In December 2009, he was replaced as CEO of Tribune Co., at the time in debtor-in-possession status, by iconic radio industry figure Randy Michaels. But, he has been familiar to broadcast media leaders from at least fall 1992, thanks to his $1 million investment in the radio company Michaels was associated with — Jacor Communications.
Outside of broadcast media, he is remembered as a billionaire “real estate magnate.” Now, Sam Zell is being mourned, as he has died due to complications from a recent illness at the age of 81.
