Salem Media Announces the Passing of its Co-founder Stuart Epperson Sr.

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Salem Media Group, Inc. announced the passing of co-founder Stuart Epperson at the age of 86. Epperson, along with his brother-in-law, founded Salem Communications in 1986 and expanded its influence with Christian and politically conservative News Talk radio stations and media assets nationwide. He was a leader in Christian radio and was involved in several conservative organizations. Epperson was also a former Republican nominee for the fifth Congressional district of North Carolina.

IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Salem Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SALM) with a heavy heart, announced today the passing of co-founder, Stuart Epperson. He was 86. Stuart, along with his brother-in-law, Edward Atsinger, founded Salem Communications (now Salem Media Group) in 1986 and expanded Salem’s influence with Christian and politically conservative News Talk formatted radio stations and media assets nationwide. Mr. Epperson was a longtime leader in Christian radio as a former member of the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters Association. In 2005, Time Magazine named him one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America. Stuart was involved in several other conservative organizations dedicated to preserving Judeo Christian values in our culture through public policy. He was a member and the past president of the conservative Council for National Policy ("CNP”). In 1984 and 1986, Epperson was the Republican nominee for the fifth Congressional district of North Carolina.

Stuart Epperson Sr. (Photo: Business Wire)

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.

Salem Media Group Executive Chairman Ed Atsinger 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.’”

ABOUT SALEM MEDIA GROUP:

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing. Each day Salem serves a loyal and dedicated audience of listeners and readers numbering in the millions nationally. With its unique programming focus, Salem provides compelling content, fresh commentary and relevant information from some of the most respected figures across the Christian and conservative media landscape. Learn more about Salem Media Group, Inc. at www.salemmedia.com, Facebook and Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230717970556/en/

Evan D. Masyr

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(805) 384-4512

evan@salemmedia.com

Source: Salem Media Group, Inc.

FAQ

Who is the co-founder of Salem Media Group?

The co-founder of Salem Media Group is Stuart Epperson.

When was Salem Communications founded?

Salem Communications was founded in 1986.

What type of radio stations did Salem Communications focus on?

Salem Communications focused on Christian and politically conservative News Talk radio stations.

What organizations was Stuart Epperson involved in?

Stuart Epperson was involved in several conservative organizations, including the National Religious Broadcasters Association and the Council for National Policy.

What political position did Stuart Epperson run for?

Stuart Epperson was the Republican nominee for the fifth Congressional district of North Carolina in 1984 and 1986.