Veteran News programmer Jim Farley died from a heart attack while undergoing surgery for an aneurysm.
Farley is best known for his seventeen years as Vice President of News & Programming for WTOP Washington DC from 1996 to 2013 where he oversaw the move of the station from 1500 to 103.5 and establishing it as the consistent top billing station in the country. He began his career at WINS New York as a copyboy in 1966 rising his way up to news editor. Farley jumped to NBC News Radio in 1975 and rose up to Vice President of Radio News. He would then move to ABC Radio News as Managing Editor and General Manager of News from 1988 until joining WTOP. Since retiring from WTOP in 2013, Farley has been running his News Doctor consultancy.
In a memo making the announcement of Farley’s passing, WTOP SVP/General Manager Joel Oxley shared, “Of course, his work here at WTOP is legendary. As PD of WTOP from 1996 until he retired in 2013 Jim took us to new heights. Most importantly, Jim was an absolutely fantastic person. Time and time and time again he would make me laugh when I went into his office. He was truly one of a kind. I miss him already. Jim was living the good life with his wife, Jo, in Florida. Condo President, working with charities and still posting about radio on a regular basis. I’ve passed our condolences along to Jo and his family.”
Oxley added, “In true Jim style, he said to his family if they do anything just do an old fashioned Irish Wake. As George Wallace just suggested, and I agree for those of you who drink, raise a glass of Jameson’s in Jim’s honor. He’ll be smiling at you from above!”
