MADISON, Wisc.—Morgan Murphy Media has named Scot Chastain, general manager of WISC-TV here, as vice president of its new Marketing and Creative Services team.

Chris Hussey, currently marketing and creative services director at WKBT-TV in La Crosse, Wisc., and Ross Lytle, creative services director at WISC-TV, Madison, were also named directors of MMM’s new marketing unit, reporting to Chastain.

The establishment of the Marketing and Creative Services division marks the first time Morgan Murphy has established a dedicated marketing organization to unify its branding efforts across all markets and deliver tailored local marketing solutions, the company said.

“With Scot’s expertise, he’s the perfect person to lead this initiative," Morgan Murphy President and CEO Brian Burns said. “His extensive experience and passion for marketing will be instrumental in shaping a group that drives innovation and meaningful results for the entire company. Alongside Chris and Ross, we have a strong leadership team ready to guide this transformation.”

Chastain will continue as WISC-TV general manager in addition to taking on his new corporate role, Morgan Murphy said.

“I am honored to take on this role, building on my experience at Morgan Murphy Media and throughout my career,” Chastain said. “With Chris and Ross joining me as directors, we are ready to create a collaborative and data-driven marketing organization that serves our local brands, advertisers, and audiences with excellence.”

WKBT’s Hussey brings extensive experience leading marketing, brand strategy and media placements in multiple TV markets to his new corporate role, Morgan Murphy said. He has a proven track record of growing audiences, driving year-over-year revenue growth and creating high-impact local and regional marketing campaigns, the company said, and brings expertise in multiplatform brand messaging, budget management, team leadership and community engagement to support the station group’s strategic marketing goals.

Lytle of WISC-TV’s experience includes managing creative teams, developing data-driven growth strategies, leading community outreach initiatives and driving ratings and revenue increases, Morgan Murphy said. His collaborative approach with station leaders and focus on innovative marketing solutions will be instrumental in advancing the company’s commercial production and brand marketing efforts across its footprint, the station group said.

MADISON, Wis.—Morgan Murphy has promoted Jill Shiroma to Vice President of Digital Strategy, effective immediately. Shiroma will lead the company's digital strategy initiatives in the newly created role, building on more than two decades of progressive leadership within the organization.

Shiroma joined Morgan Murphy Media in July 2003 and has assumed increasing responsibilities in the company’s digital operations over her 20-plus year tenure.

She began her career at the company's Madison station, WISC-TV, before transitioning to a corporate role where she has overseen digital operations encompassing both content and revenue generation across the organization.

In her new position, Shiroma will focus on advancing the company's digital strategy to better serve local audiences and advertisers. She has been instrumental in Morgan Murphy Media's artificial intelligence rollout and will continue to lead these innovative initiatives.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to take on this role at a pivotal time for local media," said Shiroma. "We have a strong foundation, and I'm excited to help grow our digital strategy in ways that support sustainable journalism, our local advertisers and meaningful community connection."

Brian Burns, President and CEO of Morgan Murphy Media, emphasized the strategic importance of the new role. "Jill has consistently delivered results throughout her career here, and this promotion recognizes her leadership in transforming how we connect with our communities," Burns said. "Her vision for digital innovation will be crucial as we continue building solutions that serve both our viewers and business partners in an ever-changing marketplace."

The promotion reflects Morgan Murphy Media's commitment to strengthening its digital presence and capabilities as the company continues to serve communities across its local media footprint.

MADISON, Wis.—Morgan Murphy Media has promoted a trio of executives in a move it said would position the station group for continued growth and innovation across operational, digital and strategic initiatives. Chris Cornelius was promoted to chief operating officer, Colin Benedict advanced to chief innovation officer and Neal Oberg was named chief digital officer.

Cornelius, who joined Morgan Murphy in 2014 as vice president, business development, will be tasked with driving operational excellence, the company said, with specific focus on revenue growth and network and distribution relationships. Prior to Morgan Murphy, Cornelius was president and chief operating officer of Barrington Broadcasting from 2003 to 2013.

Benedict, who has been with Morgan Murphy in news and management roles since 1988, will serve as a cross-functional strategist working to identify, develop and scale forward-thinking ideas and solutions that position the company for future relevance and growth, it said. He had been the group’s vice president of news for the past seven years and will continue to oversee local stations’ news and marketing efforts.

Oberg was promoted from vice president, digital and will continue to lead Morgan Murphy’s digital efforts, driving audience and revenue growth. He has worked for the company since 1997 in various digital roles.

