Journal Broadcast Group

Jami Anderson

National Sales Manager

Lansing, Michigan

"Journal Broadcast Group involves their employees with key decisions (strategic plan, Focus Alliance Group). It is always looking for opportunities to grow the company by acquiring growth properties."

"I work for a FOX affiliate that has really grown. We now have seven nights of prime, our station has five days of early news and seven nights of late news. It’s a growing company."

Tanya Atkinson

Local Sales Manager

Green Bay, Wisconsin

"It is very exciting for me to sell things such as the ‘Friends’ finale and Olympics. You have to believe in what you sell, and I love TV!"

"Our station was purchased by Journal Broadcast Group in 2004. I had always heard such positive comments about the company and the fact that no one ever left once they got in."

"Journal Broadcast Group understands broadcast and will invest the resources to improve our product and people. It is very refreshing to have senior management believe that it takes time for on-air changes to reflect in the ratings."

Rich Bailey

Program Director

Knoxville, Tennessee

"I have been in the broadcasting business for more than 25 years. I have worked with good and bad companies; Journal Broadcast Group is by far the best. They invest in their properties and their employees. The group treats its employee's like family. All corporate members are available to any employee at any time and that is a sign of caring."

Brook Bender

Account Manager

Boise, Idaho

"Journal Broadcast Group puts you in a position to succeed. They provide exceptional sales training and management that will work with you to create a plan for your business. In addition, they offer the tools to help you succeed, with customer focused sales programs, qualitative data, and empowerment to create opportunities for your clients."

"Living in Idaho is a dream for people who love outdoor activities. I am an avid snow skier, with three resorts within two hours. This takes up all of my weekends during the winter. In the spring and summer, camping and white water rafting make up much of my free time. With some of the best white water in the world right here in Idaho, you can choose from over 15 rivers within three hours. In addition to these activities, Boise has a great night life. We have become the stop over for concerts traveling between Seattle/Portland and Salt Lake City. I love to go to see shows at the Big Easy concert hall and a couple of our outdoor venues."

Marty Bishop

Broadcaster/Air Talent

Tucson, Arizona

"I was lucky enough to be working here when Journal Broadcast Group bought our stations. In fact, I've been here in this same station, with essentially the same format, through four different owners — a position which has given me a long and unique perspective on the true value of corporate culture."

"There's one simple test that defines the difference between a company you want to work for, and a company you want to avoid. Are the employees happy? Do the kinder, happier souls stay while the dark, grumbly ones move on? Or is the opposite, with selfish, ethically sketchy people becoming entrenched in the power structure, while the nice guys look for greener pastures?"

"Both types of companies can make money. But one type can make you miserable. The other type — yes, I mean the Journal type — can inspire you. When you respect your own company and the people running it, you will inevitably find ways to improve your skills. When you genuinely like your job and the people around you, you'll celebrate every success and look forward to every day."

"I tell my friends, and this is a direct quote, that 'I am the luckiest guy I know.' And when I give them the background — the Journal story, the success we've had, the congenial atmosphere — they always end up agreeing with me. Especially if they work for another broadcaster. Not that I'm trying to rub it or anything."

Glenn Bowman

Engineer in Charge

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"When I got to Journal Broadcast Group, I thought that I had died and went to Broadcast Heaven. I tell those who are interested in working in broadcasting that if you want to be on a team that is dedicated to providing the best quality of service in a field that has something for everybody, and a company that reaches out everyday, then it the Journal Broadcast Group."

"Every employer that I have worked for in broadcasting say that they wanted to be the leaders in this business; Journal Broadcast Group has shown that they are committed to make that happen."

Beverlee Brannigan

Operations Manager

Wichita, Kansas

"We get to use our creative brains to make our stations the best for our local markets. We do the right thing for our market." A recent example of this was the Kansas Cares drive: "We collected 20,000 pounds of 'care package' goodies for service men and women deployed in the Mideast and around the world. We've heard 'thank yous' from Afganistan, Cuba, Germany and loads more. Great to know we made a difference."

Karen Brienzo

Account Executive

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"I am where I belong."

