Elizabeth Murphy Burns, Trailblazing Broadcast TV Exec, Dies at 79

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Elizabeth Murphy Burns, the longtime president and chief executive officer at the family-run broadcasting and media organization, Morgan Murphy Media, has passed away. She was 79 years old.

It was announced on Friday that she had passed away, as reported by Morgan Murphy Media. The specifics regarding the cause of her death were not disclosed by the company.

Recently, Murphy Burns relinquished her role as CEO and assumed the position of chair on the board of the Madison, Wisconsin-based corporation she helmed. Known as a trailblazer in American broadcasting, Burns revolutionized her family’s business into a versatile media enterprise, shattering industry barriers for women along the way.

Elizabeth Murphy Burns was a pioneering figure whose impact transcended our organization, according to Brian Burns, president and CEO of Murphy Burns and her stepson. Her dedication to upholding journalistic ethics, fostering technological advancements, and serving the community left an indelible mark on Morgan Murphy Media as well as the broader broadcasting sector. Her lasting influence will continue to inspire us in our future endeavors.”

This version maintains the original meaning while using more natural and easy-to-read language, making it easier for readers to understand and follow.

I was born on December 4, 1945, in Superior, Wisconsin. At the tender age of 14, I embarked on my professional journey by selling classified ads for our family’s newspaper. Following my education at the University of Arizona, I ventured into broadcasting and, by the time I was 25, I owned and managed a radio station. Later, I returned to my family’s business operations. In 1982, I ascended to the role of vice president in a company that would eventually evolve into Morgan Murphy Media, where I worked alongside my brother John Murphy.

Guided by her leadership, along with her brother’s collaboration, the news organization that their grandfather initiated back in 1890 expanded significantly. This growth encompassed eight broadcast TV markets associated with all major networks, 17 radio stations, a monthly publication, and the digital marketing firm Phase 3 Digital Agency.

Under her leadership, together with her brother, the newspaper business founded by their grandfather in 1890 expanded into various sectors. These included eight TV markets associated with all major networks, 17 radio stations, a monthly magazine, and digital marketing agency Phase 3 Digital Agency.

Or more informally:
With the help of her brother, she grew the newspaper company started by their grandfather in 1890. This involved adding broadcast TV stations across eight markets, 17 radio stations, a monthly magazine, and a digital marketing firm called Phase 3 Digital Agency to the mix.

As a seasoned movie reviewer, I proudly stand before you to share my thoughts on a true trailblazer in the world of broadcasting – Murphy Burns. This remarkable woman made history as the first female elected to the CBS affiliates advisory board and one of the earliest women to sit on the National Association of Broadcasters’ board of directors.

In 2005, she was honored with a place in the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame, joining her father, Morgan Murphy, in this esteemed company. The accolades didn’t stop there; in 2018, she was bestowed the title of “Giant of Broadcasting” by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation.

This woman’s story is a testament to perseverance and a shining example for future generations. If you haven’t heard her name before, I encourage you to seek out her accomplishments and learn from this inspiring figure in the world of broadcasting.

Furthermore, she held positions on various boards, such as:
1. Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism Endowment board of trustees.
2. The chairwoman role for the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV).
3. A director for Republic Bank in Duluth.
4. The National Guardian Life Insurance Co. board in Madison.

Morgan Murphy’s sphere of influence expanded not only within corporate management but also into technological advancements and policy-making. In 1998, she spoke before a Senate congressional hearing, advocating that cable companies should be obligated to transmit digital broadcast signals. This played a significant role in propelling the shift towards HDTV. Furthermore, her influence transcended national borders when she joined an administrative delegation under President George W. Bush, working to bolster independent news media in Russia. During this collaboration with Russian media executives, she helped establish journalistic credibility and integrity.

For several years now, Murphy Burns and her spouse Richard have invested their time in Arizona, primarily focusing on nurturing the future generation of journalists at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Their efforts have been so significant that a 141-seat, state-of-the-art classroom equipped with advanced technology was dedicated in their name as a testament to their contributions.

Murphy Burns frequently emphasized to her employees that their role was about “providing information, enlightening, and amusing,” as stated by the company. Contrary to the general shift towards corporate mergers in all sectors of media, she felt that being a family-run business enabled the local branches to maintain a stronger bond with the communities they catered to. “This field has been generous to me and my kin. It’s essential to contribute back, and it’s crucial to lead by example, because what truly matters is the action, not the individual,” Murphy Burns once expressed.

In a tribute following her passing, Curtis LeGeyt, president and CEO of NAB, described Liz Burns as an innovative trailblazer, a relentless champion of local broadcasting, and a cherished friend to many within the industry. Her inspiring leadership at Morgan Murphy Media and her dedicated efforts with NAB have etched an indelible impact on broadcasting that will persist for future generations. From her pivotal roles on the NAB Board and CBS Affiliate Board to tirelessly advocating for small market broadcasters in Washington, Liz’s devotion to our shared purpose was truly exceptional.

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2025-04-25 17:47