The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

Broadcast Pioneers member Gary Shepherd was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in the suburb of Inkster. He has a wealth of experience in radio and television. Shepherd has worked for radio stations in Detroit and Kalamazoo, Michigan; Tampa, Florida; Camden, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a morning and afternoon drive personality, a newsman, News Director, Music Director and Program Director. He has hosted and participated in numerous television fundraisers and specials.

Gary’s on-air work has been awarded the Hal Jackson Contributor’s Award as “Broadcaster of the Year” from the International Association of African American Music. He has received numerous awards and recognitions in the industry and in the community which include being a finalist in the Best PM Drive Talent/Show category from the Philadelphia Achievement in Radio Awards, the “From Whence We Came Award” from Allstate Insurance Company and a nomination as Urban AC Personality/Show of the Year from Radio and Records, one of the leading trade publications of the broadcast and record industry.

Congressman Chaka Fattah recognized Gary as one of Philadelphia’s “Men Making a Difference”. As afternoon drive host, Shepherd achieved the largest share of the coveted 25 to 54 demographic in Philadelphia radio station WDAS-FM’s history with an 8.7 share.

Gary Shepherd currently serves on the Executive Board of the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and DE and has served on the Board of Directors of the Black United Fund of Pennsylvania and on the Board of Trustees of the Independence Charter School of Philadelphia. During an intensely emotional and trying period, Gary was the spokesman and press liaison for the Bridges family of Philadelphia. He was asked to assume this role after his friend and business associate Kenneth Bridges became the tenth victim of a sniper near Washington, DC on October 11, 2002. In this role, Gary coordinated press conferences and other events for the family and appeared on their behalf on worldwide television.

He is the founder of Gary Shepherd Enterprises, LLC which encompasses 3rd Floor Media, a state of the art electronic media production company and advertising agency and Shepherd Prime Properties. 3rd Floor Media was founded in 2005 and its client list includes PECO, an Exelon Company, the African Genesis Institute/d’Zert Club, Awesome Dawson Productions, Booth and Tucker LLP, Bottom of the Sea Atlanta and Philadelphia, Cardenas Grant Communications, CarDex Inc., State Representative Cherelle Parker, Chestnut Law Group Gainesville, FL, City of Philadelphia Curfew, Dell Music Center, Dexter Wansel, Emeka Igwe Law Group, Go Kash Productions, Mayor Michael Nutter Re-election radio campaign, Priest Tyaire Productions, School District of Philadelphia, TAAP Entertainment, United Bank of Philadelphia and many more.

Gary attended Western Michigan University and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cabrini College with a BA degree in Organizational Management. Mr. Shepherd has traveled extensively across the United States and to many exotic locations including Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Paris, London, Kenya, East Africa and throughout the Caribbean.

When he is not working, developing community programs, speaking to schoolchildren or volunteering, Gary spends his time gardening and with his wife Lisa and his family and perfecting his unique style as a drummer and percussionist. In addition, he studies piano, sings and accompanies the choir and worship team and youth worship team as the main drummer in his church, Believers Bible Fellowship currently located in suburban Philadelphia.

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com