Radio broadcasters across Illinois are mourning the death of a pioneer. Hayward Talley, who built WSMI-AM 1540 in Litchfield in 1950, WSMI-FM 106 in 1960, and WAOX radio in 1999, died on Wednesday. He was 91.
Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller, who was employed by Talley from 1976 to 1980, said he was one of Miller's mentors, and blazed the trail in local radio for many broadcasters in Illinois and across the nation.
Miller added that many people who went thru the WSMI shop, ended up being broadcast owners across the country.
"Illinois has lost one of its finest citizens today," remarked Dennis Lyle, president & CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association, saying Illinois lost one of its finest citizens with the passing of Talley. Lyle added the broadcast world lost one of the finest local broadcasters ever. Quoting Lyle, "He never forgot, nor let anyone else forget, the responsibility broadcasters have in being the protective stewards of their community's airwaves."
Talley was named the IBA Vincent T. Wasilewski "Broadcaster of the Year" in 2002 and while the award was given to Hayward, the award could have been given to the team of Hayward and Emma Talley, his wife and business partner. Emma and their sons Brian and Kevin survive.
