A local radio pioneer has passed away. George Beasley, founder of the Beasley Media Group, died Wednesday at the age of 89. Beasley bought his first radio station, WPYB-AM, in Benson, NC, in 1961. He later sold that station to purchase a larger one in Goldsboro, WFMC-AM. Before moving to Wayne County, he drove through Goldsboro and said his first thought was that it was the prettiest city he had ever seen. The former school teacher, principal, and chairman of the Wayne County Board of Education was a strong advocate of public education and a proponent of the community college system.
Over the years, the Beasley Media Group grew and now includes 62 radio properties in 15 large and medium-sized markets. Beasley served as the President of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters for several years. He was also a member of the NC School Board Association, the Kiwanis Club, and the Shriner’s.
The Beasley family asks that donations in George’s honor be made to The Broadcasters Foundation of America at broadcastersfoundation.org.
