Ed Kiernan, 65, VP/GM since 1991 of News-Talk WBAL-AM and Rock/Classic Rock/Indie Rock WIYY-FM, the Hearst Television radio stations serving Baltimore, will retire this summer, capping over 45 years in radio. His successor will be announced at a future date. After 45 years in the radio business, Kiernan told the staff at WBAL 4/11 that he will be retiring this summer.
Kiernan told The Baltimore Sun said he and his wife, Fran, will be moving to the Hamptons in New York where they have a home. Kiernan is from New York and worked 17 years there at CBS before starting his 23-year run at WBAL.
Under Kiernan’s leadership, WBAL-AM 1090 has been the radio home of the Orioles, the Ravens and Navy football, and has been Baltimore’s longtime radio news/talk leader. A regional radio powerhouse, WBAL-AM has won multiple “Best News Operation” honors from the AP, Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, an NABEF Service to Children Radio Award and National Headliner Awards from the Press Club of Atlantic City. WIYY-FM “98 Rock” has been an iconic Baltimore music destination since 1977. The stations are part of a leading media operation including WBAL-TV, Baltimore’s NBC affiliate and TV news leader.
“We are so proud of Ed’s stewardship of WBAL and 98 Rock over the past 23 years,” said David Barrett, a Director of the Hearst Corporation. “His commitment and passion for our stations, his team, and the Baltimore community are the hallmark of a truly remarkable career. We have been blessed by his steady leadership and warm friendship, which indelibly mark his years with Hearst.”
“Having closely worked with Ed for all these years, I know firsthand how he has enhanced all aspects of the radio business he has managed with his enthusiasm, good humor and leadership,” said Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb. “With Ed at the helm, WBAL has been among the nation’s most honored radio stations and a major community force through the WBAL Radio Kids Campaign. Throughout his tenure, Ed has built upon 98 Rock’s storied 37-year history, including expanding the station’s presence on the web and in mobile applications.”
Kiernan joined WBAL/WIYY in 1991 as general manager, succeeding Barrett. Previously, Kiernan spent 17 years at CBS, Inc., where he was VP/GM of WCBS Newsradio 88, in New York, as well as VP/GM of CBS Radio Reps, and held a variety of sales and management positions within CBS Radio. At WCBS, Kiernan launched the “Ask the Governor” program with then-Gov. Mario Cuomo, and “Ask the Mayor” with then-Mayor Ed Koch, and acquired rights to NY Jets football and St. John’s University basketball.
Kiernan’s industry, civic and charitable activities have been numerous. He has served as president of the Advertising Association of Baltimore, as a member of the board of the Baltimore Radio Association, as a member of the Maryland/DC/Delaware Broadcasters Association and of the Orioles Park at Camden Yards Opening Day Committee, and of the boards of the Baltimore Bicentennial Committee and Partnership for a Drug Free Maryland. He has served as chairman of the Federal Emergency Broadcast System for the state of Maryland.
Kiernan, an avid runner who has competed in 13 marathons, is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and holds an honorary doctorate from St. John’s.
