[UPDATED] Tributes for Margaret Elcock, female radio pioneer

The founder, president and CEO of Family Focus Broadcasting Network (FBN) and Christian radio station Isaac 98.1 FM, Margaret Elcock, died on Sunday.

A media release on Monday said Elcock died on Sunday at 5.40 pm from heart failure at her Westmoorings home. She was 73.

The release said funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Many people and organisations expressed their sadness and condolences on the death of Elcock.

Isaac 98.1 FM announced her death on its Facebook page on Sunday. The release said she founded FBN in 1991 and Isaac in 2002.

One organisation sending its condolences was the TT Publishers and Broadcasters Association (TTPBA).

In a release it said, “We honour her memory as she envisioned and established, in 2002, the first 24-hour gospel station in TT. Led by the desire to do much more than host one radio programme (Sounds Glorious on 95.1 FM), she brought into being Isaac 98.1 FM the Promise.

“By 2012 it had become the ‘second most listened to station among the nation’s 38 radio frequencies, and number one on Saturdays and Sundays.’”

The association honoured Elcock in 2016 with its award for media excellence for her contribution to the development of radio in TT and becoming the first female owner and CEO of a radio station.

Isaac’s Facebook post said there were now "fireworks in heaven."

“She is home. We know that she has touched many of you in many different ways and so we will all be processing this loss in our own way. God is with us and he is the God of all comfort.”

It added that she influenced TT for the Lord through the media and beyond and thanked God for a life well lived.

Gospel artiste Sherwin Gardner sent love and condolences to the Isaac 98.1 FM family via his Facebook page.

He said Elcock pioneered gospel radio in TT.

“Since I started singing at five years old she was there and this is another sad day and loss for all music ministers, pastors and families who were impacted by her life…,” his Facebook post read.

Queen’s Hall also sent its condolences to the FBN/Isaac family.

Its post said Elcock was a broadcaster for many years and held the distinction of being the first woman to found and manage a national radio station.

“Elcock used radio programming, TV productions, and produced publications to impact her audience. Her messages empowered families to construct a sustaining environment for sound self-esteem that makes each individual feel important,” the post said.

It added that Elcock received the Hummingbird Medal Silver in 2010 for her commitment to the local broadcasting industry.

She leaves to mourn her husband retired Industrial Court member Lloyd Elcock, her son Paul, daughters Gillian, Marisa and Christianne and six grandchildren.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Many people and organisations have expressed their sadness and condolences on the death of inspirational gospel radio founder Margaret Elcock.

The founder of the Christian radio station Isaac 98.1 FM died on July 4. The station announced her death on its Facebook page on Sunday.

One such organisation sending its condolences is the Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association (TTPBA).

In a release the association said, “We honour her memory as she envisioned and established, in 2002, the first 24-hour gospel station in TT. Led by the desire to do much more than host one radio programme (Sounds Glorious on 95.1 FM), she brought into being Isaac 98.1 FM the Promise.

“By 2012 it had become the ‘second most listened to station among the nation’s 38 radio frequencies, and number one on Saturdays and Sundays.’”

The association honoured Elcock in 2016 with its award for media excellence for her contribution to the development of radio in TT and becoming the first female owner and CEO of a radio station.

Isaac’s Facebook post said there were now "fireworks in heaven."

“She is home. We know that she has touched many of you in many different ways and so we will all be processing this loss in our own way. God is with us and he is the God of all comfort.”

It added that she influenced TT for the Lord through the media and beyond and thanked God for a life well lived.

TT was asked to pray for her husband Justice Lloyd Elock, her daughter and general manager of the Family-Focus Broadcasting Network, Christianne Elcock, and family.