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Radio legend to retire as GM

Photo

Bob Dailey

Photo

Mike O'Brien

JANESVILLE — After 45 years as a radio legend in southern Wisconsin, Bob Dailey will turn his attention to the fun stuff.

Dailey announced Wednesday that he will retire at the end of the year as general manager for WCLO and WJVL radio station in Janesville.

But Dailey will continue to host his popular morning show on WCLO along with Al Fagerli, Stan Stricker and Steve Benton.

"I've always enjoyed being on the air," Dailey said. "That is the fun stuff."

Dailey joined the Janesville radio stations in 1964 as an evening disc jockey after graduating from the University of Cincinnati. Three years later, he was named general manager of the stations.

In 1980, Dailey was named executive vice president of Bliss Communications Broadcast Division, which at one point involved 14 radio stations. He plans to continue in that role for the foreseeable future.

"I've always been a part of WCLO," Dailey said. "While I put a lot of time and effort into the development of WJVL, that horse kind of runs on its own.

"WCLO has always been a radio station that we've had to work very hard at, and I have a vested interested in continuing to do that."

Dailey served nine years on the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association board of directors, including one year as its chairman. He also served four years as president of the organization's foundation.

In 2001, the association inducted Dailey into its Hall of Fame.

Skip Bliss, president of Bliss Communications, said Mike O'Brien will become general manager of the Janesville stations Jan. 1. O'Brien, who has been with Bliss Communications for 20 years, is vice president of sales for Bliss radio stations.

In addition to its radio station ownership, Bliss Communications owns The Janesville Gazette and several other daily newspapers and publications in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan.