Ed Levine is stepping down as Galaxy Media Partners founder and CEO. After 36 years, he’s ready for a new chapter.
What We Know Levine launched Galaxy in 1990 with WKLL Frankfort/Utica. Today, the company operates 15 stations across Central and Upstate New York, including clusters in Syracuse and Utica/Rome. Beyond radio, Galaxy runs regional events like Taste of Syracuse and Syracuse Nationals. Levine’s career started at WAER (Syracuse University) and included co-founding WAQX in 1978 before launching Galaxy.
What They Said Levine called his 36-year tenure “a wonderful ride.” He explained: “It’s hard to believe I was 33 starting out, now I’m 70. A year ago I was blessed with a grandson. My family in Charlotte, North Carolina, has become my priority. I know this is the right time for a new chapter.” Still, Levine isn’t done building. “I have no intention of retiring from businesses. Experiential media and live events have an incredibly bright future, and I’m launching a new events company in the Carolinas.”
What Remains Unclear Galaxy Media has yet to announce formal succession plans. Additionally, the company hasn’t confirmed Levine’s official final date. These details will emerge in coming weeks. Questions linger about how the transition impacts current stations and event operations.
What It Means Levine’s departure marks the end of a significant era for Galaxy. His decision to pivot toward events rather than fully retire signals confidence in that sector’s growth. The Carolinas-based venture could reshape how Levine influences the broader experiential media landscape.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.