Wayne Martin, a 79‑year‑old former basketball coach and longtime Kentucky television executive, died on August 29, 2024, in Winchester, Kentucky.
Martin’s coaching tenure at Morehead State University from 1977 to 1987 produced two NCAA Tournament appearances and earned him Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year honors in 1982 and 1984.
From the Court to the Control Room
After leaving the sidelines, Martin embarked on a 25‑year career in Kentucky’s broadcast market, rising through sales and management roles at WYMT‑TV in Hazard before moving to Lexington to lead WKYT as vice president and general sales manager, later becoming president and general manager.
His influence extended beyond the newsroom; Martin served three terms on Morehead State’s Board of Regents, including a stint as vice chair from 2016 to 2020, and later chaired the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, United Way and the Governor’s Scholar Foundation.
Mayor Linda Gorton praised Martin as a passionate advocate for Kentucky sports, higher education and community service, noting that his legacy will continue to shape the region.
In recognition of his contributions, Morehead State inducted Martin into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and recently named a new residence hall in his honor, while also presenting him with the Founders Award for University Service earlier this year.