Radio One and Reach Media CEO, David Kantor, is retiring at the end of the year. Radio Ink broke the news late Tuesday afternoon. Kantor’s influential career began in local radio research, programming, and sales. He has been with Urban One since 2004, and oversees 57 stations across 13 markets. Reach Media’s syndicated programs are also under his watchful eye.
Transition plans are currently underway. Urban One’s Chief Revenue Officer Josh Rahmani has filled Kantor’s spot on the RAB Board. The company has not though made an announcement regarding Kantor’s retirement or its succession plans.
Kantor’s impact on the radio industry spans decades, starting with his work in local radio research, programming, and sales. He then landed executive roles at Cox Cable and Satellite Music Network before becoming President of ABC Radio Networks in the 1990s. Kantor played a key role at ABC Radio, launching the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Radio Disney, and ESPN Radio. He also helped establish new content services and advertising networks.
In 1996, Kantor served as Senior Vice President for Network Operations at AMFM Inc., launching a premium radio network that would be acquired by Clear Channel in 2000. Then in 2003, he co-founded Reach Media with Tom Joyner. Urban One acquired the company the following year. As President and CEO of Reach Media, Kantor expanded the division to include 312 affiliate stations in 94 markets, covering 94% of the US African American population.
Kantor became CEO of Radio One in October 2015. He oversaw expansion for the company through major acquisitions of Cox Media Group’s Houston cluster, Audacy’s Charlotte operation, and the Indianapolis brands previously owned by Emmis Communications. All three markets have performed well for the company since being acquired.
His illustrious career has included recognition as one of the Most Powerful People In Radio by Radio Ink. Kantor leaves behind a legacy that includes consistently leading organizations to profitability through product development and pursuing attractive opportunities.
