Kaplar to Step Down, O'Rielly Named Media Institute CEO

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:27am CT

The Media Institute

The Media Institute announced that longtime President and CEO Richard T. Kaplar will step down on January 31, 2026, concluding a 44-year tenure with the nonprofit organization that advocates for First Amendment principles and communications policy. The Institute's Board of Trustees has selected former FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly as his successor.

Kaplar, who joined the Institute in 1981, said the decision comes at a natural transition point. "I've had the privilege of advancing The Media Institute's mission for 44 years and especially during these last eight years as its head. It's been extremely satisfying, but I think it's time for change," he said. He added that he fully supports O'Rielly's appointment and plans to remain with the organization as a consultant.

Over more than four decades, Kaplar helped shape virtually every lasting program at the Institute. He served as Vice President from 1984 to 2016, became Executive Director in 2016, and assumed leadership of the organization in 2018. He was named President and CEO later that year. His accomplishments include launching the Digital Media Center in 2020, "The Madison Project" in 2023, and establishing the Institute's Fellows Program.

Kaplar has written, edited, or produced more than 40 publications in the communications policy arena, with interests spanning the First Amendment, competition and market economics, and media regulation.

O'Rielly, who will take over as President and CEO, currently leads MPORielly Consulting Inc. and has served as a Senior Fellow at the Institute. "I am humbled by the Board's selection of me to replace Rick Kaplar, who has so ably and honorably served The Media Institute for decades," O'Rielly said. He emphasized that defending First Amendment principles will remain central to the Institute's mission.

O'Rielly served as an FCC commissioner from 2013 to 2020, where he was known for supporting media innovation, including NextGen TV and 5G advancements, as well as expanding broadband access. Before joining the Commission, he spent nearly 20 years in Congress in various policy roles on both the House and Senate sides.

Richard E. Wiley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, praised Kaplar's impact and welcomed O'Rielly's appointment. "With a career spanning five decades, Rick Kaplar has been an inspirational leader of the Institute," Wiley said. "We both are pleased to welcome Mike O'Rielly as our new and outstanding President and CEO."