Clifton Ford, a Batesville native whose influential career helped shape radio broadcasting in Arkansas, died Aug. 9, 2026. He was 93.
Ford was born Jan. 29, 1933, to Letitia Ford and C.B. Ford Sr. He graduated from Batesville High School in 1949 at age 16.
Ford graduated from the National Academy of Broadcasting in Washington, D.C., and served as a United States Senate Page. He also attended Arkansas College, the University of Arkansas, the University of Missouri and the University of Tulsa.
His broadcasting career included positions at K-N-B-Y, K-R-M-G, K-S-W-O, K-B-T-A and K-L-R-A. Ford also served for 2 years in the United States Army, working at the Fort Sill radio station.
Ford gained widespread attention while working at K-L-R-A by broadcasting for 8 days and nights from the top of a flagpole at the Fair Park Municipal Swimming Pool in Little Rock. He broadcast live and played records for listeners gathered below.
Ford is credited with helping bring rock ’n’ roll and the 1st traffic helicopter to Little Rock radio.
He later became general manager and vice president of Victor Broadcasting. In 1974, Ford purchased K-M-Y-O in Little Rock and K-I-K-S in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He later acquired K-W-N-N AM 1050 in Little Rock.
Ford’s entrepreneurial interests extended beyond radio. He owned Dynamic Productions, Western Front Publishing and Lion’s Head Publishing. He also organized tours to the Holy Land.
His broadcasting work included hosting the nationally syndicated radio program “Weekend Review” and co-hosting the television program “International Intelligence Briefing.” He also authored the book “Blood, Money, & Greed.”
Ford was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Peggy Ford of Hot Springs Village; his son, Lance Ford of Bryant; his daughter, Teri Kaiser of Hot Springs; and his grandchildren, Layne Fleming, Eric Morris and wife Libby, Megan Callaway, Jaccob Morris and wife Courtney, and Sable Ellison and husband Tyler.
Ford will be remembered for his distinctive voice, creativity, determination, entrepreneurial spirit and remarkable contributions to broadcasting and publishing.
A graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by Arkansas Cremation. Condolences may be shared with the family through the Guestbook at https://www.arkansascremation.com/.
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