Matenaer Ready To Wrap It Up
• After 44 years behind the microphone, Milwaukee radio icon Jane Matenaer, host of Matenaer On Air, heard weekdays from 9-11am on several of Civic Media’s News-Talk stations, including flagship WAUK/Milwaukee, announced her impending retirement Monday morning on her show.
“When I started my radio career, my goal was to be a ‘cool, nighttime rock chick,'” Matenaer told her listeners. “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.”
Following graduation from the Brown School of Broadcasting in 1981, Matenaer started her career at KNUJ/New Ulm, MN, and helped launch KXLP-FM. After moving to Racine in 1984, Matenaer landed overnights at WMYX/Milwaukee. She was later moved up to the morning show, where she remained for the next 24 years.
In 2010, Matenaer joined crosstown AC WLDB (B93.3), where she anchored the morning show for five years before moving 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, Matenaer joined News-Talk WAUK/Milwaukee, first as a producer, and then as host of the daily program Matenaer On Air.
“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.” In closing, Matenaer said, “I hope you find some joy in the days ahead, and you have the chance to share it.”
Look for a parade of guests to appear on Matenaer On Air over the next several weeks to help Jane celebrate her amazing career. [Color photo: Stories Framed Photography]
