Jim Simon; Broadcasting Executive, ‘Father of Talk Radio’

Jim Simon, 61, broadcasting executive who is considered by many “the father of talk radio.” Simon originated pioneering news and talk radio at KABC in the 1970s and was coanchor of the station’s “Newstalk.” Simon, who served many years as president of Mutual Broadcasting System, also held on-air and executive positions at WBBM in Chicago, KCBS-AM in San Francisco and KGIL-AM in Los Angeles. Simon also fathered three offspring who have made their own names in broadcasting--Jim Avila of KNBC-TV, Chris Simon of ABC News radio and Jaie Avila Simon of ABC News in Phoenix. On Tuesday in Fountain Valley, Ca., of complications from diabetes, an aneurysm and a stroke.