Don Carmichael
Don Carmichael capped a long, successful and wide-ranging career in broadcasting by serving as president and general manager of WBAY-TV in Green Bay for more than two decades before retiring in 2014. Under his leadership, the station was known for its commitment to comprehensive and relevant local journalism, community engagement, and the development of innovative multimedia content.
Carmichael, a native of Miami, Florida, earned a degree in advertising at the University of Florida School of Journalism and Communications, and he started his career in broadcasting in 1973. He worked first in sales at WAIA Radio and then as local sales manager at WGBS Radio, both in Miami. In 1979, he joined WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida, and worked his way up to vice president of sales. He subsequently worked as a multi-station marketing consultant and joined WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, before taking the helm of WBAY-TV in 1993. In addition to his extensive involvement in local community and charity causes, Carmichael contributed to strengthening the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and served as WBA chair in 2002.
I have known and worked for all of the General Managers for WBAY over the past 50 years. In my opinion, we had some good general managers. Don was the greatest of them all. WBAY has been very lucky to have Don for our manager. The video sums up why Don deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
Don has been great for North East Wisconsin with his involvement in the community and for WBAY. He
is not only a great leader in so many ways, but a great person. He left WBAY with great people in
leadership roles and some may end up in the Hall of Fame at some future date. Don you are the best.