John Barger

2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

KAHL Radio San Antonio

(Published August 2024)

Co-founder of Clear Channel Communications, the world’s largest radio group, and developer of the news-talk radio format in Texas, John Barger’s 30-plus years of radio operations in San Antonio began in 1975, including management and ownership at differing times of WOAI-AM, KAJA-FM, KONO-AM/FM, KAHL-AM, KRIO-FM, KMFR-FM, plus stations in Victoria and Pearsall.

In addition, John was co-founder of CapStar Communications, the largest radio group in Texas, later merged into his original company, Clear Channel.

John was born in Galveston, raised in College Station, and received two degrees from UT-Austin (BBA and JD).

He was a top-rated disc jockey at KNOW-AM in Austin and served as general counsel for legendary Dallas radio operator, Gordon McLendon.

Later he was station manager of KRLD-AM in Dallas and executive producer for the Dallas Cowboys football network.

John’s industry activities included serving as founder of the Class A Broadcasters Association (1986), president of the Texas Association of Broadcasters (1986-87) and director of the National Association of Broadcasters (1994-2006).

He was honored by TAB as its Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year in 1997, Broadcaster of the Year in 2012 and received TAB’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

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