Milestone: OJ Jackson Retiring
• Adams Radio Group announced the impending retirement of accomplished and award winning broadcast executive OJ Jackson, Vice President and General Manager of Adams Radio Group of Northern Indiana. Concurrent with Jackson’s retirement, which goes into effect on March 31, Jennifer Finnerty-Figg, Director of Sales for Adams Radio of Northern Indiana, will succeed Jackson as VP/GM of the Adams Northern Indiana cluster — Country WLJE (Indiana 105) and Oldies WAKE-AM/Valparaiso, IN, AC WZVN (107.1 The Z)/Lowell, IN and Classic Rock WXRD (X Rock 103.9)/Crown Point, IN.
Ron Stone, President & CEO of Adams Radio commented, “OJ Jackson has enjoyed a fine career and will be missed by me and everyone at Adams Radio. He deserves an amazing retirement given his contributions to radio over the past 40 years. I’ve learned a great deal from OJ and it has been a pleasure to work with him. I, and all of Adams wish him all the best in his new adventures!” Speaking of Ms. Finnerty-Figg’s promotion, Stone added, “Jennifer has been trained by OJ for 15 years for her new role, and I have no doubt whatsoever that she will be amazing in it! I’m very excited for her and look forward to working with Jen as our newest VP/GM.”
OJ Jackson’s career started in the late ’60s as an on-air host, weatherman and producer at radio and television stations in Indiana and Michigan. He later moved into sales and management in Northwest Indiana with Porter County Broadcasting, owned by the late Country Disc Jockey Hall of Famer “Uncle” Len Ellis. After other executive positions in radio, TV and advertising in Valparaiso and South Bend, IN, Jackson returned to Northwest Indiana as VP/Sales Manager with Ellis-owned Radio One Communications. In 2012, Jackson was upped to GM, and retained the position when the properties were acquired by Adams Radio Group in 2014.
During his career in Northwest Indiana Jackson helped lead the way in creating a regional presence for WLJE and its sister stations. He created the “Chicago to South Bend” moniker for WLJE, which is still used today. He also launched the Region News Team brand used by all stations owned by Adams Radio Group of Northern Indiana.
