Richard E. Wiley, a distinguished telecom attorney and former chair of the Federal Communications Commission, will step down as chair of the board of trustees for The Media Institute on January 31, concluding more than three decades in the role.

Wiley will be succeeded by Kathleen Kirby, a respected media attorney and co-chair of the Telecom, Media and Technology practice at Wiley Rein, the Washington, D.C. law firm Wiley co-founded. The Media Institute, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, focuses on communications policy and First Amendment issues.

Although stepping down as chair, Wiley will remain involved with the Institute and has been named chairman emeritus effective February 1. “For over 30 years, it has been my great privilege to chair The Media Institute’s Board,” Wiley said. “During this time, the Institute has always supported sound communications policy and the First Amendment. I now look forward to assisting our outstanding new leadership team of Kathy Kirby and incoming President Mike O’Rielly.”

Wiley is also chairman emeritus of Wiley Rein, which he co-founded in 1983. He served as chairman, commissioner, and general counsel of the FCC from 1970 to 1977, playing a key role in promoting competition and reducing regulation in the media industry. Wiley received The Media Institute’s inaugural Freedom of Speech Award in 1992 and its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

Kathleen Kirby brings over 30 years of experience as a media lawyer. In addition to her role at Wiley Rein, she serves on the firm’s executive and management committees. Kirby is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association and has received leadership awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association and the Broadcasters Foundation of America. She is also a member of the National Freedom of Information Hall of Fame and is regularly recognized as one of Washington’s leading lawyers in her field.

“I am honored and humbled to have the support of The Media Institute’s Board of Trustees to serve as the next Chair—the Institute’s mission remains critical at this pivotal time for media and communications,” Kirby said. “I am especially grateful for the leadership and vision of Dick Wiley, whose lifelong commitment to thoughtful and principled media policy has shaped the Institute and inspired many, including me.”

Kirby is a long-standing member of The Media Institute’s First Amendment Advisory Council and serves on the steering committee of its Madison Project. She emphasized her commitment to working with incoming President and CEO Mike O’Rielly and the board to promote free speech principles and address emerging issues in telecom, media, and technology.

Outgoing Media Institute President Richard Kaplar expressed his gratitude for Wiley’s leadership and welcomed Kirby, noting her deep connection to the Institute and shared values. Kaplar voiced confidence that Kirby and President-elect O’Rielly will guide the Institute to new achievements.

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