“Chris, Colin and Neal’s promotions recognize their exceptional contributions and position us perfectly for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Morgan Murphy President and CEO Brian Burns said. “These strategic appointments reflect our commitment to operational excellence, innovation and digital growth as we continue to evolve in the changing media landscape.

“These promotions represent our investment in proven leaders who understand our mission and values,” he continued. “Each brings unique expertise that will help drive our company forward while maintaining our commitment to serving local communities.”

All promotions are effective immediately, the company said.

Morgan Murphy, a family-owned company, operates television and radio stations, a magazine, websites, apps and a digital marketing agency across nine locations.

Morgan Murphy Media has issued the following obituary for its former CEO:

MADISON, Wis.—Morgan Murphy Media announces with profound sadness the passing of Elizabeth Murphy Burns, the company's longtime president and CEO who led the family-owned media company for 43 years. She was 79.

Murphy Burns, who just last month stepped down as CEO to become chair of the company’s board of directors, was a pioneering figure in American broadcasting who transformed her family's business into a multi-platform media company while breaking barriers for women in the industry.

“Elizabeth Murphy Burns was a visionary leader whose influence extended far beyond our company,” said Brian Burns, who was appointed by Murphy Burns as president and CEO last month. “Her commitment to journalistic integrity, technological innovation, and community service shaped not only Morgan Murphy Media but the entire broadcasting industry. Her legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward.”

Born into a family of media pioneers, Murphy Burns began her career at 14 years old, selling classified ads for her family's newspaper. After attending the University of Arizona, she entered broadcasting and owned and operated a radio station by age 25 before rejoining her family’s management team. In 1982, she became vice president of what would later become Morgan Murphy Media, leading the company with her brother John Murphy.

Under her stewardship and partnership with her brother, the newspaper business her grandfather founded in 1890 and her father expanded grew to include broadcast television stations in eight markets with affiliations with all major networks, 17 radio stations, a monthly magazine, and a digital agency.

Murphy Burns was a trailblazer for women in the broadcasting industry. Her major professional accomplishments and milestones include:

• First woman elected to the CBS affiliates advisory board;
• One of the first women elected to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) board of directors;
• Inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2005, joining her father, Morgan Murphy, as an inductee;
• 2006 honoree of the NAB's Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award;
• Designated as a Giant of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation in 2018;
• Served on the board of trustees for Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism Endowment;
• Longstanding trustee for NABPAC, working to inform members of Congress on critical broadcasting issues.

Her influence extended beyond company leadership into technological innovation and policy. In 1998, she testified before a Senate congressional hearing advocating that cable companies should be required to carry digital broadcast signals, helping to advance the transition to high-definition television.

Her impact reached international levels when she participated in a delegation for the George W. Bush administration to promote independent news media in Russia, collaborating with Russian media executives to foster journalistic integrity.

In recent years, Murphy Burns and her husband Richard spent time in Arizona, helping shape the next generation of journalists at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The couple's contributions led to the dedication of the school's largest teaching space in their honor—a 141-seat technologically-advanced classroom.

Murphy Burns often reminded employees their duty was to “inform, educate and entertain.”

Despite trends toward corporate consolidation at all levels of media, she believed being family-owned and operated allowed the local properties to be more closely connected to the communities they serve.

“This industry has been very good to me and my family. And you need to give back, and you need to set an example. Because what you’re doing is what should be focused on. It’s the act, not the person,” Murphy Burns once said.

Last month, Murphy Burns secured a fourth generation of leadership at Morgan Murphy Media with the appointment of her stepson, Brian Burns, as president and CEO. Her niece, Kate Murphy Doty, continues to serve as a senior executive leading human resources at the company.

Elizabeth Murphy Burns leaves behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service and to her family, especially her five grandchildren.

Information regarding memorial services will be announced at a later date.

The NAB has issued the following statement on her passing:

“Liz Burns was a trailblazer, a fierce advocate for local broadcasting and a dear friend to me and so many in our industry. Through her visionary leadership at Morgan Murphy Media and her tireless work with NAB, Liz left an indelible mark on broadcasting that will endure for generations.

