Jacquie Stephens, Former KJLH News Director, Dies
*The 102.3 RadioFree KJLH family is mourning the loss of Jacquie Stephens, a trusted journalist and former News and Public Affairs Director who helped shape the voice of the station for over two decades. Her passing in her hometown of Chicago was recently announced, though no cause of death or age has been publicly disclosed.
Stephens served for 26 years at KJLH, the Los Angeles radio station owned by music icon Stevie Wonder. Known for her warmth, integrity, and community-first reporting, she was a trailblazer who left a lasting mark on LA radio and the public it serves.
From Chicago Roots to a Legendary L.A. Career
Jacquie Stephens arrived in Los Angeles in 1983, encouraged by her Denver news director to explore one of the country’s largest media markets. What started as a visit turned into a groundbreaking career. She quickly became a bridge between KJLH and the community it serves, helping build the station’s public affairs brand.
“I grew up in Chicago and once sneaked in to see Little Stevie Wonder perform,” she once recalled. “Little did I know he would become my boss.” That full-circle moment led to a profound legacy built on advocacy, information, and compassion.
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A Champion for Women’s Health and Community Impact
Among her most notable contributions was launching the KJLH Women’s Health Forum in 2000. What began with just 50 attendees grew to more than 5,000 women, men, and children by 2009. The annual event became a pillar in the community, offering resources and access to critical health information.
Stephens also covered national and international stories, including the Democratic National Convention, and received numerous honors—including a Peabody Award. But she remained grounded in her mission: giving voice to the voiceless and connecting listeners with the information they needed to thrive.
“L.A. Speaks Out” and a Quiet Farewell
As host of the long-running public affairs program “L.A. Speaks Out,” Stephens gave space to hard-hitting issues like elder care, education, politics, and social justice. Her final broadcast quietly signaled her departure from KJLH in 2009, when family responsibilities called her back home to Chicago.
“My step-dad collapsed on December 27 and never came home. In April, he passed away. My mom was alone, and I knew I had to go,” she shared in a past interview with Our Weekly in 2009. Her daughter, Steja, held things down temporarily, but ultimately, Stephens boarded a flight and closed a powerful chapter in Los Angeles radio.
Tributes From Colleagues and the KJLH Family
Karen Slade, then-General Manager of KJLH, reflected on Stephens’ departure with deep emotion. “I will absolutely, positively miss her—especially her professionalism, trustworthiness, and tenacity,” said Slade. “She never put her guests in an uncomfortable position but always sought the truth.”
Even as she was once voted the “sexiest voice of Southern California” by Radio Guide, Stephens remained focused on substance over image. Her commitment to community service over celebrity made her beloved and respected far beyond the airwaves.
Honoring a Voice That Will Never Be Forgotten
KJLH shared its sorrow in a public statement: “We are saddened by the passing of Jacquie Stephens. A fierce voice, a trusted broadcaster, and a pillar of the KJLH family. Her legacy lives on in every story told and every life uplifted.”
Though she stepped away years ago to care for family, her influence still shapes the station’s mission. Her dedication, authenticity, and tireless service remain an example for broadcasters and community leaders alike.
Below, Greg Johnson, a former Marketing Director for KJLH, shares his thoughts on Jacquie Stephens and her passing.
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