A WBA Hall of Famer known for his state and national influence in public radio has died. Ronald Bornstein, 91, died Friday.
Bornstein was Director of Telecommunications for the UW-Extension, managing WHA radio and television from 1967 until 1984. In 1980-81, Bornstein served as Vice President for Telecommunications for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. In 1983, he became known to many as the “Savior of NPR” after serving as Acting President of National Public Radio and managing a successful business turnaround for the financially troubled network.
Bornstein was the recipient of numerous professional awards including a National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy Award for documentary production and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Distinguished service to Public Radio.
He was active in an array of community and industry organizations, including the boards of Public Broadcasting Service, National Public Radio, the Association of Public Radio Stations, and the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Cable Communications.
Bornstein also served as the Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief Operating Officer of the UW System and the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
He was inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame in 1993.
Memorial contributions may be sent to: Wisconsin Public Radio and Television, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, the M.D Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX or the Attic Angel Community, 8301 Old Sauk Road, Middleton WI 53562. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
