Duke Wright

This past Monday (8/3), the Radio Hall of Fame announced the selection of nine 2026 Legends inductees. These individuals have received induction by the determination of the Radio Hall of Fame 2026 Nominating Committee, who annually meet to determine inductees who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away.  Among the inductees this year is D.E. “Duke” Wright, Founder and longtime President/CEO of Midwest Communications.

The Radio Hall of Fame wrote the following about Duke Wright:

Duey E. “Duke” Wright, Jr. was a pioneering broadcaster and entrepreneur whose vision helped build one of America’s most successful family-owned radio companies. A lifelong believer in the power of radio, Duke combined his passion for music, commitment to local communities, and dedication to developing great broadcasters into a legacy that would span more than six decades.

Duke’s journey began in Wausau, Wisconsin, where his parents purchased a local radio station and relaunched it as WRIG-AM. He began working at the station at age 18 and, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, returned to become the station’s General Manager. In 1971, he founded Midwest Communications with the launch of WROE-FM in Appleton, Wisconsin. That was the start of a considerable expansion that would eventually make the company into one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-operated radio groups.

Throughout his career, Wright championed the importance of live, local radio and believed that success came from investing in people and serving listeners. He was recognized with inductions into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, and Wisconsin Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his contributions to broadcasting and music.

Beyond his business achievements, Duke was known for his leadership philosophy of always providing “the best quality and service” and bringing out the best in those around him. His vision, integrity, and lasting impact on radio earn Duke Wright a 2026 Legends induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.

Wright passed away December 21, 2022 at the age of 83. Midwest Communications remains a family-owned multimedia company with 81 radio stations and 75 brands, serving communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, since 1958.

Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “The Radio Hall of Fame is proud to honor this year’s Legends inductees, whose extraordinary careers have helped define the history and enduring impact of radio. From iconic on-air personalities to visionary executives, each has left an indelible mark on our industry and earned their rightful place in the Radio Hall of Fame.”

The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2026 class of inductees at the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL. Tickets are on sale now. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

See the complete list of inductees here.