Richard Chapin, a Nebraska radio executive who spent more than three decades building a Midwest broadcast powerhouse and who was the first broadcaster to serve as the chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters and the Radio Advertising Bureau concurrently, died last week.
He was 99 years old.
A longtime Lincoln, Neb., radio executive, Chapin spent more than 30 years running KFOR-AM and the original KFRX-FM, at 102.7 MHz. He was also an owner, heading Chapin Communications.
According to the Nebraska Broadcasters Association, Chapin began his broadcasting career in March 1953, joining KFOR as an account executive. By September 1953, he was named General Sales Manager. By 1954, he had risen to General Manager of KFOR Radio and Television. Four years later, he was elected a VP of the parent company of KFOR and KFRX, Stuart Investment Co.
With Chapin in control, Stuart would add an AM/FM combo in Salina, Ks.; Oelwein, Iowa; Grand Island, Neb.; and Springfield, Mo.
At KFOR, it was Chapin who convinced Cathy Blythe to co-host the KFOR morning show with Scott Young. After three weeks, she took the slot in September 1982. She exited 31 years later, ending a memorable run at the News/Talk station today owned by Alpha Media.
Stuart Broadcasting was purchased by DKM Broadcasting in late 1985. This put Chapin in the role of President of DKM Broadcasting Midwest. By 1989, he began a side career as a media broker, through his Chapin Enterprises. Then came radio station ownership.
During that time, Chapin gained notoriety for being elected RAB Chairman in 1983. He was also NAB Radio Board Chairman, becoming the first person to hold the roles simultaneously.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Chapin for his remarkable contributions to the industry,” Curtis LeGeyt, the CEO of NAB, said in a statement e-mailed to Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink on Saturday. “As we celebrate NAB’s centennial year in 2023, we are reminded of the broadcast pioneers, like Dick Chapin, whose distinguished service paved the way for so many other broadcasters. Our hearts go out to the Chapin family, his friends and colleagues.”
Services for Dick Chapin are Tuesday (1/10) at 11am Central at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel near 40th and Yankee Hill Road, with visitation one hour before the service. A livestream will be available ten minutes before the service at roperandsons.com.
Memorials are to be made to Meals on Wheels or Tabitha Hospice.
