Barry Litman Obituary

Dr. Barry Litman Born March 14, 1949, Dr. Barry Litman passed away December 26th at the age of 59 following a brave battle with cancer. Dr. Litman was a professor in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media in the College of Communication Arts & Sciences at Michigan State University for more than 30 years, specializing in the economics of broadcasting, mass media, and the entertainment industries. He was a graduate of Wayne State University where he was a member of the varsity tennis team. He earned his doctorate of philosophy degree in 1976 from Michigan State University under the direction of former MSU President and Economics Professor Walter Adams. In addition to serving as professor, Dr. Litman was Chair of the department for six years, was a board member and honorary member of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, and authored several books including, "The Vertical Structure of the Television Broadcast Industry: The Coalescence of Power", and more recently, "The Motion Picture Mega Industry." He also authored and co-authored more than 50 articles in academic journals and papers in broadcasting economics. Dr. Litman was one of the earliest of economists to specialize in media and telecommunications industries. He made a major theoretical contribution to the field in his advancement of the Rosse "umbrella model" of newspaper competition. He was active in the Broadcast Education Association, serving on the economics and research committees. Many of his former Ph.D. students are in teaching, research, and executive positions in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. Dr. Litman is survived by his wife, Leslie (Zucker) Litman; daughter, Pearl, and triplet sons, Daniel, Brandon and Jonathan; brother, Joel, and wife, Barbara Litman; mother-in-law, Josephine Zucker; sister-in-law, Kimberly Zucker; brother-in-law, Craig, and wife, Michele Zucker; nephews, Ryan and Bradley Zucker; and also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and a world of devoted students. He is preceded in death by his parents Roseyln and Herman Litman. Funeral services were held Monday, December 29 in Southfield, Michigan with the interment following at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale, Michigan. Those desiring may make contributions in Dr. Litman's memory to the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media at Michigan State University, 300 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824, or to a charity of choice.

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Published by Lansing State Journal on Dec. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Barry Litman

13 Entries

Anne Hoag

January 9, 2009

Like so many friends who have shared their thoughts already, I am thankful to Barry for being my teacher. I would like to think he'll continue to teach every time we share his work with our own students.

Ben Compaine

January 9, 2009

I have been a long time consumer of Barry's work. He set a high bar for all of us in the field of media economics. My deepest condolences to his family.

George Sylvie

January 7, 2009

Barry was an important leader in our field. His contributions will be missed. My sympathies to his family.

Lisa Farrell

January 6, 2009

My condolences to Barry's family. I must say, his Media Economics course at MSU was one of the best, most informative classes I've taken in my life. And he made it really interesting. I use the knowledge I gained there every single day in the "real world." Dr. Litman also was a really great person who will be terribly missed.

Dr. Alan Albarran

January 6, 2009

I looked upon Barry Litman as a "guru" in the field of media economics, and actually told him so many years ago. His research inspired and taught me. I was not one of his students, but I learned so much from him. He left an important legacy to our field. My deepest sympathies to the Litman family.

Seema Shrikhande

January 6, 2009

Barry was one of the main reasons I chose the Ph.D program at MSU. He was a great mentor and guide and has shaped the research I do today and the way I look at the media. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.

Janay Collins

January 6, 2009

Leslie & family: I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Not only was Barry my professor, he was a mentor, a co-author, and a friend during my years in East Lansing. Take your time; accept hugs; and feel the grief as it washes over you. Know that time will eventually take the acute pain away. Yours, Janay

Susie Breaugh

January 2, 2009

My sympathy goes out to all the Litman family. Barry was a wonderful teacher and a good friend. He will be missed by many people.

Jan Wicks

December 31, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rob and I both took Barry's graduate Media Economics course and will always remember him fondly, and with respect.

Michael Zaroukian, MD, PhD

December 31, 2008

To the Litman family,

Please accept my deepest sympathies. It was my honor to work with Barry over the years. We will all miss him.

With kindest regards,

Gary Wilcox

December 30, 2008

I enjoyed my classes with Barry in the MMPHD program. He was an important person in the direction of the research that I do now. My sympathy to his family and friends.

Kim Croel

December 30, 2008

My sympathies go out to the Litman family.

Harold J. Sauer, M.D.

December 30, 2008

Please let me express my sympathy to all of your family

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