After an impressive 43-year tenure, Elizabeth Murphy Burns is stepping down from her daily leadership role as President and CEO of Morgan Murphy Media. She will transition into the position of Chair of the company’s Board of Directors. Her successor, Brian Burns, currently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the mantle of president and CEO, continuing the family legacy established since 1890. In a statement, Murphy Burns expressed pride in the achievements of the company and its dedicated team, emphasizing their commitment to community service and innovation. Over the years, under her guidance, Morgan Murphy Media has been celebrated for its forward-thinking strategies and adaptability in the ever-evolving media landscape.

Elizabeth Murphy Burns was born into a lineage of media trailblazers and has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry since co-leading the company with her brother John Murphy in 1982. Her career highlights include becoming the first woman elected to the CBS affiliates advisory board and one of the earliest female members of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) board of directors. Additionally, she spearheaded several transformative acquisitions, such as the 2003 purchase of WKBT-TV in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the 2017 acquisition of KOAM-TV in Joplin, Missouri-Pittsburg, Kansas. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, she was honored with numerous accolades, including induction into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2005 and being designated a "Giant of Broadcasting" by the International Radio and Television Society in 2018.

Beyond her professional milestones, Murphy Burns instilled a strong ethos within the organization, reminding employees of their mission to "inform, educate and entertain." This philosophy, coupled with the company's status as a family-owned enterprise, fosters deeper connections with the communities it serves. The transition marks the fourth generation of family leadership at Morgan Murphy Media, with her niece Kate Murphy Doty also holding a senior executive role overseeing human resources.

Brian Burns, now set to lead the company, brings a wealth of experience and passion for the industry. His journey with Morgan Murphy Media began at the age of 12 on election night, igniting a lifelong dedication. He joined full-time in 1998 as a newscast director and progressively moved into leadership roles, particularly excelling in new media technologies. Elevated to vice president and chief operating officer in 2008, Burns has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to maintaining the high standards set by his predecessor. Acknowledging Murphy Burns' legendary influence, he emphasized her profound impact on professionalism, innovation, and community service within the company.

Brian Burns also contributes actively to the Independent Television Group (ITG) as Vice Chair and has previously served on the boards of the CBS Affiliate Board and the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB). His involvement in the NAB Broadcast Leadership Training program further underscores his dedication to nurturing future broadcast leaders.

This immediate leadership change heralds a promising future for Morgan Murphy Media, ensuring the continuation of its core values and commitment to excellence. As the company enters this new chapter under Brian Burns' leadership, it remains steadfast in its mission to serve communities through innovative and impactful media practices.