Jan Wade, the esteemed president and general manager of WISN, Hearst Televisions ABC affiliate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is set to retire at the end of this year. With a career at WISN beginning in 2007, Wade has been pivotal in maintaining the stations excellence across all areas, securing its status as Milwaukees leading news outlet. Michael J. Hayes, Hearst Television president, praised Wade for her exemplary leadership and her role in enhancing WISNs community significance.
Reflecting on her illustrious career spanning four decades, Wade expressed gratitude for her experiences and colleagues, emphasizing her passion for broadcasting. She acknowledged her time with Hearst Television as particularly meaningful and hoped her efforts contributed positively to the stations and communities she served. Her tenure at WISN marked significant advancements, notably as Milwaukees first female television general manager.
Under Wades leadership, WISN significantly expanded its local news coverage, launching additional weekday morning newscasts and enhancing its afternoon and evening programming. The station also introduced the award-winning public affairs program Upfront and the sports show Big 12 Sports Saturday. These developments underscored her commitment to broadening the stations reach and impact.
Before her impactful time at WISN, Wade held the position of president and general manager at WATE in Knoxville, Tennessee, and had various roles at stations in Nashville, Tampa, Providence, and Minneapolis. Her career began as an assistant promotion manager at the Louisville CBS affiliate WLKY, which Hearst eventually acquired.
Wades contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed. She was recognized in Milwaukee Business Journal’s Women of Influence honor roll in 2017 and received The Silver Circle Award from the Midwest/Chicago Emmy Chapter last year, highlighting her influential presence and achievements in broadcasting.