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Ron Bornstein began his tenure at WHA‑TV in 1967 as Director of Telecommunications for the University of Wisconsin‑Extension, overseeing both WHA Radio and WHA‑TV. Under his leadership, WHA‑TV evolved from a campus-based educational broadcaster into a statewide public television force. He spearheaded the development of Vilas Communications Hall, a dedicated production facility that became the operational center for what is now PBS Wisconsin. His work during this period laid the groundwork for a more professionalized and expansive public media presence in the state.

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One of Bornstein’s most notable contributions was the 1967–68 public affairs initiative “The Inner Core: City Within a City,” which examined racial and economic inequities in Milwaukee. This groundbreaking project included a powerful documentary, “Pretty Soon Runs Out,” and a series of statewide panel discussions that addressed the city’s inner-city challenges. The series drew national attention—including praise from The New York Times—and earned a regional Emmy Award, marking an early example of public television’s ability to foster civic dialogue and confront difficult social issues.

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After leaving WHA in the mid-1980s, Bornstein continued to shape public media on a national level, serving as Vice President for Telecommunications at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and later as acting president of National Public Radio during a time of financial crisis. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his leadership and innovation, earning an Edward R. Murrow Award and induction into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1993. His legacy remains central to the history of Wisconsin public broadcasting and its continued commitment to education, civic engagement, and service.

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