Who was Gary Krantz? Tributes pour in as Radio and Syndication executive passes away

Radio Industry veteran Gary Krantz passed away on January 21, 2025, at 65.

Krantz was a New York native with a career in radio syndication, serving executive-level positions at various entities. For the first 15 years of his career, Gary Krantz worked for MJI Broadcasting. He was a part of the team that founded the syndication and broadcasting firm in 1981. During his later years at MJI Broadcasting, Krantz also held the positions of VP and General Manager.

Clear Channel Communications (currently known as iHeartMedia) acquired MJI Broadcasting in 1996, and Gary Krantz moved on to another company in 1997. He joined Chancellor Media’s AMFM Radio Networks, where he launched a syndication branch. The experienced syndicator remained Executive Vice President of Programming until 2005. During his stay, Gary also saw through AMFM’s acquisition by Clear Channel.

He held senior managerial positions at multiple broadcasting and syndication companies, such as Premiere Radio Networks, Westwood One, and Air America Radio. In the later years of his four-decade-long career, he founded Krantz Media Group (a media consultancy firm) and KMG Networks. Krantz launched the company focusing on “new business development, content syndication, and investment counseling for digital media companies.”

Apart from being the founder and CEO of Krantz Media Group, Gary Krantz was also a Managing Partner for Podcast Radio, Podcast Israel Media LTD, and Talkshoe (iotum). According to Gary Krantz’s LinkedIn profile, his other roles included being a senior advisor for Geo Broadcast Solutions and Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips.

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Gary Krantz is survived by his mother, two brothers, and three children

Gary Krantz’s family announced the news of his passing through an obituary. The brief announcement also reflected upon the life of the media executive, who turned 65 in December 2024. For those unaware, Gary was born in Queens in 1959 to Jack and Lila Krantz. He was an alumnus of Emerson College, Boston, and resided in Manhattan, New York.

The veteran executive and syndicator has been survived by his mother – Lila –, two brothers – Scott and Mark – and children – Michael, Jane, and Jacqueline. Here’s what the Krantz family’s official statement read,

“Gary was known for his sense of humor, his style, and his generosity. He loved Bruce Springstein, the beach, and his three kids. He spent much of his time embracing life.

It continues,

He would say “I could never just stay home at my apartment, because when you walk outside, that’s when things happen”. To his kids, he was their rock. He was an iconic legend. He introduced his children to music, his Jewish culture, and knowing exactly what to say at the right time.”

Gary Krantz was also a former Board President for Country Radio Broadcasters. After the news of his death came out, RJ Curtis (Executive Director for CRB) shared a statement with Radio Ink, saying,

“The passing of Gary Krantz is stunning news, a profound loss for the entire industry, and deeply felt by CRS. For many years, Gary served as a valuable board member and is a past board president. He’s since been a longstanding supporter and advocate for CRS.

Curtis further added,

Gary had countless friends and was universally respected while being well-liked by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed, and we extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family, who will miss him the most.”

The Krantz family has announced that they will hold a service at Riverside Memorial Chapel, New York, on Sunday, January 26. Gary’s family has also requested everyone to remember the late media executive and contribute towards the “American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.”