Journal Broadcast Group CEO Doug Kiel, who is also President of parent Journal Communications, announced plans to retire as the company’s fiscal year ends December 27th. Kiel plans leave Milwaukee and do the entrepreneur thing with the launch of his own company.
“I’ve decide to retire from Journal to pursue starting my own company, outside of Milwaukee. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Journal and have always felt it was a real privilege to lead the Journal Broadcast Group. I’ll especially miss the great people I’ve worked with and wish them all the best in the future,” said Doug Kiel. He’s playing close to the vest on his future plans and did not return a phone call or email from RBR-TVBR.
With Kiel’s departure, Journal Communications CEO Steven Smith will assume leadership of the broadcast operation “for the foreseeable future,” the company said.
“Doug has had a terrific career at our company including radio and television station management as well as corporate duties working with other Journal Communications companies. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Doug for his dedication to Journal Communications, for sharing his expertise and talent in both radio and television, and for his years of being a wonderful professional colleague and friend. Doug and the entire Journal Broadcast Group team have done a great job building our local market business across the country. The commitment to excellence and community service will continue and is a legacy of Doug’s service,” said Smith
Kiel has been with Journal since 1986, when he was hired as VP/GM of WKTI-FM Milwaukee. Prior to that he was GM of competitor WOKY-AM & WMIL-FM. He’s been heading Journal Broadcast Group since 1992 and had a dual role managing flagship WTMJ-TV (NBC) Milwaukee from 1992 to 1995. Kiel was named President of the parent company in 1998.
