R.I.P.: Erie PA Broadcaster Myron Jones Was 92

Myron Jones

Myron Jones, a pioneer in Erie’s radio and television broadcasting industry died June 28 in Erie. He was 92.

Jones founded WJET Radio in the 1950s and established it as the No. 1 top 40 radio station in the Erie market. In 1966, he introduced Erie’s ABC affiliate with the launch of WJET-TV on what was then considered a remote piece of property on Peach Street in Summit Township. He was known and respected not only in the local broadcasting industry but also in national circles.

“With Myron’s passing, the broadcasting industry and the Erie community has lost a legend, and Penn State Behrend has lost a steadfast friend,” Penn State University Chancellor Ralph Ford said. “He was an innovator, an advocate, and a mentor to so many in the radio and television media, and his vision and energy extended to the nurturing of new generations of communications talent.”

Jones launched the radio careers of  many disc jockeys who went on to national prominence. 

One of them was Erie native Ron Seggi, a former JET Good Guy on WJET Radio, who now hosts a nationally syndicated radio program from his studio on Florida.    He recalled Jones used to be his next door neighbor and his passion for radio lit a fire in him.   He said Jones put him on the radio when he was a teenager, and he's still behind a microphone today.   He told JET 24, "Myron didn't have any children, but he had a vast number of young people that he influenced.  His broadcast family goes from sea to shining sea.  He was quite a man."   Known as Ronnie G on JET Radio, Seggi added Myron "...was a legend, he brought  rock and roll music to Erie.  He was one of the forerunners of the broadcasting industry.  We will miss the man."