LUBBOCK, TEX. — A man considered by many to be “a pioneer broadcaster” has died.
Ray Moran, founder of Lubbock-based radio and TV station owner Ramar Communications, was 82. His death was on Feb. 11, KJTV-34 reports; industry trade publications became aware of the news on Tuesday (2/20).
Moran’s early career achievements include stints as GM of radio stations KRST & KRZY in Albuquerque. In 1972, he founded former Lubbock radio station KTEZ.
His career in radio led to TV station ownership, as KJTV was launched as an unaffiliated TV station in 1981. It became a charter FOX affiliate in 1986, and in 2000 launched its own news division.
Today, Ramar — a combination of the names Ray and wife Mary Moran, who survives him — owns 16 radio and TV stations across Texas, New Mexico and Colorado.
Moran was a member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, and served as President of the New Mexico Broadcasters Association and the Albuquerque Little Theater.
Moran was a longtime supporter of Texas Tech University’s College of Media and Communications. He was inducted into the TTU COMC Hall of Fame in 1993. He chaired the COMC Foundation Committee from 1987 to 1992, and served on the Mass Communications Advisory Council. He received the Silver Medal Award of the American Advertising Federation, Lubbock Chapter, in 1983.
Funeral services were held Feb. 15.
In lieu of flowers, please direct any gifts in Ray’s honor and memory to All Saints Episcopal School of Lubbock at 806-745-7701, in care of Celeste Thompson; or the Texas Tech College of Media and Communication.
