He was known as the former owner of an AM today within the iHeartMedia family and an FM sibling in Little Rock that is today Signal Media of Arkansas’ “103.7 The Buzz.” From 1974-1975, he was President of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association. Now, many across the state are paying tribute to Ted L. Snider, who died Tuesday at the age of 96.
Snider is the one-time owner of KARN-AM in Little Rock and former FM sibling KKYK-FM, which aired a Country format. He also operated the Arkansas Radio Network.
Snider had been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for several years, the ABA said in a note emailed to members on Wednesday.
In 1984, Snider took on the role of Chairman of the NAB Radio Board, and in 1985 and 1986 served as Chairman of the Joint Radio/TV Board of Directors of the NAB.
Born in Rockwood, Tex., Snider’s broadcasting career brought him to Little Rock in 1966, where he managed what was KARK-AM & FM for the Mullens Corporation. In 1972 he bought the radio stations, renaming them KARN-AM and KKYK-FM. He then started the Arkansas Radio Network and ARN-AG, an Agriculture Network. Snider also created the Razorback Sports Network with encouragement from then-Athletic Director Frank Broyles, winning the rights to Razorback Basketball Broadcasts when the university were part of the Southwest Conference.
Snider was preceded in death by his wife, Jane. He is survived by his daughter Cathy (Bob) of Houston, Texas, and his son Ted L. Snider, Jr (Christy), and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is planned for Monday (1/20) at 2pm Central at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, where he taught a Sunday School Class for over 40 years.
