A longtime Santa Barbara County resident who was a pioneer in the modern-day radio industry has died.
Norm Pattiz founded the radio syndication company “Westwood One.” It carried shows like Larry King’s national radio talk show, “Loveline with Dr. Drew,” and the legendary “Dr. Demento” show. He eventually left the company, but Westwood One still syndicates news and sports broadcasts, like NFL football games.
Pattiz had homes in Montecito and Beverly Hills. He was married to radio personality Mary Turner. After hearing of his death, basketball superstars Magic Johnson and Lebron James paid tribute to Pattiz The broadcaster was a Lakers superfan, with courtside seats for three decades.
There’s no word on the cause of death. Pattiz was 79 years old.
