WBA Hall of Fame broadcaster Duke Wright is one of nine “Legends” inductees to the Radio Hall of Fame.
The “Legends” inductees are deceased individuals who will be immediately inducted. They were determined by the hall’s 2026 Nominating Committee.
Committee Co-Chair Dennis Green 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 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.
You can read more about the nine inductions to the Radio Hall of Fame here.
