He’s described as a “dynamic husband and father” and is known across the radio broadcasting industry as the longtime leader of two groups of stations — one in Austin and the other in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.
Now, many are pausing to remember Bob Sinclair Sr., who died April 20 at the age of 79.
Born on May 31, 1945, Robert Lindsay Sinclair Sr. studied history at Harvard University and in the late 1960s joined a company founded by his father. It was Bob would played a key role in its growth, expanding from ownership of a single Country station — WHNE-AM 1350 in Norfolk. That property was acquired in the middle of 1977 and helped Sinclair Communications (not related in any way to broadcast TV station group owner Sinclair Inc.) expand to five stations serving the Norfolk market: Alternative WROX-FM “96X,” News/Talk WTAR-AM 850 and its two FM translators at 96.5 MHz, Adult Hits WNOB-FM “93.7 BOB FM,” Country WUSH “U.S. 106.1,” and Talk WNIS-AM 790.
There would also be station ownership in Richmond; Santa Rosa, Calif.; and on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu. But the other market that stuck for Sinclair was Austin, where nine audio brands operated in a partnership between what was formerly known as Sinclair Telecable Inc. and Emmis Communications. In June 2019, with Emmis exiting the radio broadcasting business, Sinclair acquired Emmis’ 50.1% stake in the Austin station group for $39.3 million. Emmis and Sinclair had been partners in Austin since summer 2003. With the 2019 buyout of Emmis’ shares, the Austin operation took on the name Waterloo Media.
The Austin radio cluster includes eight station brands: KLBJ-AM 590 (with an FM Translator at 99.7 MHz), Rock KLBJ-FM 93.7, No. 1-rated Adult Hits KBPA-FM 103.5 “Bob FM,” dominant Regional Mexican KLZT-FM 107.1 “La Zeta,” recently launched classic hip-hop KGSR-FM “VIBE 93.3,” Alternative KROX-FM 101.5 “101X,” “Latino 97.1” on an FM translator, and “ESPN 102.7” via a second FM translator.
In an obituary shared on Thursday, Sinclair family members shared the following remembrance:
Bob was bold in his business decisions—often pursuing unconventional paths—and never shied away from risk when he believed in the opportunity. Despite having radio stations in several states, his influence remained strong in the company’s direction and continued success. Those who knew Bob understood how deeply invested he was in the day-to-day operations of the business—never more than a phone call away from weighing in on song choices, formats, or programming decisions. Bob loved the radio industry and was always grateful for the efforts and dedication of all the people in the organization, whether they worked in Austin or Norfolk. Much of the staff in both markets began their careers at the stations and have worked for the company for decades, a reflection of the loyalty and family-like culture Bob helped foster.
Outside of work, Mr. Sinclair “was passionate about travel and made it a central part of his life.” He even published a book on some of his favorite destinations, “Around the World in 80 Minutes.” Sinclair also had a deep passion for golf. Additionally, Bob Sinclair Sr. was a member of Mensa.
He is survived by his wife Lisa Heath; his children, Samantha and son-in-law Kevin Trainum; Sherry Kistler; Stacey Sinclair and son-in-law Gerald Monk; Bob Sinclair, Jr. and daughter-in-law Kristi Sinclair; stepdaughter Bailey Heath, as well as eight grandchildren, Katie, John, Anna, Will, Anna, Ben, Kennedy and Bobby.
Bob Sinclair Sr.’s life will be celebrated by family and friends in a private gathering in June. Those wishing to send condolences or receive more information may contact the family directly. “In lieu of flowers or a memorial donation, friends and loved ones are encouraged instead to spend it on travel—to take a trip and explore the world, something Bob would have appreciated,” the family says.
