Richard E. Wiley will step down as Chair of The Media Institute’s Board of Trustees at the end of January, concluding a tenure of more than three decades leading the First Amendment-focused organization. The Board has selected veteran media attorney Kathleen Kirby to succeed him, effective Feb. 1. Wiley’s move follows President/CEO Richard Kaplar’s announcement last month that he will step down on Jan. 31 and succeeded by former FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly.

Wiley will remain active with the Institute and has been named Chairman Emeritus.

“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.”

A co-founder of Wiley Rein LLP in 1983, Wiley is Chairman Emeritus of the Washington-based law firm, which has one of the nation’s largest communications practices. He previously served as Chairman, Commissioner, and General Counsel of the FCC from 1970 to 1977, where he was a key figure in early efforts to promote competition and reduce regulation in media. Wiley received The Media Institute’s inaugural Freedom of Speech Award in 1992 and its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

Kirby, a partner at Wiley Rein, brings more than 30 years of experience in media and communications law. She co-chairs the firm’s Telecom, Media, and Technology practice and serves on its Executive and Management committees. Kirby has been a long-time member of The Media Institute’s First Amendment Advisory Council and is on the Steering Committee of the Institute’s Madison Project.

“I am honored and humbled to have the support of The Media Institute’s Board to serve as the next Chair,” Kirby said, crediting Wiley’s leadership and vision for shaping the Institute and her own career. She said her focus will be advancing free speech principles and convening policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, academics, and journalists to address emerging issues affecting media and democracy.

Kirby is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association and has received leadership honors from RTDNA and the Broadcasters Foundation of America. She is also a member of the National Freedom of Information Hall of Fame and is regularly recognized by Chambers USA as a leading Washington media lawyer.

“Serving with Dick Wiley has been the honor of a lifetime, and I’m extremely grateful for his outstanding leadership, good counsel, and steady support,” said Media Institute President Richard T. Kaplar. “At the same time, I welcome Kathy Kirby, who has a long history with the Institute and shares its values. I’m confident that Kathy and President Elect Mike O’Rielly will lead the Institute to new levels.”