NAB to honor Joel Oxley, President and GM of Hubbard Radio in D.C., for his “extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry”

Joel Oxley, President and General Manager of Hubbard Radio in D.C., will receive the 2026 NAB National Radio Award, the National Association of Broadcasters announced. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry.

Oxley, President and GM of WTOP and Federal News Network, announced he will retire later this year.

Oxley will be honored Oct. 20 during the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. The event will take place the evening before NAB Show New York opens.

“NAB is honored to recognize Joel Oxley for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry,” NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said. “For more than three decades at WTOP and Federal News Network, and over 15 years at Hubbard Radio, Joel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to local journalism, innovation and public service.”

According to Inside Radio, Oxley joined all-news WTOP (103.5) in 1992 as an account executive and moved through the organization’s leadership ranks before becoming general manager in 1998. He later took on responsibility for Hubbard Radio’s Washington, D.C. operations, including WTOP News and Federal News Network.

During his tenure, WTOP has earned national recognition as one of the country’s leading news radio stations and consistently ranked as the nation’s top-billing radio property. Oxley helped guide the operation’s expansion across broadcast, digital, video and social media while maintaining its focus on local journalism and community service.

Under his leadership, Hubbard’s Washington stations have earned numerous Edward R. Murrow Awards, NAB Marconi Radio Awards and NAB Crystal Radio Awards.