A Broadcasting Legend Announces Retirement on Live Radio

Madison, WI (November 3, 2025) – After 44 years behind the microphone, Jane Matenaer, host of “Matenaer On Air” on several of Civic Media’s news/talk stations, announced her retirement this morning on her show.

“When I started my radio career, my goal was to be a “cool, nighttime rock chick.” Tragically, I was none of those things. Fortunately, I had the support of those who believed I had potential and encouraged me to follow a slightly different path — to morning radio. And while I never envisioned eventually moving from music to talk radio, the transition has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and these last three years at Civic Media have been the proudest of my 40-plus year career,” said Matenaer.

Following graduation from The Brown School of Broadcasting in 1981, Jane started her career at KNUJ in New Ulm, Minn., helping to launch its’ brand new FM station KXLP. After moving to Racine in 1984, Jane joined WMYX as the overnight announcer before being moved to the morning show where she remained for the next 24 years. In 2010, Jane joined B93 where she led the morning show for five years, then she moved on to 620 WTMJ as part of the news department and morning show. Presented with the opportunity to join Civic Media shortly after its’ inception in 2022, Jane joined WAUK first as a producer, then as host of the daily program “Matenaer On Air.”

Over the course of her career, Jane has earned numerous Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards for “Best Morning Show,” and also won a prestigious regional Murrow Award in 2018. She also helped write and sang lead on the global hit “The Packarena” which raised more than $90,000 for the Child Abuse Prevention Fund and spearheaded a $75,000 fundraiser for “Rides and Reins,” which provides low or no-cost therapeutic riding lessons for children and young adults with special needs.

“As I head toward retirement, I want to take this moment to thank my current and former colleagues and mentors,” said Matenaer. “You are among the most talented, dedicated and hilarious people on the planet. Thank you to Civic Media, for believing in a 60-something woman to host her own show and for your commitment to community-based radio and to a healthy democracy. And most of all, thank you to the people who’ve listened and called and texted and welcomed me into their homes and cars for all these years. The stories and comments and laughs we’ve shared have changed my life for the better. They mean the world to me.”

“I hope you find some joy in the days ahead, and you have the chance to share it.”

A parade of guests will be appearing on “Matenaer On Air” the next several weeks to celebrate her amazing career.

About Civic Media

Civic Media, a public benefit corporation, is dedicated to providing quality broadcast and digital hometown radio focusing on local, regional, and state issues, covering the stories that are most relevant to the markets we serve. We believe radio plays a crucial role in the practice of democracy in our local communities, so we aim to provide programming that advances the understanding and engagement of its principles within our audience.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.