A great man passed away this weekend. His name is Ray Shaw. He was stung by a bee and died from complications related to the sting. My friends and many business associates are stunned by this news.

Ray is well known in media circles. He was a long time senior executive at the Wall Street Journal and then – post retirement - acquired and managed the string of business journals called American City Business Journals. The Washington Business Journal is as an example. He also owned and operated Sporting News which he acquired from Paul Allen at the time Rick Allen(no relation to Paul), our CEO of SnagFilms, ran Sporting News and was chartered with finding a good home for the publication.

I have met Ray many times. I was invited to Charlotte NC a couple of years ago to address his assembled executive team on new media and leadership. He was collegial and kind, a visionary and a great family man. He will be missed. Click here to read the article that discloses the news on his passing.

The media business is losing giant after giant of late. This is indeed sad news. RIP Mr. Shaw.