The board of directors of Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) voted Dec. 10 to sell its building because of a lack of state funds that Gov. Rod Blagojevich reportedly promised.
Bruce Dumont, who heads the museum, sent out a letter to supporters that stated, in part, “The failure of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to keep his $6-million promise to the Museum”and the economic downturn that followed that broken promise has forced this decision. Much time and money has been lost due to the failure of the state to act. This is a very disappointing development.”
He added, “what began as a dream for many has turned into a nightmare thanks to Governor Blagojevich.”
Construction of the museum began at Kinzie and State, with organizers banking on state money.
The museum was the source of much controversy with the LGBT community this year when the organization’s Radio Hall of Fame inducted the James Dobson, leader of the anti-gay organization Focus on the Family”so much so that hundreds of LGBT activists and their allies picketed Nov. 8 outside the Renaissance Hotel, where induction ceremonies were held.