# Edward K. Christian

> Edward K. Christian (1944-2022) founded Saga Communications in 1986 and served as its chairman, president and CEO until his death in August 2022. His radio career began as a teenager in Detroit and encompassed station sales, ownership, local management, industry advocacy and teaching. Saga became publicly traded in 1992 and operated in 27 U.S. markets at the time of his death.

- **Role:** Radio broadcaster, station owner and broadcasting executive
- **Organizations:** Saga Communications, Josephson Communications, National Association of Broadcasters, Radio Music Licensing Committee, Associated Press Broadcast Advisory Council, Arbitron Radio Advisory Council, Central Michigan University
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, Wayne State University, Master of Arts in Management, Central Michigan University, Honorary Doctor of Laws, Central Michigan University
- **Known for:** Founded Saga Communications in 1986., Took Saga public in 1992., Led a company with 79 FM stations, 35 AM stations and 80 translators in 27 markets as of August 2022.

## Career timeline

- **1958** — Began operating control boards at Detroit FM radio stations.
- **1966** — Graduated from Wayne State University and became an account executive at WCAR-AM-FM in Detroit.
- **1971** — Purchased WCER-AM-FM in Charlotte, Michigan.
- **1974** — Became a senior manager at WNIC in Detroit.
- **1986** — Founded Saga Communications by buying Josephson International’s radio division.
- **1992** — Led Saga through its public listing.
- **2008** — Named a Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Award recipient.
- **2009** — Received the NAB National Radio Award.
- **2012** — Received the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Award.
- **2013** — Received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Central Michigan University.
- **2022** — Served as Saga chairman, president and CEO until his death on August 19.

## Achievements

- Founded Saga Communications in 1986.
- Took Saga public in 1992.
- Led a company with 79 FM stations, 35 AM stations and 80 translators in 27 markets as of August 2022.
- Received the NAB National Radio Award in 2009.
- Received the Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Award in 2008.
- Received the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
- Served as an adjunct professor at Central Michigan University.
- Served as honorary consul of Iceland for the Midwest region.

## Latest updates

- **2025-12** — In an RMLC leadership announcement, outgoing chairman Ed Atsinger recalled that Christian had recruited him for the chairmanship.
- **2022-12** — Chris Forgy succeeded Christian as Saga president and CEO; Warren Lada became board chairman.
- **2022-08** — Saga announced Christian’s death on August 19 and appointed Warren Lada interim CEO.

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/edward-k-christian
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-14