The 'Godfather' of Birmingham Radio,Ben McKinnon, has died

Ben McKinnon

BIRMINGHAM, Al.
Ben McKinnon, former executive director of the Alabama Broadcasters Association known as the "Godfather of Birmingham Radio," died Saturday night, the association announced.

Mr. McKinnon is best known for his work managing WSGN in Birmingham for nearly three decades during the growth of rock n' roll and then 18 years at the helm of the association.

"He mentored so many people in this business," said Sharon Tinsley, president of the Alabama Broadcasters Association.

Mr. McKinnon, a native of North Carolina, graduated from U.S. Navy Reserve Midshipman School at Columbia University, then received a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism from the University of North Carolina. During WWII Mr. McKinnon served as Lt. senior grade in the U.S. Navy, earning Battle Stars from France and Okinawa. He later served as commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars at Kelly Ingram Post 668 in Birmingham for three years.

Mr. McKinnon's first civilian job after the war was in the newspaper business in North Carolina but he soon moved into sales with the broadcasting industry in North and South Carolina. In 1955, he was offered a position as general manager of WSGN in Birmingham where he led that station to become the first full-time 'top 40' station in the city, according to an association press release.

Mr. McKinnon was the vice president and general manager of WSGN from 1955-1979 and served as the company's president from 1980 -1982. He then accepted the position as executive director of the Alabama Broadcasters Association and served in that position for 18 years, until 2000.

Honors Mr. McKinnon received included: Alabama Broadcaster of Year in 1979; University of Alabama Distinguished Broadcaster Award; Birmingham Ad Club Silver Medal Award; Governor - Seventh District- Advertising Federation of America; and National Association of Broadcasters State Executive of the Year 2000. He also served a three-year term as Elder in Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church.

Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.