For veterans of Hispanic broadcast media with ties to Puerto Rico, the name Billy Fourquet is synonymous with radio stations owned by Spanish Broadcasting System.
Twenty-five years ago, he was a key programmer and host at “La Mega,” today the Spanish Broadcasting System-owned “Hot Talk” and Top 40 format heard on WMEG-FM 106.9 in San Juan. Most recently, he’s been one-third of a popular morning show on SBS’s reggaetón-powered cadena “La Nueva 94.”
Fourquet is considered a bastion of radio in Puerto Rico. On Thursday afternoon, he lost his battle with an aggressive liver cancer. He was 57.
Speaking to El Nuevo Día, Fourquet’s wife, Jenniffer Castro, said on Thursday (5/3), “Today is an especially sad day for all, but we can feel the tranquility of having had with us a great warrior who fought until the end. Billy was a man blessed to have so many people who loved him and we were blessed to have him.”
Fourquet was most recently one of the hosts of the program El Despelote (The Flash) on SBS’s Latin Urban WNOD-FM “La Nueva 94”. He departed the program six weeks ago as his cancer accelerated.
His influence in Puerto Rico radio is unrivaled, with many of the air personalities, programming and station managers operating in the market disciples in some way, shape or form.
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló was among the many who offered condolences to the radio star. “Our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the radio host and actor Billy Fourquet upon his passing,” he Tweeted. “Billy, we remember your humor along with your contribution to Puerto Rico radio. Puerto Rico says thank you to you!”
Fourquet appeared in three feature films closely tied to his morning show at La Nueva.
SBS EVP/Programming Jesús Salas said, “The SBS family is in mourning for this great loss for us, for radio listeners, and for recording artists. Billy is a legend. His tenacity and vision created a radio leader.”
Albert Rodriguez, SBS’s COO, added, “Billy was a part of our family and responsible for numerous achievements in Puerto Rico. We’re deeply impacted by this great loss.”