"For 22 years, I worked for a competing television station. WTMJ-TV is known for employing the cream of the crop and is the station everyone wants to work for. The sales management and staff, in particular, are renowned for their professionalism and high level of client service."

"The sales managers are very supportive and our greatest allies. They continually go to bat to ensure that our department has the education and tools we need to make us the best. They also celebrate each account executive's unique selling style and utilize our strengths. As individuals, we are successful. As a team, we're unstoppable!"

"I love what I do and the people I work with and for. I've been selling television advertising for over 25 years and some of the changes we've been faced with are stressful, but I wouldn't trade places with anyone. I'm challenged, respected, successful and happy. What more could you ask?"

Kimberly Buchanan

Executive Producer "The Morning Blend"

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"I only have to tell my friends about the incredible opportunities I have been given for them to understand what a special place this is. I have won an EMMY, traveled to Rome, the Olympics, two Super Bowls, two Rose Bowls and have covered numerous Packers Games."

"Journal Broadcast Group cares about its employees. They make an effort to recognize good employees and great work. The opportunities can be endless here, as the company is very good about promoting from within. I started out as the producer for the 6 p.m. news and, after four years, was promoted to executive producer of special projects in the news department. After 12 years with the company I was asked to help start a new morning talk show. I am now Executive Producer of the Morning Blend on TODAY'S TMJ4. This has been an incredible journey. I never thought I would be given the opportunity to start a daily talk show from the ground up. I love my job and can't imagine I would have been given the same opportunities somewhere else."

Justin Buznedo

Promotions Director

Knoxville, Tennessee

"I began here as an intern in college. I was then hired on part-time while in school, and soon following graduation was hired as a full-time employee. This company allows so much opportunity for growth regardless of entry level."

"The Journal Broadcast Group has always felt like a warm place with a strong sense of camaraderie among the staff. It is a place where I know all of its employees are doing their best to make it the most successful company possible."

Janelle Carter

Sales Manager

Springfield, Missouri

"Journal Broadcast Group asks for your input, unlike some major corporations, and the company has the ability to be flexible in different situations. Journal Broadcast Group really is customer-focused, and they give you an opportunity to build and grow your knowledge of the industry, your business and your skills."

Dan Dillon

News Director

Wichita, Kansas

"The best thing a mentor taught me was to enjoy my work. I watched my first news director in Omaha enjoy working with his reporters and anchors. When he got excited about a big story, I did too. I feel his example has allowed me to become a manager where turnover is low and employees are excited about the work they do. This attitude dovetails into Journal's philosophy of pride in ownership."

Joe Erceg

Senior Account Manager

Tucson, Arizona

"Journal Broadcast Group - Tucson Operations began in January 1996 when our stations were purchased by Journal Broadcast Group. Our employees were universally excited about our future in a company whose culture was well-regarded in the media community. From the moment Doug Kiel and Carl Gardner introduced themselves to the staff, we understood that Journal was all about innovation, customer-focus and integrity. Now, nearly ten years later, those core values are still present and apparent to every business with whom we work."

"We take more of a long-term perspective in advancing our business objectives and we're far more innovative. Our sales department's training through the Center for Sales Strategy (CSS) enables us to effectively focus on our business customers' needs while we develop non-traditional revenue. We're constantly researching and refining our creative products to maximize our appeal to each station's core customers - our listeners. And we keep looking for ways to support our community, ever-mindful of our business responsibilities."

"If you like innovation, if you want to be challenged and if you desire to work someplace where integrity is absolutely real and exuded, you've got to look into Journal Broadcast Group."

Tom Fischer

Engineer

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"The people and the environment create an atmosphere that is conducive to making Journal Broadcast Group the best."

Walker Foard

Creative Director

Tucson, Arizona

"In situations where people ask me about what I do for a living, I'm always pleased that most people wish they had my job. I'm able to combine my true loves – creative writing, music, production. Working in the broadcast field is unabashedly fun. We play practical jokes. We entertain people. We provide invaluable community service. I'm proud to be a Journal Broadcast Group employee."

"Journal Broadcast Group is different all right! What other broadcast company lets its employees be part of the strategic planning process? What other broadcast company puts ethics above everything else? And I truly admire the people that Journal has working in upper management. These people are broadcasters at heart. Some of them started out doing overnights in tiny little markets. Some came up through the sales side of TV/Radio. The company has the will to be the best by hiring the best and staying focused."

