WTOP’s Joel Oxley has announced his intention to retire next year. He’ll exit after nearly 30 years with the Washington all-news brand.
What We Know: Oxley has been the Senior Vice President and General Manager of WTOP since October 1998. He originally joined the station in 1992 as a sales account and rose through the ranks to become the station’s lead executive. In addition to his work with WTOP, he also stewards the Federal News Network on 1500 WFED.
What They Said: “I have been here nearly 35 years. I have been GM for almost 28 years. Because we are in such a solid position, and because the best time for change is when you are doing well, and because I’m now 65, I feel that now is the time for me to hang up my cleats and retire so I can start the next chapter in my life. Please know this is 100% my decision. (Hubbard Radio CEO Ginny Hubbard) has been extremely supportive about this. She asked me some time back to give her a year’s notice, which I did a few weeks ago. I will be here during the next several of months to help with the transition and will remain in an advisory/consulting role with Hubbard after that.” -Joel Oxley
“Joel’s leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to excellence have shaped this organization for decades. His impact on our people and our brands is lasting, and we are grateful for his remarkable service. We are also incredibly grateful that he is willing to continue offering his experience and expertise to the company once he steps away from leading WTOP-WFED’s daily operations and strategy.” -Hubbard Radio President/CEO Ginny Hubbard
What Remains Unclear: When Oxley’s official retirement date will be. It also remains to be seen who will take over the top job at one of the nation’s premier all-news brands.
What It Means: It’s the end of an era at WTOP. Joel Oxley has been a part of ownership changes, moves from the AM to FM dial, and virtually everything in between. He has been deeply ingrained in the fabric of the station and is widely regarded as one of, if not the, top executive in the news radio world. His departure will leave a large hole, but by giving a year to help find the next leader of the brand, he’s helping set up WTOP for long-term success.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
