HOUSTON – After more than 40 years of dedicated service in broadcasting and media, KPRC 2 Vice President and General Manager Jerry Martin has set his sights on a well-deserved retirement. Jerry has been at the helm of KPRC 2 for more than 11 years, leading the station through an unprecedented time of both triumph and tragedy.
“Timing is important in work and life, and this was the time to retire with the station I love on top,” said Jerry Martin, KPRC 2 Vice President and General Manager. “I’m happy to reunite with my family in Indianapolis and--at the same time--put an end to an eleven-year commuter marriage to my wife of 37 years.”
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It is hard to summarize the many contributions that Jerry has made over the years to the broadcast industry, the Houston community, KPRC 2 and Graham Media Group. Jerry led his team through some of KPRC 2′s most difficult days including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also whole-heartedly celebrated H-town, its first-class attractions, its booming growth and the incredible diversity of the community and its people.
“I am forever grateful to Jerry for his years of commitment to Graham Media and our industry,” said Catherine Badalamente, Graham Media Group President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am hopeful he will continue to email, text, and chat the many articles, videos, podcasts, and newsletters about everything from finance, digital and sales automation to Peloton’s best rides.”
Jerry has always understood the importance of his position and giving back. He dedicated much of his time, energy and passion to countless Houston organizations including the Houston Area Urban League, the Houston Ballet, and the Holocaust Museum Houston.
A voracious consumer of information and media, Jerry has always been inspired by the changing trends in the media industry. He helped architect and navigated the transition to a state-of-the-art broadcast station and studio, launched innovative programming, integrated digital operations into the day-to-day and achieved No. 1 status on all platforms.
Before moving to Houston, Martin served as vice president and general manager at WXIN-TV (Fox59) and WTTV-TV (Indiana’s 4) in Indianapolis, from 2004-2011. Previously, Martin served as vice president and general manager of WBDC-TV (WB50) in Washington, from 2000 to 2004. From 1997 to 2000, he served as vice president and general manager of WTIC-TV in Hartford, Connecticut, and under a local management agreement with Tiberius Broadcasting, WTXX-TV in Waterbury, Connecticut. Martin served as general sales manager of WTIC from 1993 to 1997. Previously, he was general sales manager of WTXX, from 1992 to 1993. Earlier positions include national sales manager at KTXL-TV, Sacramento, California, from 1987 to 1991; account executive at Petry Television from 1984 to 1987; and account executive at WJAR-TV, Providence, Rhode Island, from 1980 to 1984.
Jerry will be missed in Houston and Graham Media Group. We wish him a much-deserved and happy retirement in Indianapolis where he will be enjoying more family time with his three children, Reilly, Kendall, and Declan while also enjoying a cigar from time to time while accompanied by his lovely wife Melanie and his 2 dogs Charlie and Tex.