Brian Gann

Program Director

Tulsa, Oklahoma

"The culture is what makes Journal Broadcast Group different. It's an attitude of teamwork and high ethical standards. From top to bottom, people are treated with respect and have input in the company's operations. It's truly a place to build a career."

Don Garchow

Sales and Marketing Executive

Lansing, Michigan

"While there are similar short term objectives as with other companies (exceeding budgets, being profitable), the long-term vision of Journal Broadcast Group is unique. Customer relationships are important and built over time. There is a customer-focused approach with a total 'team' commitment. There is also a camaraderie present at Journal that is very different than other broadcast companies."

"I work for a vibrant, exciting Fox affiliate with the stability of a 'mostly' employee-owned, broad based media company (Journal Communications/Journal Broadcast Group)."

Jesse Garcia

Sports Anchor/Reporter

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"The people I work with are great. We´ve become very good friends and that makes work something you look forward to. We´re always striving to put out a good product and it´s great to know that management will constantly attempt to be the leader in the market and not the follower."

Willie Garrett

Marketing Director

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Willie has worked for Journal Broadcast Group for eight years. He moved to Las Vegas from the company's Milwaukee TV station in 2000. In 2004 he transferred to WGBA-TV in Green Bay, WI.

"I think the biggest reason I like the company is that we're growing. We've covered the Midwest and West Coast. I also think that Journal Broadcast Group is the best when it comes to pushing diversity. I used to think diversity was just a race or ethnic thing, but it really ranges from age to lifestyle to language."

In addition to working at Journal Broadcast Group, Willie is a runningback for arena football's Nevada Falcons and Island Warriors.

Greg Giersch

Local Sales Manager

Boise, Idaho

"Journal Broadcast Group operates at a higher standard for ethics and work ethics. Every company has 'some' good workers, but Journal Broadcast Group is more consistent with our corporate culture. Most everyone is operating under the same standard."

"The people work hard and still have fun and enjoy what they do. We have a strong culture of ethics, creativity and customer focus."

Gloria Goodwin

Morning Show Co-Host

Omaha, Nebraska

"Journal Broadcast Group brings a unique sense of unity to the table. You feel a sense of a common mission to provide an environment that allows for teamwork while allowing individual achievement and success. It also respects each person and their needs."

Tracy Granville-Abbott

Executive Administrative Assistant

Las Vegas, Nevada

"I love to be the right hand of the person at or near the top," says Tracy, who worked for Journal Broadcast Group's Tucson Operations for two and a half years before coming to work in Las Vegas in 2002. She thinks Journal Broadcast Group is the best because, "it actively seeks input from employees on a whole range of issues. It also stresses doing business ethically, which is very important to me. It tries to recruit high-performance individuals. I feel that the company actively strives to do the right thing."

Miles Gwyn

Commercial Producer, Director

Las Vegas, Nevada

"I was originally drawn to the Journal Broadcast Group because it fostered the growth for individual employees. There were opportunities to learn new equipment and use older equipment in different ways. Many companies try to improve there products, but Journal understood that improving employees would make their shows better. My supervisors have helped me develop a better overall understanding of production. Every opportunity to enhance my skills has been afforded to me. It's the challenges and the sense of personal growth that makes me proud to work for Journal Broadcast Group."

"At KTNV, Journal Broadcast Group has developed a style of Action News that is exciting and challenging. The company's dedication to developing and growing live news makes it a more exciting place to work than other places were newscasts can become monotonous. On the commercial production side, Journal Broadcast Group has a system in place that really allows Commercial Producers to interact with the client and deliver what they want. Journal Broadcast Group provides the right tools to meet the needs of the customers. The sales team is encouraged to work closely with us to ensure the client's satisfaction. The constant growth and new challenges and great staff are the main reasons I continue to work for Journal Broadcast Group."

Kim Hansard

Morning Show Co-Host

Knoxville, Tennessee

"Employee-ownership has become more than just something we say at Journal Broadcast Group. We really live it. Employees become very aware of dollars spent and actually start thinking as 'managers.' It's easy to see the importance of every detail...not just the ones involved with your department."

