pleasant

Authorities are searching for a man who didn't resurface in the waters at Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant on Wednesday.

22 hours ago

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis greets supporters at U.S. Sen. Joni Ern...

Associated Press

DeSantis defends flying migrants to California as he meets with sheriffs near border in Arizona

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in Arizona on Wednesday, defended his state's decision to fly migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to California.

22 hours ago

(ADOT Traffic Camera Photo)...

Danny Shapiro

That stinks: Manure spill slows drivers on State Route 347 in Chandler

Drivers on State Route 347 in Chandler had to deal with a bit of a stinky situation on Wednesday afternoon.

22 hours ago

(MCSO Screenshot)...

KTAR.com

MCSO releases video of deputies fatally shooting man who wielded pellet rifle in Guadalupe

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has released video of deputies fatally shooting a man who was wielding a pellet rifle in Guadalupe last month.

22 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

5 mental health myths you didn’t know were made up

Helping individuals understand mental health diagnoses like obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder or generalized anxiety disorder isn’t always an easy undertaking. After all, our society tends to spread misconceptions about mental health like wildfire. This is why being mindful about how we talk about mental health is so important. We can either perpetuate misinformation about already […]

...

re:vitalize

Why drug-free weight loss still matters

Wanting to lose weight is a common goal for many people as they progress throughout life, but choosing between a holistic approach or to take medicine can be a tough decision.

...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

How to identify the symptoms of 3 common anxiety disorders

Living with an anxiety disorder can be debilitating and cause significant stress for those who suffer from the condition.

Former KTAR executive Jim Taszarek passes away