R.I.P.: Radio Researcher Bob Michaels

Radio veteran Bob Michaels has passed away.  Michaels apparently died of a heart attack vacationing in Key West, FL.  He most recently had been living in the Dallas, Texas area. He was 54.

Michaels (real name Robert Roerigh) was ExecutiveVP for Research at Clear Channel from April 2010 to September 2012. Previously, Bob was at Arbitron for almost 25 years.  He served as Arbitron’s VP for Radio and TV Programming Services before leaving in April 2005.

While at Arbitron, Bob led 34 day-long Arbitron PD Seminars, was Executive Editor of ‘PD News’, co-created the PD Advantage service, and oversaw the redevelopment of the Arbitron Programmer's Package.

Earlier in his career, Michaels served in various roles in local radio stations, including PD of 13Q in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the early ‘80s.  Michaels’ TV sales experience was with WGAL-TV.  He was also closely with non-com WITF in Harrisburg, Pa, where he assisted in many on-air fund-raising projects.

Tom's Take: This is truly sad news at the end of the week. Bob used to attend our PD conferences when I was with Dame Media in Harrisburg, Pa. in the '90s.  He was truly gracious with his time. He will be missed.