Ruane Hill, 99, of Milwaukee, known for his 45-year career as a radio station manager and communications professor, died Friday.
According to his obituary, Hill’s military service in WWII launched his career in radio and broadcasting. He went on to manage four radio stations around the country, including WUWM-FM in Milwaukee which he put on the air in 1964.
His academic career includes faculty positions at Beloit College, Willamette University, and Syracuse University. He was on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee for 31 years before he retired. He was the first Chairman of its Department of Mass Communications. He served on national and state broadcasting boards and was on the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Board of Directors from 1964-1976, serving as Association Secretary for 10 years. During that time, he organized the first WBA College Seminars held at UW-Milwaukee.
He was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2000.
Memorial gifts may be made to WUWM-FM, Planned Parenthood, Ovation Communities, your NPR station, or your charity of choice.
