SYRACUSE — Ed Levine, founder and CEO of Galaxy Media Partners, is reportedly planning to retire by the end of this year, according to a published report. Starting with one Utica-Rome radio station in 1990, Levine has grown Galaxy to more than a dozen radio stations in Syracuse and Utica, along with a live events division.
Thanks to a CNYRadio.com reader who contacted us anonymously via our Contact Form to share the report from Radio and Music Pros. RAMP’s report quotes Levine:
“It’s been a wonderful ride over the past 36 years. It’s hard to believe I was 33 when I started the company, and now I’m 70. Where did the time go? As the years have passed, my priorities have changed. A year ago, I was blessed with a beautiful grandson, and my daughter and son-in-law live just minutes from us in Charlotte, North Carolina. Spending more time with my family has become increasingly important, and I know this is the right time to begin a new chapter.”
Levine says he’s not retiring for good — he plans to build “a new events company based in the Carolinas.”
Galaxy Media Partners includes K-ROCK in Syracuse (WKRH/WKRL) and Utica (WKLL), classic rock TK99 and TK105 (WTKW/WTKV), classic hits Sunny 102.1 (WZUN) and ESPN Radio (WTLA/WSGO). The company’s other Utica-Rome stations include hot AC Mix 102.5 (WUMX), variety Tony 99.1 (W256AJ, simulcasting WKLL-HD2) and ESPN Radio on WRNY 1310.
Galaxy’s live events division produces the Taste of Syracuse and the Syracuse Nationals, among other events. The company also partners with Onondaga County Parks to produce Lights on the Lake.
Prior to launching Galaxy in 1990, Levine started his radio career at Syracuse University’s WAER before going on to help launch 95X (WAQX) in 1978. From there, he would work in other markets including Albany, Houston and Washington before returning to Central New York.
No word yet (officially) regarding Galaxy’s future leadership plans, though we’ve already been hearing some rumors, so stay tuned! We’re always open for your news tips or official press releases — at cnyradio@cnyradio.com or use the Contact Form. If you want to be anonymous or off-the-record, just say so… if you use the form, you don’t even need to provide your name or email.
Dave Krause says:
Ed blazed the trail into ownership that few of us take, doing it the right way. I hope that Galaxy is able to hold it together with a workable structure going forward. Best of luck to Ed, Pam, and the family.
Rudy Paolangeli says:
ED ,CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT AND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY.
FROM RETIRED GM @ WHCU/WYXL ITHACA VY.
George Rossi says:
Well done, Ed, and well deserved. Good luck in your new live event ventures!