CHICAGO, Ill. — The city of Chicago and the nation’s media community are mourning the loss of Bruce Barton DuMont, a trailblazing broadcaster, media historian, and civic advocate, who passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at the age of 81.
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Born in Connecticut to Donald H. DuMont and Esther (Nystrom) DuMont, Bruce moved to Chicago as a child, where he developed an early interest in media and public service. Inspired by his uncle, television pioneer James B. DuMont, and nurtured by his parents’ values, Bruce pursued studies in radio and television at Columbia College Chicago after graduating from Schurz High School, laying the foundation for a career that would leave a lasting mark on Chicago and beyond.
A Career in Broadcasting
Bruce DuMont’s career spanned decades across the city’s most notable media outlets, including WGN-AM, WLTD, and WBEZ. At PBS station WTTW, he was a key member of the launch team for Chicago Tonight, producing award-winning public affairs journalism alongside John Calloway. DuMont also became the longtime host of Illinois Lawmakers, providing in-depth coverage of legislative sessions in Springfield, earning accolades including Emmy Awards, the Iris Award, the Golden Gavel Award, and recognition from the Peabody Awards jury.
In 1987, Bruce founded the Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC), a visionary institution dedicated to preserving the history of radio and television. Under his leadership, the museum became home to the Radio Hall of Fame, while its collections, exhibitions, and encyclopedias established it as a vital archive of American broadcast history.
Bruce was also widely recognized as the creator and host of Beyond the Beltway, a nationally syndicated political talk program that featured rotating panels of politicians, academics, and everyday Americans. The show, which at its peak aired in nearly 50 radio markets and on SiriusXM, became a trusted source for balanced political dialogue, broadcasting from locations as varied as political conventions, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and even Stockholm in the aftermath of 9/11.
Recognition and Civic Contributions
A proud Chicagoan, DuMont received lifetime achievement awards from Columbia College, the Publicity Club of Chicago, and the American Advertising Association, and was inducted into the Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce was a devoted mentor, civic-minded leader, and passionate advocate for media literacy and historical preservation. His influence extended across generations of journalists, broadcasters, and public affairs enthusiasts.
Family and Personal Life
Bruce is survived by his husband of 26 years, his beloved daughter, four grandchildren, a son-in-law, and nieces and nephews in Los Angeles working in media and entertainment. He was previously married to Marcia DuMont, with whom he shares a daughter, and to the late Kathy Osterman, a respected Chicago alderwoman.
Outside of work, DuMont loved spirited conversation, sports, political history, and good food. He was a loyal Chicago White Sox fan and a former season ticket holder, and he often shared his passion for baseball as enthusiastically as his love for civic engagement.
Legacy and Memorial
Bruce DuMont’s contributions to broadcasting, journalism, and civic life have left an indelible mark on Chicago and the broader media landscape. His commitment to storytelling, historical preservation, and public dialogue will continue to influence journalists and historians for generations.
Memorial service details will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Museum of Broadcast Communications or Columbia College Chicago in his honor.
“Bruce DuMont shaped the way Chicagoans and Americans understand media, politics, and community,” a colleague said. “His legacy is one of knowledge, service, and inspiration.”