R.I.P.: Bruce Resse, Former CEO For Hubbard, Bonneville

Bruce Reese, the former CEO of Hubbard Radio and Bonneville International, died on April 4. He was 70 years old, according to the WTOP website.

Bruce Reese was 70

Upon hearing the news, Joel Oxley, the senior vice president and general manager of Hubbard DC/WTOP, said, “I find myself overcome with sadness. … Bruce will be so missed.”

Oxley said Reese “was not only a pioneer in our business, but also a wonderful grandfather, father, husband and son.”

Oxley noted that Reese, in his 20 years working with WTOP through his roles with both Hubbard and Bonneville, “had the foresight to invest in our websites in a big way when others weren’t. And probably, most impactful, he supported WTOP going to FM back in 2006, which was a move that was way ahead of its time. His family is in all of our thoughts and prayers.”

He served as president of Bonneville International from 1996 to 2010, and maintained his role with Hubbard Broadcasting. He continued serving in that capacity until July 2014, when he became a special adviser to Hubbard Radio.

Reese began his career as a lawyer with the Department of Justice in D.C. before working with firms in the District and Denver, Colorado. Reese was the chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Board and the organization’s joint board of directors. He received NAB’s National Radio Award in 2008.

“NAB and the entire broadcast industry is saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and former Bonneville president Bruce Reese,” said Gordon Smith, the organization’s president and CEO. “Bruce’s accomplishments in broadcasting were surpassed only by his commitment to charity and community service. Broadcasting is a better business and the world was a better place because of my friend Bruce Reese.”

Reese is survived by his wife Lu Anne, seven children, four daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law and 12 grandchildren.