Jan Harrison

Morning Personality

Wichita, Kansas

"With Journal Broadcast Group there is more long-range planning and strategic thinking. Our company's local focus in each market really allows us to connect with our listeners and gives us license to use our own ideas and intuition to create relevant and entertaining local programming. Our local approach also gives our advertisers more credibility with our listeners."

"You are given the opportunity to excel in any area of broadcasting for which you have the skills."

Mike Hogan

Account Manager

Omaha, Nebraska

"I was in business management most of my career and am now in sales. Part of our culture includes employee focus, and our management team focused on my needs, and gave me the training, encouragement and confidence I needed to become a leader in our sales force."

Mike Jacobs

News Anchor

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"I arrived at TMJ4 27 years ago, thinking I'd be here for 2 or 3 years, and then move on to 'the next level'... a larger market or a network. And while there have been opportunities to move up, I've learned that bigger isn't necessarily better. In fact, in many cases, it's worse.

"Why? TMJ4 does things right. In an industry that often seems more concerned about selling 'sizzle,' we still believe in selling 'steak.' We add a little 'sizzle' to the recipe, but we haven't lost sight of the fact that people still turn to TV to get the news of the day.

"Beyond the company's commitment to news and the community, it is also committed to the employees. We are treated professionally, fairly and with respect – in an industry that is often known for eating its young. Employees are encouraged to share their opinions on how we can make a great company even better; and those suggestions, when appropriate, are often implemented."

Markita Jefferson

Account Executive

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"This company is made up of very talented, dedicated people who care about the company. It's a very positive environment to be in. A mentor once taught me two things-one was to always "plant seeds" of new business. Sooner or later they will "sprout" into new advertisers. The other was to always be honest and trustworthy with clients and prospects. If people trust and respect you, they'll buy advertising from you."

Dana Kromer

Sales & Marketing

Lansing, Michigan

An 11-year employee of Journal Broadcast Group, Dana Kromer has this to say about why Journal Broadcast Group is the best: "I left Journal Broadcast Group for a short time and worked for a very big company. While there were a few contributors to my leaving that company, one of the driving forces was that I missed the Journal Broadcast Group philosophy. With Journal Broadcast Group, I feel like I am informed about almost everything that goes on company-wide."

Tom Land

Director of Radio Programming

Omaha, Nebraska

"Radio has been my passion since 1976. I have worked as an on-air personality (all shifts), production manager, music director, program director, and account executive."

Cindy Licklider

Account Manager

Tulsa, Oklahoma

"Here, programming, marketing, and sales decisions are tailored to fit the needs and desires of the local client, employee, and listener."

Leslie Lois

Assistant Program Director/Music Director

Tucson, Arizona

"We believe in our employees and deliver the best product to our clients."

"Our company develops employees for internal advancement. I came to Tucson in 1999 as the music director of KMXZ, and within a year and a half was promoted to the assistant program director and music director of our A/C KMXZ and our HOT A/C KZPT radio stations."

Don Louzader

News Director

Springfield, Missouri

"Even on days when you don't feel your best, when you communicate with listeners, you have to BE at your best. Our clients and listeners have the same expectations of us, even when we don't feel 100 percent. It's a good way to motivate yourself to provide the people who depend on you with the best you have to offer. The biggest thrill I get is seeing young reporters and anchors start at Journal Broadcast Group – people who many not have a lot of news experience, but do have a will to learn. I've enjoyed several instances of being able to help these people grow and watch them become outstanding broadcasters."

Mark Lucas

Chief Engineer

Knoxville, Tennessee

"I’m always proud to show our facility. Most people from the business haven’t had access to all the tools we have to do our jobs. People from outside the industry area always excited to see such a beautiful, modern facility that meets and exceeds their expectation of what radio should look like."

"We have a local emphasis at Journal Broadcast Group, with an expectation of integrity and ethics and leadership in our local communities. We know we contribute to the area and take pride in doing so."

Mayra Mancilla

Traffic Manager

Palm Springs, California

"Journal Broadcast Group has a culture that empowers you to make decisions, and embraces diversity and individuality. They also give you the opportunity to grow and learn new aspects of your respective industry. They make you want to do better and be the best you can be every day."

