Jane Matenaer’s Retirement

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” over the next several weeks to celebrate her amazing career

Historic Broadcasts:

Review some of the highlights of Jane’s career in broadcasting. More will be added in the coming weeks.