Beacon Radio's launch MD and station manager Jay Oliver, described as a "pioneer and an inspirational character", has died following at operation in his home state of Florida.
The expressandstar.com reported on his passing on Friday.
Oliver worked as managing director and station manager alongside chairman Alan Henn and programme controller Alan Mackenzie when the station was launched in 1976.
Alan Henn told the expressandstar.com: “He was a very good man, larger than life in every sense. He was quite the pioneer – a thoroughly good radio man which was very rare at the time.
“We were a very successful radio station and there is no doubt that Jay played a part in that.”