Dennis McAtee

Production Director for KFAQ, KVOO and KXBL

Tulsa, Oklahoma

"Journal Broadcast Group looks for people who are talented, motivated, ethical, teamwork-oriented, and passionate about their work, and gives them the tools they need to succeed."

"We work best for our advertisers when we help them focus on their customers' needs and wants. When we communicate a message that their customers can relate to and respond to, we earn the advertiser's trust and continued relationship."

Peggy McCormack

TV Avails Coordinator

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"At TODAY'S TMJ4, what we do isn't very different from any other broadcast company – it's how we do it, and the people that do it. My department (T.V.Traffic) has well over 100 years of collective experience. That speaks volumes in a business that can be like a revolving door. There are a lot of people that are employed here whose expertise cannot be matched anywhere, and that speaks volumes for this company."

Linda Merkling

Account Manager

Springfield, Missouri

"The morals and ethics of Journal Broadcast Group are high. It is important. It's not worth the sale if you are not honest with the customer. Journal Broadcast Group does what they say they will do. I appreciate Journal Broadcast Group's employee focus, and I am glad to be on their team."

Don Nelson

News Anchor

Boise, Idaho

"Journal Broadcast Group has a midwestern family feel to it. Upper management is very easy to talk to, and they all seem to have a good sense of humor, which is important in this business. I was born in Milwaukee, so it's nice to work for a 'hometown' company."

"I tell my friends that Journal Broadcast Group has a great working atmosphere with good work performance incentives. And I tell them they are home to the Packers. (My friends who are Bears fans (Jim Thomas) couldn't care less!)"

Vickie Nelson

Administrative Assistant

Springfield, Missouri

"Since joining Journal Broadcast Group, my job has continued to grow and evolve. No two days are ever the same, and I enjoy the variety of opportunities and challenges that continually cross my desk. Those opportunities and challenges have allowed me to acquire new skills and given me an increased level of confidence, both personally and professionally."

"Treating everyone with respect and courtesy is very important to me, and I appreciate the fact that Journal stresses high ethical and moral treatment of employees and customers. We have a great team of employees, and our management team listens and actively seeks solutions to issues of importance to their employees. Our culture is open, which provides an environment of comfort. We work hard, but we also know how to have fun."

Jennifer Nunn

General Sales Manager

Tucson, Arizona

""Our goal is to hire the very best people, to be extremely diligent in being customer-focused with the clients, the listeners, employees, and continually grow our business. It's so important to 'get the right person on the bus' - to have the right person in the right place where they know what to do to get the job done well. All you have to do is provide them support, guidance, 'the map', and destination. It's about creating a culture of self-disciplined people and managing the systems, not the people."

"A success I'm most proud of in Tucson is our ability to create different revenue sources. We are extremely proactive with developing programs that fit the stations' and clients' needs, and also generate non-traditional radio revenue. We feel a personal responsibility to continually grow our revenues; we cannot be at the mercy of the market trends or the economy, thus we need to be proactive at developing different and new revenue streams, i.e. Restaurant Tour, Career Fairs, Wedding Planner, Baby Fair, etc., while keeping an eye on the return on investment these programs deliver."

Chanelle Pickens

Web Producer

Las Vegas, Nevada

“I originally came to Journal Broadcast Group as an intern interested in learning how stations that had just undergone format changes promoted themselves.”

“Now, it is almost 4 years down the road and I’ve worked for our operation in Knoxville as the Promo Chick and I’m currently the Web Goddess in Las Vegas. Wow, JBG really won’t let good employees go!”

“I was so very fortunate to be able to stay with a company like this. As I realized that I was ready to grow as an employee, my managers in Knoxville were completely supportive of me and my decision. And everyone in Vegas has welcomed me with open arms.”

Scott Piper

Production Manager

Wichita, Kansas

"What I appreciate most about Journal's operation here in Wichita is the continued commitment to the community and our customers. Our news and weather coverage remain the standard against which everything else in the market is compared, and our strong public service and community involvement proves that our promise to be 'America's Best Local Broadcast Company' isn't just a nice-sounding phrase."

