Larry Wert Named Interim Chairman At Broadcast Museum

Veteran broadcasting executive Larry Wert has been elected Interim Chairman of the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.

Wert, 60, a Tribune Broadcasting executive, will serve until December 31, 2017. He is a long-time supporter of the Museum and was instrumental in attracting a $2.5 million donation from Comcast in 2012, while serving as President of WMAQ NBC Chicago.

Larry Wert

"I am honored to lead the MBC at this pivotal time in its history and pleased to be working with Bruce DuMont to see his dream live-on for decades to come, “Wert said. “ By reaching out to include a new generation of leadership and with the support of an expanded and dedicated board, this time of transition will allow the Museum to solidify its national reputation as a leading institution for the study of radio and television history. But it is a time when we must also keep an eye on the future and include the ever changing media landscape", Wert added.

Wert will also serve as Chairman of the Museum's seven-member Executive Committee that is expected to see some changes.

The position of MBC Chairman has been vacant since 1995 when broadcast titan Arthur C. Nielsen, Jr. stepped down after leading the museum board since 1984.

Museum founder Bruce DuMont has served as President/CEO since 1982. But last December DuMont announced to the board (after being re-elected unanimously) that it would be his last two-year term.

As part of DuMont's plan to ease into retirement he transferred the Chairmanship of the National Radio Hall of Fame to respected radio industry leader Kraig Kitchin in 2013. Kitchin resides in Los Angeles.

The NRHOF is owned by the MBC.