“From pioneering roles on the NAB Board and CBS Affiliate Board to championing the concerns of small market broadcasters on Capitol Hill, Liz’s passion for our mission was unmatched. She was instrumental in developing industry-changing initiatives like the NAB Leadership Foundation’s Broadcast Leadership Training Program and the Small Market Group Roundtable, and she inspired countless broadcasters to lead with purpose and serve with integrity. Liz’s impact on broadcasters’ ability to inform, educate and serve their communities is simply immeasurable.

“Beyond her professional achievements, Liz will be remembered for her generosity, her mentorship and her deep commitment to the future of local media. We mourn her passing, but we celebrate a life that has made broadcasting, and all of us, better. Our thoughts are with Brian, her family and everyone at Morgan Murphy Media during this difficult time.”

MADISON, Wis.—Lyle Banks, vice president and general manager of Morgan Murphy Media-owned CBS affiliate WISC-TV here, will retire at year-end.

A 40-year broadcasting veteran, Banks joined WISC in 2020 as the station’s general manager and said it had always been his goal to work for Morgan Murphy.

“I knew they provided a work culture that would be very compatible with my values,” Banks said in a statement. “Joining the company did not disappoint and I’ve met so many colleagues that I now consider friends for life.”

A 40-year industry veteran, Banks brought to WISC experience driving ratings and revenue growth as an executive at such stations as WAVY-TV Norfolk, Virginia; WMAQ Chicago; and WGCL-TV Atlanta. He is a former member of the National Association of Broadcasters TV board and graduated from General Electric’s Executive Development Course and the NAB’s Broadcast Leadership Training program. He has mentored hundreds of broadcasters throughout his career through board and professional relationships, Morgan Murphy said.

“Lyle has been a friend for decades and it was so exciting to be able to work with him directly for the past four years,” Morgan Murphy President and CEO Elizabeth Murphy Burns said. “We wish him the very best in retirement.”

In addition to his broadcasting experience, Banks also was extensively involved as a board member or trustee of major media, health care, digital, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, Morgan Murphy said.

“Lyle Banks brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to Madison and Morgan Murphy,” Brian Burns, Morgan Murphy Media executive vice president and chief operating officer, said. “Joining our company in the middle of a pandemic and leading through that tumultuous time was not easy. It was clear from day one he cared deeply for our staff and company.”

AUSTIN, Texas—AI-powered content-syndication specialist Dappier is working with Morgan Murphy Media to innovate on monetizing local news, the company said today.

The collaboration seeks to address a gap in an evolving media landscape where AI queries are becoming the new currency for ad impressions, Dappier said.

As AI makes its presence felt in the media industry, local outlets like Morgan Murphy Media’s TV and radio stations have been largely overlooked by the licensing efforts from foundational AI companies, despite often being a crucial component in delivering the latest useful information online. That oversight has a potentially large economic consequence, as one projection forecasts the value of global AI in the media market at nearly $100 billion by 2030, the company said.

The partnership addresses the status quo by enabling local media to embed AI easily in-platform and create new revenue streams based on queries and interactions from AI agents and platforms, according to Dappier.

“Our partnership with Dappier is a game-changer for our local media platforms,” Morgan Murphy Media Vice President of Digital Neal Oberg said. “It allows us to tap into new AI-driven revenue streams while enhancing our digital offerings, addressing critical challenges in audience traffic habits and the need for better platform monetization in an AI-first world.”

Also Read: Waymark, Morgan Murphy Expand AI Ad-Creation Deal 

The collaboration comes at a crucial time as many websites face an up to 40% decline in organic traffic, according to the station group. Users are increasingly turning to AI search and brands are integrating smarter search and chat functions, but AI agents need access to the latest data to provide valuable real-time insights, the company said.

Dappier’s platform bridges this gap for local media companies, delivering local news directly to AI endpoints in real time. Dappier is helping publishers like Morgan Murphy Media create, fine-tune and license RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) data models based on their latest proprietary content, enabling discovery and monetization across any AI endpoint.

The platform enables media organizations to generate new revenue through gated and ad-supported access to data and AI experiences, and to embed user-facing AI experiences across platforms without concern over juggling data models or dedicating resources to development, the company said.

“We’re not just providing a service,” Dappier CEO and Co-Founder Dan Goikhman said. “We’re revolutionizing how companies like Morgan Murphy Media interact with AI. This collaboration demonstrates how local news organizations can take an offensive stance in defining the use of their content. Together with Morgan Murphy Media, we’re preparing news publishers for an AI internet, where AI queries drive engagement and revenue.”

See Dappier at NAB Show New York Sponsor Booth 14.

More information is available on the company’s website.

