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SALT LAKE CITY — The local broadcasting industry lost one of its most active supporters as former Bonneville President Bruce Reese died Thursday.
People who worked closely with Reese said he absolutely loved working in broadcasting. Former Bonneville COO Robert Johnson said Reese didn’t see it as a job.
Before Reese became the company's president, Bonneville had a reputation for being insular and not really well integrated with the rest of the national industry.
“Bruce made it a point to be involved in industry leadership,” Johnson said.
During Reese’s tenure, Bonneville stations earned 40 Crystal and Marconi awards. He also served as the chair of the Joint Radio and Television Boards and the National Association of Broadcasters.
“Bonneville became known toward the end of Bruce’s time as the most admired radio company in America, according to a couple of publications, as I remember,” Johnson said.
Along with his work in the industry, Reese also felt the need to serve the community he lived in.
“He was chair of the Primary Children’s (Hospital) Board of Trustees. He was chair of the Pioneer Theater Company Board of Trustees,” Johnson said.
He is survived by his wife and his seven children.
