DuMont turns over Radio Hall of Fame chairmanship

National Radio Hall of Fame

National Radio Hall of Fame

Bruce DuMont has stepped down after more than 20 years as chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame and handpicked a West Coast executive as his successor.

DuMont, who turned 70 on June 18, appointed Kraig Kitchin to replace him as chairman of the Chicago-based shrine to radio’s top personalities and programs.

Bruce DuMont

Bruce DuMont

Kitchin, 52, co-founder and former president and chief operating officer of Premiere Radio Networks, is co-president of Los Angeles-based Sound Mind Inc., which offers management services to radio, television and production companies.

“This important move comes in the wake of our recent announcement concerning  the November 9th NRHOF induction ceremony taking place in Los Angeles,” DuMont wrote to the Radio Hall of Fame committee Monday. “It underscores the truly national scope of the NRHOF and will extend our reputation more broadly and hopefully our base of support as well.”

Last month, Kitchin was named to the board of directors of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, which houses the Radio Hall of Fame at 360 North State Street.

Kraig Kitchin

Kraig Kitchin

“The Museum of Broadcast Communications has done a remarkable job of recognizing great accomplishments in both radio and television,” Kitchin said at the time. “I am thrilled to join the MBC board and help chart the future of the museum and the National Radio Hall of Fame.  More than ever, it is important to recognize the great work done by broadcasters behind the microphone and in front of the camera.”

Last October DuMont announced plans to step back from day-to-day operations of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, which he founded in 1983 and where he continues to serve as president and CEO. So far the museum board has been unable to secure funding to hire a full-time executive director or general manager.

Here is the text of DuMont’s letter to the committee:

Dear NRHOF Committee:
 
At last week’s board meeting of the Museum of Broadcast Communications
I stepped down as Chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee.
 
I appointed new MBC Board member Kraig T. Kitchin to replace me as Chairman —naming MBC Board members Dennis Green and Karole White as Vice Chairs of the Committee.  As you know Kraig, Dennis and Karole have all been long- time members of the NRHOFSC.
 
This important move comes in the wake of our recent announcement concerning  the November 9th NRHOF induction ceremony taking place in Los Angeles. It underscores the truly national scope of the NRHOF and will extend our reputation more broadly and hopefully our base of support as well.  
 
You have all played an important role in preparing for this moment. Together we have been in the trenches each year, taking slings and arrows from time to time, but maintaining our solidarity and confidential discussions. We made tough choices and we did so fairly—and without malice. I am very proud of what we all have done as a team for the past 20 years.
 
I will remain an Ex officio member of the Committee—and can now actually vote. I look forward to participating in future deliberations.
 
But it is time for new leadership of the Committee and I trust Kraig will take the NRHOF to a higher place -- with your continued participation and support.
 
Let us continue to be Radio Proud.
 
Bruce DuMont
Founder/President & CEO
Museum of Broadcast Communications