The South African media landscape has lost one of its most influential pioneers. Issie Kirsch, founder of Radio 702 and the driving force behind Primedia, passed away, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the sound and soul of broadcasting in our country.
Issie Kirsch was not just a businessman; he was a visionary. At a time when apartheid-era regulations kept tight control over the media, Kirsch dared to dream of a different kind of radio — one that would challenge the status quo, give a platform to new voices, and connect people across the divides of race, class, and geography.
In 1980, he founded Radio 702 in the heart of the old “homeland” of Bophuthatswana to circumvent apartheid broadcasting restrictions. What began as a music station quickly evolved into a powerhouse of talk radio, giving South Africans a fresh, bold, and often controversial new way of engaging with news, politics, and one another. Through 702, Kirsch helped ignite a national conversation, with radio as a democratic force — long before our country itself became a democracy.
Under his leadership, 702 became a home for truth-telling, accountability, and fearless journalism. It was also a place where broadcasters like John Robbie, Redi Tlhabi, and others found their voice — and in turn helped millions find theirs. Kirsch’s belief in the power of talk radio to inform, challenge, and uplift set the tone for a new kind of South African media.
But his vision didn’t stop there. Issie Kirsch went on to build Primedia into one of the country’s most respected media groups, encompassing radio stations, advertising platforms, and innovative content production. His impact shaped not only what we listened to but how we thought, engaged, and saw ourselves as citizens of a changing nation.
More than anything, Kirsch was a man of purpose and passion. He understood that media could be more than just a business — it could be a mission. He championed independence, integrity, and innovation in every venture he touched.
As we remember Issie Kirsch, we honour not just the stations he founded or the empire he built, but the values he stood for: freedom of speech, courage in the face of adversity, and a commitment to creating space for all South Africans to be heard.
May his memory continue to inspire those who work in media today — and all of us who believe in the power of words to shape a better world.
Rest in peace, Issie Kirsch. Your voice echoes on.