"As I've told friends, family and business associates, if I didn't work for Journal, I wouldn't want to be working in radio at all."

Scott Ramsey

Account Manager

Wichita, Kansas

"I wanted to make a change from retail store management to get away from so many odd hours and long hours. KFDI's heritage in the Wichita market and my love for country music made the station a natural place to pursue."

"Journal Broadcast Group has done a great job in creating a local, family, small company atmosphere to work in even though they are a large national company. I never feel bogged down in corporate red tape. I feel like the management team and the employees are empowered to do the right thing to get the job done. Everyone in the building, regardless of their responsibility, truly concentrates on 'our delivering' to both our listeners and our advertisers, which is what makes us so successful."

Bobby Rich

Program Director/Morning Show Host

Tucson, Arizona

"From a programmer's point of view, a success story has been our long-term strategic planning and determination that has made KMXZ successful. The cooperation, support, and 'get it' thinking of Journal exudes from every part of the company."

"We really are a team working to create a successful cluster of stations. We do this creatively because we must also compete with each other for audience and identity."

Ken Ritchie

General Sales Manager

Boise, Idaho

"My story may be somewhat unusual. I started at KIVI in January of 1975 as a local sales person. I resigned my position as general sales manager in 1998. In that 24 year period, I worked for 3 different owners. I left to go into real estate with no intention of returning to the broadcasting industry. To make a long story short, when I learned Journal Broadcast Group had purchased KIVI, one thing lead to another and I have been back at the station since January 2002."

"The only reason I came back to the broadcasting business was because of Journal Broadcast Group. After having researched the company and talking to upper management it became very apparent that it was a company with focus, integrity and with the management horsepower to grow the company."

"The Journal philosophy creates loyal employees, loyal viewers and listeners and loyal customers. The Journal way of doing business is a point of differentiation; it sets Journal apart from many other companies."

Madeline Rutledge

Traffic Clerk

Boise, Idaho

"I like Journal Broadcast Group's commitment to excellence. They want the best and are willing to take the steps (and expense) necessary to provide a quality product. There is a sense of pride in being associated with such an organization and a desire to live up to high expectations."

April Sailsbury

Director of Marketing & Promotions

Tulsa, Oklahoma

"After interviewing with Journal Broadcast Group, I talked to several friends who worked in the media industry and they all had great things to say about Journal and about Randy Bush, the GM in Tulsa. The ratings were climbing, the people I had met were nice and the company sounded strong and steady. It was an offer I could not refuse."

"Journal Broadcast Group believes in producing a good product. In the case of Tulsa, they believe in good radio. The company, at both the corporate and local level, strives to do whatever it can to stay on top in the market! There is a great sense of team work. We understand that everyone plays an important role and that success comes from us all working together. The Tulsa operations have a great leader in the building, Randy Bush. A great leader combined with a great company makes an unbelievable wonderful work environment."

"My friends know there is nowhere else I would want to work. We have little turn over in the building because once you experience Journal Broadcast Group Tulsa, you know there is nowhere better to go!"

Kristine Simoni

Promotions Director

Boise, Idaho

"Working in broadcast, I get to be part of many things, cultural, social, political and non-profits. With exposure to all of these various groups, I get to see first hand how what we do in the radio business has affected these groups and helped them with their missions/goals. It makes me proud to know that what our team has done really has made a difference – maybe someone was tested for breast cancer for the first time, maybe it's helping out refugees learn how to be more a part of the community or even helping raise school supplies for underprivileged kids."

"In addition, Journal Broadcast Group has given me the opportunity to take on projects and tasks based on where my skills and talents are better suited. Whenever I have wanted to take on new tasks, I have been given the opportunity to do so and the support to learn to do them better."

Kraig Spille

Production Manager

Boise, Idaho

"Journal Broadcast Group is a forward-looking, aggressive company, focused on providing a top quality broadcast product to our viewers and a rewarding working environment for its employees. As a commercial producer, my ultimate goal is to create a spot that really works for our client. The best success stories come from the clients who keep coming back, because they are seeing TV advertising actually work, driving customers into their store with comments on the quality of the commercial they've seen on TV. Several of my clients have had these experiences and are totally sold on what TV advertising can do for their business."