Stuart Epperson Sr., a co-founder of Christian-focused multimedia company Salem Media Group, has passed away at the age of 86.
Epperson founded what was originally called Salem Communications in 1986 with his brother-in-law, Edward Atsinger. Since then, Salem has grown thanks to a stable of radio stations that include Christian Talk & Teaching, Christian Contemporary Music and conservative-leaning secular News/Talk formats.
Epperson was a longtime leader in Christian radio as a former member of the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters Association. And, in 2005, Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America.
In 1984 and 1986, Epperson was the Republican nominee for the fifth Congressional district of North Carolina.
Atsinger, who today holds the role of Executive Chairman at publicly traded Salem, commented, “Stuart will be greatly missed by many. I will miss him, but I take comfort in realizing that he is already receiving his reward for a life well-lived. A life that personifies the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: ‘I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. Now there Is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.’”
Epperson attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he received a bachelor’s degree in radio/television broadcasting and a master’s degree in communications. Epperson is survived by his wife, Nancy, his four children, daughters Kristy, Karen, and Kathy, and son Stuart Jr. and by 21 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and 2 more on the way, as well as a sister, Mary Lee King.
With Christian Media and Conservative Media divisions for its radio stations, Salem Media Group also has a radio network, and is the owner of Regenry Publishing.
Salem’s stock closed on Monday (7/17) at $0.8895.