L. LOWRY MAYS
Founder
Clear Channel Communications
Lowry Mays founded Clear Channel Communications in 1972. At that time, Lowry was an investment banker and had the opportunity to purchase and operate his first radio station in San Antonio, Texas. Clear Channel currently owns and operates more than 800 radio stations and close to one million outdoor advertising displays in 50 countries.
Lowry transformed what appeared to be simply a radio business into an advertising company that continues to serve local communities and advertising customers. The company’s media and entertainment offerings include radio and outdoor advertising assets that deliver highly targeted and effective demographics.
Before founding what was then known as San Antonio Broadcasting Company, Lowry was Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance at Russ & Company, an investment firm where he worked from 1962 until 1972. He had previously served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.
During his 30 years in the media and entertainment businesses, Lowry has been heavily involved in numerous professional industry organizations. He has also committed himself to many civic endeavors and has received a number of awards. These have included:
- Past Chairman of the Board of Regents, Texas A&M University
- Benefactor of the Mays School of Business, Texas A&M University
- Past Chairman, United Way of San Antonio
- Associates Board, Harvard Business School
- Chairman, Joint Board of the National Association of Broadcasters, 1996
- Distinguished Alumni Award, Texas A&M University
- Member, Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame
- International Citizen of the Year Award, San Antonio World Affairs Council, 1997
- National Radio Award, National Association of Broadcasters, 1998
- Ranked No. 1 among Top 40 Most Powerful People in Radio, as listed by Radio Ink Magazine, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and received Radio Ink’s Lifetime Leadership Award for 2005
- Member, Texas Business Hall of Fame, inducted 1999
- C.W. Conn Distinguished New Venture Leader Award, Texas A&M University, 2000
- Radio Hall of Fame, inducted 2004
- National Association of Broadcasters, Distinguished Service Award, 2005
- Library of American Broadcasting, Giants of Broadcasting, 2006
Lowry holds a BS in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the Harvard University Business School. Lowry and his wife, Peggy live in San Antonio, Texas and have 4 children and 16 grandchildren. The Mayses oversee operations of the Mays Family Foundation which supports a variety of global community organizations and charitable causes.
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