The Broadcasters' Desktop Resource

Ray Topp

Ray Topp
1948 – 2023

Ray Topp, a life-long broadcaster and the Owner and Publisher of Media Magazines – best known for his long-running Radio Guide Magazine – passed away suddenly in early January. He was 74 years of age.

Raymond C. Topp
December 18, 1948 – January 2023

Ray developed his passion for radio growing up in Trimont, Minnesota where his grandfather, the owner of a Radio Repair Shop, introduced him to electronics. Ray would work in his grandfather’s radio shop, starting at the age of 11, learning how to rebuild small equipment and eventually radios. As he became a young adult, his passion deepened for radio.

Ray served for 6 years in the US Navy as a Petty Officer First Class stationed in Guam. He served as an electrical engineer defending our country during the Vietnam War.

After serving his country, Ray moved to Rochester, Minnesota and worked for several radio stations as an electrical engineer. He eventually became a contract engineer, expanding his impact to the number of stations he supported in southeast Minnesota and surrounding states.

During this time, Ray and his wife Rita became station owners of KYBA (FM) for two years before selling the station.

RADIO GUIDE

Ray started his publication business in 1988, when he began the first of eight publications – the Rochester Radio Guide.

For nearly 40 years he worked tirelessly on his publications and enjoyed meeting and working with those who shared his passion for radio and broadcasting. His booth at the NAB Convention was a meeting point for many, including those who had written for him over the years.

Ray considered all his colleagues he partnered with – as an electrical engineer, and owner/publisher of Radio Guide and his other Media Magazines – to be his friends, and spoke warmly about everyone.

Ray died in early January 2023. Ray is survived by his wife Rita, who were married for 44 years, as well as two stepchildren and 6 grandchildren. He will be missed by so many family members, friends, and colleagues whose live he touched in a positive way.

Anyone who would like to join Ray’s memorial service is welcome. The service is planned for 3:00 pm on April 15, 2023 in Sedona, Arizona at Christ Lutheran Church. Written condolences can be sent to:

Radio Guide
PO Box 20975
Sedona, AZ 86341

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We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Rita Topp for her kindly sharing this look at Ray’s life and accomplishments.

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