GREEN BAY, WI (WSAU) — Services were held Thursday for Duke Wright, the owner of Midwest Communications.
Wright died December 21st at the age of 83 surrounded by his family. Services took place Thursday at 3 PM at the Christ Alone Church in Green Bay. A visitation was held on Wednesday as well.
Since his passing Duke has been memorialized by many current and former employees of Midwest Communications along with others in the broadcasting industry both locally and nationally. Many remember him for his kindness and support throughout their careers.
During his career, Duke, born Duey Edward Wright Jr., built Midwest Communications into one of the largest privately owned, family-operated radio operating companies in the United States, with over 80 stations in 9 states.
Duke’s love of the broadcasting industry began at age 15 when he hosted a live music program on WSAU TV in his hometown of Wausau. Later, a talented lifelong musician, he ultimately made the decision to pursue a career in radio broadcasting over music, a decision he would later say, “seemed to end up turning out pretty well”.
A pioneer in radio, Duke recognized and implemented innovative changes that would later prove to have major impacts on the industry. The first was when he took a chance on a brand new format created in the 1950s, Rock and Roll. In 1958, along with his parents, Duke founded WRIG Inc. in Wausau, Wisconsin, purchasing a local AM radio station. The station signed on as “Big WRIG” 1400, playing the new format, today’s CHR.
Later in 1964, believing that FM radio would one day become the dominant radio medium, Duke acquired a construction permit to build his second radio station, 101.9, WRIG FM.
In 1971, Duke founded another company, this time his own, Midwest Communications Inc., building WROE FM in Appleton, Wisconsin. Under his leadership, Midwest Communications successfully completed over 16 acquisitions, becoming the company that it is today. It was Duke’s vision to provide communities with the best programming and the best technical facilities, led by the best broadcasters. He believed in the importance of being “live and local” and radio’s unique characteristic to provide companionship to its listeners.
Duke served on many national and state broadcasting boards and committees. He was awarded numerous honors during his 68-year career including induction into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, and the Wisconsin Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Duke was also recognized by Radio INK magazine multiple times as one of “Radio’s 40 Most Powerful People” along with many distinguished peers.
Those who still wish to contribute to a memorial fund for Wright have been encouraged to make a donation to the Green Bay Humane Society.
