Broadcasting trailblazer George G. Beasley dies at 89

By Staff Report, posted Jun 3, 2021 on BizFayetteville.com

George G. Beasley, founder of Beasley Media Group died at age 89 Wednesday in Naples, Florida. (Photo provided by Beasley Media Group)

Beasley Media Group announced the passing of radio broadcasting trailblazer George G. Beasley Wednesday.

Beasley, who was the company’s founder and executive chairman of the board, died at age 89 on June 2 in Naples, Florida.

Beasley’s life is a reflection of a hard work ethic, dedication and success.

He was born in Virginia in 1932 and spent his earlier years working on a tobacco farm. With a goal of receiving a degree in education, Beasley enlisted in the Army so he could receive higher education through the GI bill. His determination paid off and through his studious efforts, Beasley completed both his Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Arts from Appalachian State University.

He used his degrees to teach in Virginia, but moved back to North Carolina in the late 1950s to become a high school principal and coach.

In 1961, Beasley opened the first of many stations that his company would have in Benson.

Now, sixty years later, Beasley Media Group, a publicly traded media company, has 62 radio properties in both medium and large-sized markets, not to mention digital offerings and an esports division.

In addition to his successes with his company, Beasley’s personal reputation in the industry as well as his continuous generosity have made for an outstanding and admirable legacy.

Beasley was involved with the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, and served on the board for eight years as president, vice president and member. He received the organization’s Distinguished Service Award in 1996 and, in 1998, was inducted into their Hall of Fame after becoming a recipient of the Distinguished Broadcaster of North Carolina award.

In 1990, ASU designated Beasley as a Distinguished alumni. He received an honorary doctorate from them and the university opened the George G. Beasley Media Complex, which was intended to help future ASU students with dreams of walking in Beasley’s broadcasting footsteps.

His accolades were not just confined to North Carolina, as Beasley’s impact and influence was felt nationwide. Beasley was inducted into the The Nevada Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame in 2008; received the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award in 2010; honored with the title of The Florida Association of Broadcasters’ Broadcaster of the Year in 2011; declared a “Giant” by the Library of American Broadcasting in 2012; received the NAB’s National Radio Award in 2015; inducted into the Pennsylvania Broadcasters Hall of Fame; inducted into the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020; and received the Broadcasters Foundation of America Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Beasley’s meaningful contributions to his industry, communities, and family prove how dreams backed by determination and heart can lead to grand success and influence on the world.

Beasley is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann, five children, 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Details on the memorial service in Naples, Florida for family and friends have not yet been released. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Beasley’s name to The Broadcasters Foundation of America either by mail or online at www.broadcastersfoundation.org.

Copyright © 2024 Enhanced Media Management Inc. dba Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
This story may be displayed, reformatted and printed for your personal, noncommercial use only and in accordance with our Terms of Service located at https://bizfayetteville.com/useragreement.