KENNEWICK, Wash.—In another example of sports rights moving to broadcast TV, Morgan Murphy Media has announced that its Apple Valley News Now/KAPP-KVEW will be the new official broadcast home for most regular season Seattle Kraken games for the next two seasons.

Through a partnership with the Kraken and TEGNA’s KING-TV in Seattle, all non-nationally televised games, likely more than 70 in total, will be available starting this fall for viewers in the Yakima/Tri-cities TV market.

"We couldn't be more excited to offer the Kraken for free, over-the-air, to broadcast viewers for the first time,” said KAPP-KVEW vice president and general manager James Loftus. “We know how passionate Kraken fans are and we are proud to bring these live games to viewers at no cost.”

For viewers in central Washington and northern Oregon, many games will be available on ABC affiliate KAPP-KVEW, channels 35.1 and 42.1, which is also available on all local cable and satellite providers. Select games will be offered on the station’s digital sub-channel, MeTV, channels 35.2 and 42.2. Those sub-channels are also provided on cable and Morgan Murphy Media has already contacted Dish and DirecTV about adding these local channels to their lineups.

“Expanding the reach of Kraken hockey to Yakima/Tri-Cities is crucial to our goal of growing the game in Washington state.” said Jeff Webster, chief commercial officer for the Seattle Kraken. “Our partnership with TEGNA and Morgan Murphy Media allows us the opportunity to provide free access to Kraken games all season long.”

“Our partnership with the Kraken is all about their passionate fans and delivering more games to more people in more homes,” added Brad Ramsey, senior vice president, media operations, Tegna. “We are thrilled to partner with Morgan Murphy Media to expand free over-the-air Kraken games to fans across central Washington and northern Oregon.”

“ABC is already the broadcast home for the Stanley Cup playoffs so our offerings for hockey fans are unmatched,” added Loftus.

Coverage will include pre- and post-game analysis from the broadcast team Kraken fans have been used to. John Forslund, JT Brown, Eddie Olczyk, Alison Lukan and Nick Olczyk will continue broadcasting the games for the 2024-25 season.

In addition to live, local game coverage, Apple Valley News Now will offer expanded Kraken coverage and features in its local newscasts during the hockey season.

The 2024-25 Kraken season will kick off with Seattle’s home opener on Tuesday, October 8 against the St. Louis Blues at Climate Pledge Arena.

NEW YORK—Nielsen has concluded a multi-market renewal with Morgan Murphy Media, a television and radio company headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. 

As part of the new deal, Nielsen will expand its local TV measurement coverage for Morgan Murphy with newly licensed TV stations in the Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewick+, Marquette and the Alpena DMAs. The deal also renewed agreements for local TV service in Spokane, Wash., LaCrosse-Eau Claire, Wisc., Madison, Wisc., and Victoria, Texas.

"We are honored to expand our coverage with Morgan Murphy in Washington State, Wisconsin, Texas, and now Michigan" said Paul LeFort, managing director for Nielsen’s Local TV business. "Nielsen’s local TV solutions empower Morgan Murphy and our Local TV customers to make critical content decisions, maximize the value of their premium audiences and serve the communities where they operate.” 

"Nielsen’s innovative approach to local TV measurement in our markets was critical in our decision to expand our relationship. Their ongoing investments to transform measurement in our markets made Nielsen the natural choice to serve both our existing and new properties,” added Chris Cornelius, vice president of business development for Morgan Murphy Media. 

DETROIT—Following a successful pilot program, Waymark has announced that Morgan Murphy Media will be rolling out the Waymark IP solution across all its TV and radio stations nationally. 

Waymark IP uses AI technology to generate commercials in less than five minutes, which allows media to expand their potential ad sales base to small businesses that might otherwise be unable to create ads. 

“This expansion with Morgan Murphy Media is a testament to the transformative power of AI in advertising,” explained Waymark CEO Alex Persky-Stern. “It underscores our shared vision to empower local businesses with technology that brings their stories to life on screen, quickly and affordably. We're thrilled to be working with Morgan Murphy to reach more businesses across their nationwide footprint."

"We are excited to get this tool in the hands of all of our salespeople, as it will provide each and every salesperson the opportunity to create compelling video spec ads within minutes,” noted Neal Oberg, vice president of digital at Morgan Murphy Media.

