Jackson Radio Legend Greg O’Connor Announces Retirement

Greg O’Connor.  Photo courtesy McKibbin Media Group.

(October 4, 2024 10:08 AM ET) After more than five decades of broadcasting excellence, Jackson’s beloved radio personality, Greg O’Connor (GOC), this morning announced his upcoming retirement. Known for his deep connection to the community and his storied career at WKHM radio, O’Connor has been a familiar voice to generations of listeners, bringing local news, sports, and morning shows to the airwaves.

Starting his career in the late 1960s alongside his father, Tom O’Connor, Greg quickly became a key figure in Michigan broadcasting. After stints in Cheboygan, Mich., Greg returned to Jackson in 1983, where he took on the roles of sports director and morning drive host at WKHM.

Over the years, GOC has been recognized for his outstanding achievements, including numerous awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Associated Press. He has also been inducted into the Lumen Christi Athletic Hall of Fame and received the Jackson College Distinguished Service Award.

Beyond his professional accolades, GOC’s commitment to Jackson has been profound. He was honored with the Key to the City, recognizing his decades-long contributions to both local media and the community.

Most recently on his retirement announcement date today, GOC was honored by State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz with a State of Michigan Special Tribute for all his years of service on WKHM. The tribute was signed by Schmaltz, State Sen. Sue Shink, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II.

O’Connor expressed gratitude for his long career servicing the listeners of Jackson.

“It is with much regret that I’m announcing my retirement from full-time broadcasting and McKibbin Media Group,” O’Connor said. “Over the past couple of years, I have been battling some serious health issues that have taken a toll on my family, friends and co-workers. It’s my time to pass the torch after 55 years in the business, having done my first solo games in basketball and hockey in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Even this late in life, this is not an easy decision. I have enjoyed helping WKHM be THE source for news and sports in Jackson.

“The list of people to thank is impossibly long, but I do want to thank the Jackson community at this time for their unbelievable support, especially those of you that helped me while I battled kidney failure and the subsequent transplant,” O’Connor continued. “I want to extend a special thank you to McKibbin Media Group’s President/Owner Katina McKibbin and General Manager Dennis Worden. They have been tremendous in working with me through my health issues. Also, a big thanks to Marc Daly, who filled in without hesitation while I was out.

“It’s been quite a ride that isn’t quite over yet, but soon. My last day on the radio will be Friday, November 22. As a wise announcer once said: Thanks for your time, this time, till the next time,” O’Connor concluded.

Greg O’Connor will officially retire on Friday, Nov. 22, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, passion, and community spirit. Starting on Monday, November 25, Marc Daly will take over as host of AM Jackson on WKHM, airing from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. M-F.

“We can’t thank Greg enough for his dedication and commitment to local radio in the Jackson community,” MMG President/Owner Katina McKibbin said. “Greg is legendary in our community and we were blessed to have him on the air for a few more years with MMG and WKHM after Jamie and I purchased the stations in 2019. He will be missed dearly.”

More information about O’Connor’s retirement celebration will come at a later date. Stay tuned for more details.