Bill Clark, former Chairman and CEO of Shamrock Broadcasting, passed away on Saturday. Clark was regarded as an exceptional executive, passionate advocate for the industry, and a mentor who touched countless lives.
In a post from Diane Sutter on Facebook, Clark was remembered for his ability to lead with trust and integrity. He joined Shamrock in 1979 initially serving as the company’s president of its radio division. He later became President, CEO and Chairman, remaining Shamrock’s top executive after its merger with Malrite Communications Group in 1993.
Clark was also the head of the National Radio Broadcasters Association (NRBA). Working alongside John Dille, then head of NAB Radio, he helped merge the NRBA with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). The merger gave radio one unified voice, strengthening its position in the broader media landscape.
The accomplished radio executive served for many years on the NAB Board and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) Board. Clark received the NAB Radio Award in 1991, the California Broadcaster of the Year honor in 1992, and was named the 2019 recipient of the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award by the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
Known as a visionary with a great sense of humor, Clark championed radio’s interests for over four decades. He empowered his teams to best serve their audiences and communities. Even after Shamrock was sold to Chancellor Broadcasting Company in August 1995, Clark stayed connected to former colleagues. He’d check in regularly to remind them how much they mattered to him.
Bill Clark’s legacy lives on through the many industry professionals he mentored and the positive mark he left on the radio industry.
