WOWT general manager Jim McKernan will retire from television after 44 years.

He started his broadcasting career at WOW Radio in 1981 and has been the GM of the Omaha, Nebraska NBC affiliate WOWT-TV since 2021. His last day at the station will be Monday, June 2.

McKernan spent the last 29 years as either a general manager or regional vice president for several companies, including Gray Media, Quincy Media, Bonten Media, and Emmis.

“The broadcasting world has been both challenging and rewarding. I would not trade my experiences or relationships for any other vocation. I have much gratitude for my great colleagues over the years and the communities we have served,” McKernan said. “I plan to do some part time work — perhaps with a non-profit and use ‘repurpose’ as my ‘R word’ instead of ‘retirement.’”

With WOWT, McKernan oversaw the completion of a new 25,000-square-foot broadcasting facility in Blackstone, launched a 3 p.m. hour-long newscast, expanded WOWT’s streaming portfolio, and oversaw a year-long celebration of WOWT’s 75th anniversary — WOWT being the oldest television station in the state of Nebraska.