Co-founder of Christian and conservative media company Salem Media Group, Inc. Stuart Epperson has died at age 86. He was also a member and chairman of the Council for National Policy, as well as a former Republican Party candidate for North Carolina's Fifth Congressional District. The company did not report the cause of death.

“Stuart will be greatly missed by many. I will miss him, but I take comfort in realizing that he is already receiving his reward for a life well-lived. A life that personifies the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: ‘I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. Now there Is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.’” said Ed Atsinger, executive chairman of Salem Media Group, via a statement.