South Africa, May 19 -- Pioneer

Primedia CEO Jonathan Procter paid tribute to Kirsh's legacy, stating: "By launching 702 in 1980, Issie Kirsh pioneered independent radio in South Africa. 702 was more than just a radio station saying; it was also an independent platform for a diversity of voices, with its independent Eyewitness News Service reflecting all opinions in the South African debate at a time in the country's history when alternative voices were heavily censored or banned outright."

"Issie Kirsh was an entrepreneur who saw an opportunity to create 702. At the time, it was the only independent commercial radio station in what is now Gauteng. 702 started as a music radio station that broke the mould: it was fun, popular, and a hug...