Duke Wright, the founder, President, and CEO of Midwest Communications has died.
Wright bought his first radio station in 1958 after purchasing WRIG-AM in Wausau, Wisconsin, before eventually expanding the organization to more than 80 stations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin .
“It was Duke’s vision to provide his communities with the best programming and the best technical facilities, led by the best broadcasters,” a statement on his death from the company said. “He believed in the importance of being ‘live and local’ and radio’s unique characteristic of providing companionship to listeners.”
A member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Wright officially formed Midwest Communications in 1971 after purchasing a WROE in Appleton, Wisconsin and expanding from there. Currently, his children Mary Kay, Michael, and Jeffrey operate the organization in conjunction with Wright’s wife, Pegge.
A funeral service will be held in Green Bay on Thursday, December 29th.
Duke Wright was 83.
