Full Breakdown
Allen Power to Retire After Five Decades in Broadcasting
6/16/2026, 11:00:13 PM
Allen Power to Retire After Five Decades in Broadcasting
Allen Power, President of Broadcast Media at Salem Media, Inc., will retire effective September 30, 2026, concluding a 50-year broadcasting career that began on June 15, 1976. He will stay on as a senior advisor while Salem prepares additional leadership appointments.
Career Overview and Salem’s Privatization Plan
Power joined Salem in 2000 as its first Atlanta general manager, later becoming regional vice president, senior vice president, and in 2023 President of Broadcast Media. Under his leadership, Salem expanded across broadcast, digital, and multimedia platforms, reinforcing its status as a leading Christian and conservative media company. In May 2026, Salem announced a deal with firm WaterStone to take the company private, expected to close in August 2026. The retirement follows this strategic shift, with Salem planning succession announcements in coming weeks.
Principal Leaders and Entities
Allen Power – President of Broadcast Media, senior advisor
David Santrella – CEO, Salem Media
WaterStone – private-equity partner in the pending privatization
Salem Media, Inc. – Christian and conservative media company
National Association of Broadcasters – board of directors (executive committee)
Chronology of Milestones
June 15 1976 – First broadcasting job.
1998 – General manager of Clear Channel cluster in Greenville-Spartanburg, SC.
2000 – Joined Salem as first Atlanta GM.
2023 – Became President of Broadcast Media.
May 2026 – Salem announced WaterStone privatization deal.
June 15 2026 – Power announced retirement.
Sept 30 2026 – Retirement effective; Power becomes senior advisor.
Aug 2026 – WaterStone deal expected to close.
Key Metrics
50-year broadcasting career; 25-year working relationship between Power and CEO David Santrella; Power’s Salem tenure spans more than half his career; WaterStone privatization expected to close within three months of the retirement announcement.
Company Statements
Salem’s press release highlighted Power’s role in expanding the company’s reach and confirmed his continued service as senior advisor. CEO David Santrella praised Power’s leadership, noting his ability to inspire and his commitment to integrity and humility. Power expressed gratitude to colleagues, the Atsinger and Epperson families, and ministry partners, and said his next chapter will focus on faith, family, and service.
Public Critique
No public criticism or dissent was identified in the sources.
Direct Remarks
“Fifty years ago today, on June 15, 1976, I started my first job in broadcasting.” — Allen Power, President, Salem Media
“After five decades of hard work, the next chapter will be about investing my time and gifts in faith, family and worthwhile organizations.” — Allen Power
“Allen and I have worked together for nearly 25 years in a variety of roles at Salem.” — David Santrella, CEO, Salem Media
“His leadership, his ability to inspire those around him, and his incredible understanding of our business will be missed.” — David Santrella
Future Leadership and Ownership Changes
Salem will announce new leadership appointments and succession details in the weeks after Power’s retirement. The WaterStone privatization, slated to close in August 2026, will reshape ownership and may influence future strategy.
