Philadelphia Inquirer and Longport Media co-owner Lewis Katz was among five people killed when their plane crashed in Massachusetts 5/31, en route to Atlantic City International Airport. The G4 aircraft crashed as it was leaving Hanscom Field at approximately 9:40 p.m. Saturday, leaving no survivors. Also on board was Anne Leeds, wife of Longport, NJ commissioner Jim Leeds.
New Jersey Broadcasters Association CEO Paul Rotella sent this out to association members and the media on the tragic news:
Dear Valued Members of the NJBA:
It is with great sadness that we confirm the tragic death of one of Longport Media’s owners, Lewis Katz, 72, who was killed in a jet accident in Boston on his way to his beloved Atlantic City.
A statement from George Miller, partner with Lewis Katz in Longport Media: “We mourn the loss of a business partner, a friend and most importantly an incredibly caring individual who touched an unprecedented number of lives in his quest to make the world a better place. There was no one who gained greater joy at making life better for others than Lewis Katz. We’ll miss him as a friend and a partner. We’ll miss his wise advice and caring friendship. But we should all feel a little better knowing that the world is a much better place because Lewis Katz was part of it.”
In the days ahead, I am sure we will be reading almost unbelievable stories of his philanthropy including a desire to keep the stations of Longport Media live in Atlantic City, employing local people.
The NJBA extends our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Katz’s family, colleagues and friends, as well as to his extended family at WOND-AM, WMGM-FM, WTKU-FM,WWAC-FM and WBSS-FM, and especially to our incoming Chairman, Dave Coskey, who heads up this important NJBA member station group. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.
Respectfully,
Paul S. Rotella, Esq.
