Obituary
Chris ‘Boatman’ Herlein Passes
The MAB is sad to pass along word that Chris Herlein, affectionately known as “Boatman” by friends and listeners of WWKR-FM (Hart/Ludington), passed away April 18 at age 54, reportedly after contracting the COVID-19 virus. Herlein passed away at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. In a article pubished in Shorelinemedia.net, his daughter Heidi Bennet recalled that…
Read MoreNorthern Michigan Radio Legend Bill Vogel Passes
The MAB has learned that veteran northern Michigan air personality and voice-over/commercial talent “The Captain” Bill Vogel has passed away. For 20 years, Vogel was “The Mouth” of WKHQ-FM (Charlevoix) and helped put the station on the map. He built a large following with his Zoo Crew Morning Show and his fan base included visitors…
Read MoreNorthern Michigan Radio Personality Lin McNett Dies
Lin D. McNett, known to radio listeners as Michael O’Shea, passed away March 8 at The Villa at Traverse Point in Traverse City. McNett spent his youth in Alden, graduating from Mancelona High School. He went on to join the U.S. Coast Guard, where he found his passion for radio. After returning home he started…
Read MoreArt Cervi, Detroit’s ‘Bozo the Clown’ Passes at 86
The MAB has learned that Art Cervi, who played children’s television show host “Bozo the Clown,” passed away February 15 at age 86. Cervi played the clown with a big red nose and red hair that protruded sideways on either side of his head, first on CKLW-TV from 1967 to 1975, then continued on WJBK-TV…
Read MoreFormer Detroit TV Anchor Karen Hudson-Samuels Dies
The MAB has learned that former WGPR-TV (Detroit) anchor, producer and news director Karen Hudson-Samuels has passed away. The Detroit media icon was found dead at her home by her husband last Tuesday (2/9), just one day after taking the COVID-19 vaccine, but the official cause of her death is still unknown. One of Samuels’…
Read MoreFormer Detroit Air Personality Jerry Lubin Has Passed Away
The MAB has learned that former Detroit radio personality Jerry Lubin passed away on February 4, reportedly from COVID-19 related health issues. Lubin was one of the so-called WABX-FM “Air Aces” that graced the station’s airwaves in the ’70s and early ’80s. WABX was a widely influential freeform/progressive rock radio station in Detroit for years. …
Read MoreFlags Lowered for Former State Sen. Shirley Johnson, ‘Good Friend to the Broadcasting Industry’
Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday and Wednesday to honor the life and service of former state Senator Shirley Johnson, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 83. “Senator Shirley Johnson was a good friend to the broadcasting…
Read MoreRetired WBKB GM Cher Allen Passes; Broadcast Management Scholarship Announced
Cherryl “Cher” Lynn Allen, a long-time employee of WBKB-TV (Alpena), passed away Friday, January 15 at MidMichigan Medical Center in Alpena. Allen worked for 35 years for WBKB in many roles, retiring as the general manager. She loved making memories with family and friends. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and a board…
Read MoreFormer WNMU-TV General Manager Bruce Turner Passes
Bruce Turner, who is known for his legendary impact on public broadcasting in Upper Michigan, has died. According to Eric Smith, Director of Broadcast & AV Services at NMU, Turner died Saturday (1/9) following a brief illness. He was 82. Turner retired from NMU in 2019 following a 56-year career as WNMU-TV’s original station manager. In…
Read MoreFormer WLEN Salesperson, Air Personality Lori Sallows Passes
The MAB has learned that Lori Sallows, a former WLEN-FM (Adrian) sales executive and on air personality passed away December 17 at age 56. Sallows was longtime co-host on the ‘Mornings with Lori and Steve.’ Also serving as the WLENs promotion director, Sallows raised thousands of dollars for the community through fundraising efforts on the…
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