A career spent turning one Washington newsroom into the country’s top-billing radio station is earning Joel Oxley one of the industry’s highest honors. NAB will present the President and General Manager of Hubbard Radio Washington, DC, with the National Radio Award.
Oxley joined WTOP in 1992 as an account executive and had risen to General Manager by 1998. He went on to oversee Hubbard’s DC operations, including WTOP and Federal News Network. During his tenure, WTOP consistently ranked as the nation’s top-billing radio station and received multiple Edward R. Murrow, Marconi, and NAB Crystal Radio Awards.
Oxley announced his retirement in May, saying he planned to step down at the beginning of 2027 after nearly 35 years at WTOP and 28 years as general manager. He will continue supporting the company through its leadership transition before moving into an advisory role.
Oxley will be honored during the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Edison Ballroom in New York City, the evening before NAB Show New York opens.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, “NAB is honored to recognize Joel Oxley for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry…Under his leadership, WTOP has become one of the nation’s premier news operations, setting the standard for excellence in local broadcasting while serving the Washington, DC, community with trusted journalism. His integrity, vision and dedication have left an enduring mark on our industry, making him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”
