Elizabeth Murphy Burns

Elizabeth Murphy Burns, a pioneering figure in American broadcasting who led family-owned Morgan Murphy Media for 43 years, has died at the age of 79.  This sad news follows announcement of her retirement from the company in March of this year.

Burns, whose grandfather founded the influential Superior Evening Telegram in 1890, was a third-generation media executive who transformed her family's business into a multi-platform media company while breaking barriers for women in the broadcasting industry.

Born into the media business, Burns began her career at just 14 years old selling classified ads for her family's newspaper. After attending the University of Arizona, she entered broadcasting and owned and operated a radio station by age 25 before rejoining her family's management team. In 1982, she became vice president of what would later become Morgan Murphy Media.

"We enlighten, educate, entertain, and have fun doing it. If you don't have fun, you aren't going to be good at it. And I think we're very good at it," Burns once said about the broadcasting industry.

Under Burns' leadership and partnership with her brother John Murphy, the newspaper business her grandfather started and her father expanded grew significantly. The company now includes broadcast television stations in eight markets with affiliations with all major networks, 17 radio stations, a monthly magazine, and a digital agency.

Burns was a trailblazer for women in the broadcasting industry. She served as the first woman on the CBS Affiliates Board and was among the first women elected to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Board.

"I hope that I made it easier for women to come after me because we worked out the kinks, and so when the women came along the line, the guys were used to me. I hope that's a gift," Burns said when receiving an award from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.

Her influence extended beyond company leadership into technological innovation and policy. Burns was an early advocate for the transition from analog television to high definition. in 1998, she testified before a Senate congressional hearing that cable companies should be required to carry digital broadcast signals.

Burns' commitment to public service and giving back to the industry remained a cornerstone of her professional philosophy.

"This industry has been very good to me and my family. And you need to give back, and you need to set an example. Because what you're doing is what should be focused on. It's the act, not the person," Burns said.

Elizabeth Murphy Burns leaves behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service and to her family, especially her five grandchildren.

Morgan Murphy Media continues to operate as a family-run business with the values and vision established by Burns during her four decades of leadership. Last month, Burns stepped down as CEO of the company and appointed her stepson Brian Burns as CEO ensuring a fourth generation of leadership for the 135-year-old company.  Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the company owns/operates six radio stations, two FM translators, and four TV stations in Michigan.