R.I.P. WQDR Raleigh PD Lisa McKay Has Died

Curtis Media Group VP/Radio, and Country WQDR-FM Program Director, Lisa McKay Blake has died after a short battle with cancer.

She was 54-years-of-age.

“It is with very heavy hearts that we share the news of Lisa’s passing," Curtis Media Group President Trip Savery commented. "She had a tremendous and positive impact on so many people’s lives and careers and will be greatly missed by all of us."

CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne said, “ We have unexpectedly lost one of the finest broadcasters I have known during my entire career in Lisa McKay. She was a consummate winner in our business and The best friend you could hope to have as a person. Lisa will truly be missed by all that knew her! I was blessed and honored to have her as a friend and colleague all these years.”

It was this past Friday that Curtis announced she was taking an indefinite leave of absence to address a health issue.

McKay stated, “I am grateful beyond belief for the opportunity given to me by Curtis Media Group, and I know this team will continue to excel.”

WQDR has posted a prayer wall for Lisa on their website, where friends, listeners and colleagues can post stories and remembrances of McKay..

McKay has led WQDR to recognition as the Country Music Association (CMA) large market station of the year three times — in 2011, 2014 and 2017 — as well as the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Large Market Station of the Year in 2009 and 2011. WQDR was also recognized as large market station of the year by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters in 2014.

McKay had been with WQDR since 2002 and became Station Manager in 2010 and Vice President of Programming for the company in 2014.   Previously, she spent nearly twelve years at CHR  WRVQ 94.5 Q94 in Richmond.