Three top executives from Gray Media will retire in November.

Veteran Media Professionals Retire as New Leaders Take the Reins

After decades of dedicated service in the media industry, three long-standing general managers are retiring this November. Roger Brokke from WIBW Topeka, Kansas, Kelly Landeen from WAGM Presque Isle, Maine, and Neil Middleton from WYMT Hazard, Kentucky, are stepping down from their positions.

Roger Brokke, who joined WIBW in 2004, has spent almost 50 years in media sales. He was promoted to the role of general manager and director of sales in 2014, leading the station to numerous honours during his tenure. WIBW received 11 consecutive years as Kansas Association of Broadcasters' Station of the Year, two Tony Jewell Awards for community service, and recognition as a finalist for the National Association of Broadcasters' Service to America award.

Under Brokke's leadership, WIBW also spearheaded numerous community events and fundraisers, including the recent "Hear Me. See Me." campaign to raise awareness for mental health.

Kelly Landeen began her media career in 1990 at WAGM in Presque Isle as an account executive. She rose through the ranks to become the general manager and director of sales in 2015. Landeen led WAGM's many community projects, raising over $1 million for projects to feed the hungry, heat homes, and support veterans, among others. WAGM achieved and maintained the highest-rated 6 p.m. newscast in the country for many years under her leadership.

Throughout her tenure in Presque Isle, WAGM won numerous broadcasting awards, creative awards, and was recognised by several partners for its work to support the community.

Neil Middleton, who has served the communities of Eastern Kentucky for nearly all of his broadcast career, was appointed as the general manager of WYMT in 2012. Under his leadership, WYMT helped guide the community through various challenges, including the death of broadcaster Tony Turner, historic tornado outbreaks, floods, police shootings, mine collapses, and more.

Middleton is also credited for creating the Mountain Classic scholarship and basketball tournaments, supporting both girls' and boys' teams. Through the Mountain Classic, WYMT has helped students in Eastern Kentucky earn over 2,200 academic scholarships and raise nearly $5 million for local students and schools.

Gray Media has not yet announced the replacements for the retiring general managers. Danny Kusel has been appointed at WAGM Presque Isle, Maine, Andrew Stokes at WYMT Hazard, Kentucky, and Lori Melton at WIBW Topeka, Kansas.

As these veterans of the media industry step into retirement, their legacies of community service, dedication, and excellence will continue to inspire the next generation of broadcasters.