Ralph M. Oakley To Receive NAB Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award
•February 11, 2026
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Why It Matters
Oakley's award highlights the enduring value of local broadcasting leadership and signals industry recognition of executives who balance commercial success with community service. It reinforces the importance of experienced stewardship as the media landscape evolves.
Key Takeaways
- •Oakley receives NAB Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award
- •Recognized for decades of local broadcasting leadership
- •Led Quincy Media through multi‑market expansion and divestitures
- •Continues supporting education via Quincy University board
- •Owns WJMN-TV, serving Upper Peninsula news
Pulse Analysis
Ralph M. Oakley’s receipt of the Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award underscores a career built on local‑first journalism and strategic corporate stewardship. Starting at Quincy Newspapers in 1977, Oakley rose through on‑air and management roles before steering Quincy Media as CEO from 2009. Under his guidance, the family‑owned group expanded to 16 television markets, two daily newspapers, and two radio stations, then executed a high‑profile divestiture in 2021 that transferred its TV assets to Gray Media and its newspapers to Phillips Media. This transition illustrates how seasoned leaders can navigate both growth and exit strategies while preserving community trust.
Beyond corporate leadership, Oakley’s commitment to education and civic engagement amplifies his industry impact. As a longtime chair and trustee of Quincy University, he has driven fundraising initiatives that support scholarships and media‑related programs, reinforcing the pipeline of talent essential for local newsrooms. His involvement with NAB’s board, political action committee, and leadership foundation demonstrates a broader influence on policy and advocacy, shaping regulatory environments that affect broadcasters nationwide.
Oakley’s current ownership of Sullivan’s Landing LLC, operating WJMN‑TV in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, reflects a continued focus on hyper‑local content. The station’s shared services agreement with Morgan Murphy Media enables cost efficiencies while maintaining editorial independence, a model increasingly adopted by smaller markets. By blending executive experience, educational stewardship, and hands‑on station ownership, Oakley exemplifies the multifaceted leadership needed to sustain local television’s relevance in a fragmented media ecosystem.
Ralph M. Oakley To Receive NAB Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award
The National Association of Broadcasters today announced that Ralph M. Oakley, a leader in local broadcasting, will receive the Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award in recognition of his distinguished career and enduring commitment to local television. The award will be presented on March 3 during a special radio and television broadcasting awards presentation at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington.
“Ralph Oakley exemplifies the spirit of local broadcasting through his steadfast leadership, deep community commitment and lifelong service to others,” said NAB President-CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “His work inside and outside of our industry has strengthened local journalism, expanded access to educational opportunities and advanced the values that define our industry. Ralph has long been a trusted voice and guiding force for broadcasters nationwide, and we are proud to honor him with this well-deserved recognition at the NAB State Leadership Conference.”
Oakley began his broadcasting career in 1977 with Quincy Newspapers Inc., later known as Quincy Media, working at WGEM AM-FM-TV in Quincy, Ill. He went on to hold a variety of roles at WSJV-TV South Bend-Elkhart, Ind.; and WVVA-TV Bluefield-Beckley, W.Va., before joining the company’s corporate office.
Oakley served as president and chief executive officer of Quincy Media beginning in 2009, leading a sixth-generation, family-owned media company that operated television stations in 16 markets, along with two daily newspapers and two radio stations. Under his leadership, Quincy Media reinforced its role as a trusted source of local news and community service before the company sold its television stations to Gray Media and its newspapers to Phillips Media in 2021.
His commitment to education and service also included longtime leadership at Quincy University in Illinois, where he served as chair and remains a member of the board of trustees and continues to volunteer in the advancement department, leading fundraising efforts.
Oakley currently owns Sullivan’s Landing LLC, which owns WJMN-TV Marquette, Mich., serving the Upper Peninsula with locally focused news, weather and community programming. The station operates under a shared sales and services agreement with Morgan Murphy Media.
Throughout his career, Oakley has held numerous leadership roles within the broadcasting industry. He is a former member of the NAB board of directors and he served on its Executive Committee. He also served as a trustee and co-chair of NAB’s Political Action Committee and a board member of the NAB Leadership Foundation. He served on the Television Bureau of Advertising Board of Directors and the ABC Affiliate Board of Governors. In addition, he is a former chairman of the NBC Affiliates Association and the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) and was previously honored as the IBA’s Broadcaster of the Year.
The post Ralph M. Oakley To Receive NAB Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award appeared first on TV News Check.
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