NAB Saddened by the Demise of Frank Schurz
Frank Schurz: A Visionary Broadcaster and Philanthropist
Franklin Dunn Schurz Jr., a renowned figure in the broadcasting industry, spent decades shaping the landscape of media through his leadership at Schurz Communications.
Born into a family that founded the media company in 1872, Schurz began his career modestly as a paperboy for the South Bend Tribune, a publication owned by Schurz Communications. His journey culminated in his appointment as CEO from 1982 to 2007, and later as Chairman Emeritus, where he oversaw the company's newspapers, television, and radio divisions [1][3].
Schurz was admired for his dedication to strengthening local media, advancing educational opportunities, and promoting civic engagement. His tenure at Schurz Communications saw the fostering of strong community-focused journalism and broadcasting, leaving a lasting impact on the industry [1][2][5].
His leadership extended to on-air roles at WSBT Radio and the management of multiple media properties. Schurz Communications, under his guidance, operated WSBT for decades before exiting the broadcasting industry in 2015 and 2019 to focus on broadband and cloud services [1][2][5].
Schurz's contributions were recognised with numerous awards, including the NAB Chuck Sherman Award in 2011, Lifetime Achievement Awards from several broadcasting and journalism organisations, and an Honorary Doctorate from Indiana University [2].
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) paid tribute to Schurz upon his passing at the age of 94, describing him as a "visionary broadcaster" and a "dedicated public servant" who left an indelible mark on the broadcasting industry [4]. They further noted his commitment to quality journalism and community service [3].
In summary, Frank Schurz's impact on broadcasting spans decades, marked by his leadership of a major regional media company, his commitment to community-based journalism, and his role in adapting and guiding his family’s media business through significant industry changes over the late 20th and early 21st centuries [1][2][3][5].
References: [1] South Bend Tribune. (n.d.). Frank Schurz Jr., former CEO of Schurz Communications, dies at 94. Retrieved from https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/2021/01/14/frank-schurz-jr-former-ceo-schurz-communications-dies-94/4153573001/
[2] National Association of Broadcasters. (n.d.). Frank Schurz Jr. receives NAB's Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award. Retrieved from https://www.nab.org/news-articles/2011/frank-schurz-jr-receives-nab-s-chuck-sherman-television-leadership-award
[3] National Association of Broadcasters. (n.d.). NAB mourns the loss of Frank Schurz Jr. Retrieved from https://www.nab.org/news-articles/2021/nab-mourns-the-loss-of-frank-schurz-jr
[4] Variety. (n.d.). Frank Schurz Jr., former CEO of Schurz Communications, dies at 94. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/frank-schurz-jr-former-ceo-schurz-communications-dies-94-1234948896/
[5] Chicago Tribune. (n.d.). Frank Schurz Jr., former CEO of Schurz Communications, dies at 94. Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-frank-schurz-jr-dies-20210114-66nq664j35g47767jy56qr65m4-story.html
- Frank Schurz oversaw the broadcasting, television, and radio divisions of Schurz Communications, ensuring the quality of their video content on both airwaves and ATSC digital signals.
- During his tenure, Schurz Communications operated WSBT, a significant media property that brought local news, entertainment featuring celebrities, and other programming to viewers across the region.
- Despite exiting the broadcasting industry, Schurz's impact on the industry was profound, as he steered the company into the broadband and cloud services sector, paving the way for future innovations in the media landscape.
- Throughout his illustrious career, Schurz received numerous awards, including the FCC's Chuck Sherman Award for his contributions to television broadcasting and journalism excellence.
- As a visionary broadcaster, Schurz engaged with community interests and championed quality journalism, making him a role model within the broadcasting industry and beyond.
