Retired Journal Communications executive Mike McCormick has died at age 82. He had headed Journal’s broadcasting properties prior to his retirement in 1987.
In recent years McCormick had resided in Winston-Salem, NC. He died New Year’s Day after a battle with cancer.
After working at television stations in St. Louis and New York, McCormick was hired in 1972 to oversee operations at WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee. He became president of WTMJ Inc. and senior vice president of Journal Communications in 1975, overseeing what was then seven stations. He retired in 1987.
McCormick was the past President of the National Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences St. Louis Chapter, and was elected by his colleagues nationwide to serve on the NBC Television Affiliates Board of Directors and the National Association of Broadcasters Television Board. He also served on the National Association of Broadcasters Code Board where he chaired several committees. His passionate commitment to civic service led him to become a director of the Milwaukee World Festival, a member of Marquette University School of Business Executive Committee Advisory Council, a trustee of Alverno College and, especially dear to his heart, a director of the Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin. He was inducted into the Milwaukee Press Club Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Wisconsin Association of Broadcaster Hall of Fame in 2008.
Memorial donations may be offered to the Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin, Attention: Anthony Smith, 620 S. 76th Street, Suite 120, Milwaukee, WI 53214; Hospice of Forsyth County, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; the charity of your choosing, or to Epiphany Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem.
