Lloyd Wright joined WFYI in 1988 as director of program
production. (Photo: Provided by WFYI)
“I knew this day would eventually come,” Wright said. “I’ve
been unbelievably fortunate to represent WFYI and public media all these years,
and there’s no doubt I’ll miss it, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter
of life while still being part of the WFYI family.”
Wright, 65, is the longest-serving station manager in
Indianapolis. He joined WFYI in 1988 as director of Program Production before
being appointed president and CEO the following year. Among his many
achievements are:
• Transitioning the stations into the digital age,
developing WFYI 1, WFYI 2 (PBS KIDS) and WFYI 3 (Create) for television; 90.1
FM HD1 (NPR) and 90.2 FM HD2 – The Point for radio and online; and wfyi.org
• Adjusting the 90.1 FM format to meet audience demand for
NPR news content; the station now boasts the two largest news/talk radio
programs in the country with “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered”
• Growing the station’s operational budget by 450 percent
and membership to 25,000
• Implementing strategies to tell important Indiana stories
through programs like “Across Indiana,” “Communities Building Community with
Judy O’Bannon,” “Indiana Week In Review,” “Attucks: The School That Opened a City” and “Eva”
• Leading station staff efforts that have earned more than
120 regional Emmys and four “Station of Excellence” awards, something no other
area station has done
• Increasing WFYI’s local journalism efforts to fill a void
in the market
• Relocating the station in 2008 to its current modern
facility at 1630 N. Meridian St.
• Developing dozens of community partnerships
• Leading three capital campaigns that raised more than $34
million
“Lloyd Wright has expertly led WFYI through incredible
growth and extraordinary changes over the last three decades,” WFYI Board
Chairman Michael Heaton said. “He’s expanded our audience, grown our membership
and has always shown remarkable integrity and character. We wish him the best
in his well-deserved retirement, and we know he’ll continue to be one of WFYI’s
greatest ambassadors for years to come.”
Wright was inducted into the Indiana Broadcasters
Association Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2013 and has received numerous other local
and national awards. He is well respected by his peers around the country
having served four three-year terms on the PBS Board of Directors and as a
Chair Emeritus of the American Public Television (APT) Board of Directors.
"Throughout his extraordinary career with WFYI, Lloyd
Wright has demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission of public media,” PBS
President and CEO Paula Kerger said. “We at PBS are especially appreciative of
Lloyd’s leadership and his many contributions to the public broadcasting
system, including his service on the PBS Board of Directors. Lloyd is an inspiration
to all of us fortunate to call him colleague and friend."
Wright is a Beech Grove native who, upon graduation from
Indiana University, began his professional career as director of instructional
broadcasting with the Indiana Department of Education. That eventually led to
positions with the IU News Bureau and then WTTW-TV in Chicago before he joined
WFYI in May 1988.
Among his many awards and recognitions are two Sagamore of
the Wabash honors, the highest award given by the governor to recognize distinguished
service to the state of Indiana.
“Lloyd has long been a community pillar and an exceptional
leader with a passion for the educational aspect of public broadcasting,”
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb said. “He has done so much to help prepare children
for school and adults alike for lifelong learning. He is simply one of Indiana’s finest, ever.”
The search is now on to find Wright’s successor. Heaton said
the board will conduct a national search, which could take several months, and
Wright will stay on to ensure a smooth transition of duties.
In Wright’s honor, WFYI today announced the creation of the
Lloyd Wright Legacy Fund, which will support future unique Indiana storytelling
programming at the station. The new fund will be tied to the station’s upcoming
50th anniversary in October 2020.
“I’m honored and humbled to have a worthwhile cause live on
in my name,” Wright said. “I have so many people to thank for their support of
me and WFYI over these many years. I
especially appreciate the dedication of our talented, award-winning staff and
our dedicated volunteers who helped to found the station in 1970."
“I believe public media is a crucial part of any community,
and to be a part of building it in my hometown over all these years is
extremely gratifying, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity.”
SOURCE: WFYI