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L. Lowry MaysBillionaire founder and chairman of Clear Channel Communications
Date of Birth: 24.07.1935
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Lester Lori Mays
Lester Lori Mays was born on July 24, 1935, in Harris County, Texas. He is the founder and chairman of Clear Channel Communications, a leading media company in the United States. In 2008, his net worth was estimated at $1 billion.
Early Life and Education
Lester Lori Mays was born to Lester T. Mays and Mary Virginia Lori. He attended Texas University, where he pursued a degree in Petroleum Engineering. After graduating, Mays served in the United States Armed Forces and was stationed in the United States Air Force as an officer.
Career
Following his military service, Lester Lori Mays continued his education at Harvard University. He began his career at Russ & Company, where he worked for ten years and rose to the position of Senior Vice President. In 1972, Mays founded the San Antonio Broadcasting Company, which later became Clear Channel Communications.
In 1972, the company acquired its first radio station, KEEZ-FM. Three years later, they acquired WOAI-AM, a high-quality radio station known for its wide coverage area. Over the years, San Antonio Broadcasting acquired nine more radio stations that broadcasted religious and entertainment programming.
In 1988, Mays expanded the company's operations by acquiring its first television station. By the mid-1990s, Clear Channel Communications owned approximately 43 radio stations and 16 television channels. However, due to media regulations introduced by the US government, the company had to reduce its holdings.
Seeking new opportunities, Lester Lori Mays expanded Clear Channel Communications to New Zealand. Throughout its existence, the company accumulated over 1,200 radio stations and 41 television channels. Clear Channel Communications became one of the leading media representatives in the United States.
Later Years
In 2005, after a serious illness, Lester Lori Mays stepped down as the company's chairman, passing the position to his son Mark, who became the CEO.
