Jane Matenaer Retires After 44 Years On the Air

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 10:16am CT

Jane Matenaer

After more than four decades behind the microphone, veteran broadcaster Jane Matenaer has announced her retirement. The longtime Wisconsin radio personality, best known for hosting "Matenaer On Air" on Civic Media's News/Talk stations, made the announcement during her show this morning.

"When I started my radio career, my goal was to be a 'cool, nighttime rock chick.' Tragically, I was none of those things," Matenaer joked. "Fortunately, I had the support of those who believed I had potential and encouraged me to follow a slightly different path - to morning radio."

Matenaer began her career in 1981 after graduating from The Brown School of Broadcasting, starting at KNUJ/KXLP in New Ulm, MN. She later moved to WMYX/Milwaukee in 1984, where she became a morning staple for 24 years. Subsequent stops included B93 and 620 WTMJ/Milwaukee, before joining Civic Media in 2022, where she transitioned from producer to host of her own daily talk show.

Throughout her 44-year career, Matenaer has received multiple Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards for "Best Morning Show" and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award in 2018. She also co-wrote and performed "The Packarena", raising more than $90,000 for the Child Abuse Prevention Fund, and led a $75,000 fundraiser for "Rides and Reins," a therapeutic riding program for children and young adults with special needs.

In reflecting on her career, Matenaer thanked her colleagues, listeners, and Civic Media for "believing in a 60-something woman to host her own show." She added, "The stories and laughs we've shared have changed my life for the better. They mean the world to me."

Civic Media plans to honor Matenaer's retirement with a series of guest appearances on "Matenaer On Air" over the coming weeks, celebrating her remarkable career and contributions to Wisconsin radio.