William R. Walker
William Walker was known to station personnel all over Wisconsin and neighboring states for the unique business structure of his broadcasting company. He fostered the growth of that company, the Mid-West Family Group, by encouraging managers to participate in their radio station’s ownership. Walker started his broadcasting career in 1950, working in sales for WMAM-Am, Marinette, and WBEV-AM, Beaver Dam, after first spending a few years in advertising. He later moved to managerial positions with WMBV-TV, Marinette, WRRR-AM, Rockford and WISM AM/FM, Madison. He became the guiding force behind the Mid-West Family stations in 1961 when he devised the manager-ownership participation model on which it thrived. The Mid-West Family Group at one time or another has had a radio presence in over 40 stations in nearly 25 cities in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. Walker served on numerous civic boards and has taught high school and college courses on math, advertising and educational psychology.
William R. Walker passed away in July, 2003.
Mr Walker was a kind man who hired me to work at WISM when I was 16 years of age. I had always been interested in radio and tv and wanted to pursue both as a career. Mr Walker was my mentor because he would encourage me and answer any and all questions I had even though he was a very busy man. I will never forget him. Thank you Mr Walker.