He was widely known as the head of Birach Broadcasting Corp. and a collection of multicultural, ethnic radio stations found in a variety of markets. Now, many across the radio industry and the Serbian Orthodox community of greater Detroit are paying their respects to Sima Birach, who has died at the age of 86.
Birach died on October 14, with funeral services held on October 23 at St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Detroit.
Over the course of many years, Birach bought and sold properties including KOLE-AM in Port Arthur, Tex.; WNTJ-AM in Johnstown, Pa.; KJMU-AM in Tulsa; KTUV-AM in Little Rock; and WBVA-AM & WVAB-AM in Norfolk, among other properties he acquired in 2007. In May 2009, he added WCAR-AM in Livonia, Mich., as a hometown property serving Detroit.
By the end of 2021, FCC matters began to take a toll on an aging Birach. At KTUV-AM, an unauthorized period of silence and a OPIF filing deadline resulted in a proposed fine of $17,500. Then, in late 2023, Birach’s KJMU was given a neutered, 12-month license renewal because it was dark for extended periods of time during its prior license period. This came after the FCC determined the tower for an AM serving the Delmarva Peninsula was not painted and had lighting deficiencies.
The Enforcement Bureau’s visit to the Pocomoke City, Md., facility, came following the mid-August 2022 blaze that rendered WGOP’s broadcast facilities inoperable. While the fire was determined to be accidental, Birach did not have insurance. At the time of the fire, WGOP had been operated under a Lease Management Agreement by Mike Powell.
Birach’s legacy will also be clouded in controversy regarding who actually controlled the company, as a “warning to the public” at Birach.com says Birach Broadcasting was registered in Virginia without his knowledge and approval. Mr. Birach was the lone officer and stockholder of the radio station licensee.
