As he announced his retirement, WTOP President and General Manager Joel Oxley knew there would be some recognition and accolades. It comes with the territory.
However, he didn’t foresee this. Tonight, Oxley will receive the NAB National Radio Award.
The news caught Oxley off guard. In fact, he said he felt shocked when he first heard it. Still, the recognition carries weight. Oxley joins a list of past winners that includes the likes of Howard Cosell, Larry King, and high-profile executives like Lowry Mays, Mel Karmazin, Jeff Smulyan, Ed Christian, Steve Newberry, Dan Mason, George Beasley, Ginny Hubbard, David Santrella, and Mike McVay, among others.
A Humbling Honor
“Honestly, I was shocked,” said Oxley. “I just couldn’t believe that I was getting this award. Looking at the list of the people who have received it, I’m just beyond honored. I was completely surprised, completely taken aback by this. Heck, Howard Cosell’s on this list, for God’s sake.”
Oxley quickly turned the spotlight toward his colleagues. In fact, he credited the mentors and teammates who shaped his career.
“It really means a lot to me that people would think this highly of me,” Oxley shared. “I hope everybody knows that while I feel great about this, it’s really all about the people that I’ve worked with all these years. I’ve just been so fortunate that so many people have given me so much of their time and their guidance and their knowledge. If it wasn’t for all the people who have mentored me, but also all the people who have worked with me, I just wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of this.”
Meanwhile, Oxley plans to use his speech to say thanks. He’s worked for Hubbard, Bonneville, Evergreen and Chase Broadcasting, so the list is long.
“Mostly it’s about appreciation,” the longtime WTOP executive stated. “From the bottom of my heart, I am so appreciative of all the people that I’ve worked with all these years. I’m glad I’m going to be able to get up there and say some good thank-yous.”
Stepping Away From WTOP
Now, Oxley turns toward retirement. He’ll leave WTOP this year, and Declan Moore will take over.
“I really feel great about it,” said Oxley. “I feel really blessed that I was in something I like so much for so long. Even when I was a kid, I was big into news. In college, I worked for the school newspaper and the school radio station. To be in the news business, but also to be in the broadcast business, has just been fantastic.”
Moreover, the industry changed dramatically along the way.
“Heck, when I was first at WTOP, it was AM only,” Oxley shared. “Look at how it evolved into, obviously, FM, but also websites being so important, social, video, podcasting. I never would have imagined all the different things that we would have gotten into and, fortunately, been successful at.”
Looking ahead, Oxley doesn’t plan to vanish. Instead, he may stay connected to the Hubbard family while he enjoys more free time.
“I think I might continue to work with the Hubbard family and do some consulting,” the longtime WTOP executive stated. “I’ve talked about that. At this point, I also want to spend more time with the people I love, get out there and do some more traveling, and enjoy my life. I’m looking for maybe a little more balance than I’ve had over the years.”
The Future of Radio and Advertising
Oxley also sees a bright road ahead for radio. However, he believes the industry can’t stand still.
“I still think it’s changing,” said Oxley. “I think it’s incredibly dynamic, but with that, there’s so much opportunity. At its very base, when you look at radio, it’s still great distribution. Millions upon millions of people listen every week. What other business wouldn’t want that?”
As a result, Oxley expects broadcasters to push harder.
“I think you’ve got to realize that you’ve got to do well everywhere,” Oxley shared. “You can’t rest on your laurels. You’ve got to figure out ways to get better.”
In addition, he points to social media as a powerful tool. Radio, he believes, hasn’t promoted itself enough.
“Social is incredibly powerful,” said Oxley. “I really don’t see radio out there finding ways to promote itself as much as it could. Being local is an incredible advantage. This is the differentiator. It’s reaching millions and millions of people about things that are happening in their own local markets that they care about.”
Above all, gratitude defines Oxley’s farewell.
“The thing that strikes me as I look back is just how generous people were with their time and with their knowledge,” the longtime WTOP executive stated. “They didn’t have to be that helpful, but they did, and I’m really fortunate that they did that.”
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