Earlier this year, Morgan Murphy Media initiated a successful pilot program with Waymark, testing the platform's effectiveness through their station, KOAM-TV in Joplin, Missouri. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with a significant improvement in local direct ad sales and the production of numerous commercial spots for local advertisers, the companies reported. 

Based on that success, the Waymark IP solution is now being deployed at Morgan Murphy's TV stations in Madison, Wisc., Spokane, Wash./Coeur d'Alene Idaho, Yakima, Wash., La Crosse/Eau Claire, Wisc., Victoria, Texas, Joplin Mo./Pittsburgh Kan., and Platteville Wisc./Dubuque Iowa. 

The partnership will also span all 11 Morgan Murphy-owned and operated radio stations nationwide.

The agreement with Morgan Murphy Media follows a series of successful video collaborations that Waymark has signed with such companies as Beasley Media Group, Spectrum Reach, and Gray Television. 

Waymark's platform has also been recognized and included in the creative directories of major streaming platforms Hulu and Roku, where ad managers can utilize Waymark’s technology to create top-tier video ads.

MADISON, Wis.—As the U.S. attempts to get enough of its citizens to get Covid-19 vaccines to reach herd immunity, a point of issue are those who remain hesitant about the vaccines. To help in this effort, Morgan Murphy Media broadcast stations recently committed their resources for an entire day to fight vaccine hesitancy.

Morgan Murphy Media reaches viewers and listeners in 11 states. On its “Vaccine Day,” May 13, it made a company-wide effort to educate and provide resources to the people it serves. This included running a phone bank, digital outreach and hosting a no-appointment, drop-in vaccination clinic at two of its stations.

“We provided a quick and easy way to get questions answered by medical experts and a simple way to get a vaccine without an appointment,” said Brian Burns, Morgan Murphy Media executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Part of the campaign included two digital exclusives. “Dose of Information” were graphics that dispelled myths about the vaccine and could be shared across social media. “Why I Got Vaccinated” had people offering their stories about what motivated them to get the shot.

“Vaccine Day” was also highlighted on the VUit OTT platform, making it available to anyone with a connected TV or mobile phone.

Morgan Murphy Media said that it took more than 1,000 phone calls on “Vaccine Day.” 

There has been a push for broadcasters to use their position as trusted sources to promote the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine. Congress and the White House have outlined more than a billion dollars in media campaigns for the vaccine. NAB crafted a Covid-19 Vaccine Education Toolkit, providing a resource for broadcasters to know what viewers are most likely to be hesitant and how best to reach try and convince them.

“We know the single greatest thing we can do to get our communities back to normal is get more people vaccinated,” said Burns. “This is what we do. Devoting a single day to this effort is right in line with our 131-year heritage of community service and part of our broadcaster DNA.”

MADISON, Wis.—Morgan Murphy Media has appointed veteran broadcasting executive Lyle Banks as vice president and general manager of WISC-TV. He will oversee television, digital and magazine operations.

Most recently, Banks was the vice president and general manager of WGCL-TV in Atlanta for Meredith. His broadcasting career also includes stints as general manager at WMAQ in Chicago and at WAVY-TV in Norfolk, Va.

Banks said in a statement that he admires Morgan Murphy Media for its commitment to serving local communities and that the organization’s success is directly related to it engaged, talented and loyal team, at all levels.

 “We’ve known each other for decades and he shares our company values,” said MMM President and Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Murphy Burns. “Our success is rooted in public service with a sharp focus on helping viewers, readers and partners improve their lives and businesses. Lyle is a perfect fit and I’m delighted to welcome him to our team.”

Banks will run the day-to-day business operations for WISC-TV, TVW, Channel3000.com, Phase 3 Digital and Madison Magazine.

He is a past television board member with the National Association of Broadcasters and has owned and operated various broadcasting and media companies over the past decade.

NEW YORK—The sky isn’t the limit with the latest OTT channel that will be available on Syncbak’s SBTV, it’ll be the base. Morgan Murphy Media is producing a 24/7 drone channel that will be available on the OTT platform for viewers nationwide.

The footage will be accumulated from Morgan Murphy affiliate stations, which includes Spokane, Wash.-based KXLY’s “Air 4 Adventures” program featuring drone footage of local attractions, extreme sports and nature reserves. SBTV automatically ingests and formats the content into a custom, 24/7 ad-supported channel.

“Taking our drone footage OTT in a live, always-on channel required no additional time or effort on the part of our station,” said Brian Burns, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Morgan Murphy Media. He says more stations’ drone footage will be available through the channel soon.