Ben Hoberman

Bernard Gilbert "Ben" Hoberman (July 21, 1922 – May 3, 2014) was an American radio executive credited with pioneering the all-talk format by launching it at KABC (AM) in Los Angeles, California in 1960. He was born in Chisholm, Minnesota. In 1979, Hoberman left KABC to become president of ABC Radio in New York. He supervised six satellite networks, twelve AM and FM stations, and syndicated programs, such as Casey Kasem's American Top 40. He later joined former ABC president Elton Rule and others in an unsuccessful attempt to gather enough money for a takeover of the ABC Radio division. In 2003, he was named to the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.

Hoberman died of lung cancer in Los Angeles, California on May 3, 2014, aged 91, and was survived by his sons, producer David Hoberman and entertainment lawyer Tom Hoberman, as well as a daughter and five grandchildren. His wife of 65 years, Jacklyn, died in April 2013.