Joel Oxley, president and general manager of WTOP and Federal News Network, announced Wednesday that he will retire later this year after nearly 35 years with the company, including 28 years as general manager.
Oxley, who turns 65 this year, made the surprise announcement during the station’s annual employee service anniversary celebration, where he first praised 25 colleagues marking 10 to 30 years with the organization.
“Because we are doing well, and because the best time to make changes is when you are doing well, and because I’m flipping 65, I’ve decided it’s time for me to hang up my cleats and retire,” Oxley told the newsroom.
“You know what has kept me here so long? I’m looking at it. It’s the people.”
 |
| Joel Oxley |
“Joel’s leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to excellence have shaped this organization for decades,” said Hubbard Broadcasting President and CEO Ginny Hubbard. “His impact on our people and our brands is lasting, and we are grateful for his remarkable service.”
Under Oxley’s leadership, the stations have seen consistent growth in revenue, profitability, and audience reach. The organization is on track to exceed last year’s performance and outperform its 2026 budget.
WTOP Afternoon Drive Anchor Shawn Anderson called Oxley a “Media Hall of Famer” whose forward-thinking moves — including shifting the main signal to 103.5 FM, bringing traffic coverage in-house, and investing in digital platforms — helped establish WTOP as the dominant radio station in Washington for more than two decades.
Oxley mentored many staff members, including Director of News and Programming Julia Ziegler and Director of Sales Matt Mills, both of whom praised his people-first leadership style.
“I feel lucky that I have been able to work for him my entire professional career,” Ziegler said. “He will be greatly missed.”
Mills, who worked alongside Oxley for nearly 30 years, added: “He has been a partner, a mentor, a friend and an excellent leader. Some of the things I learned from Joel will stick with me the rest of my life.”