Beloved Kentucky news anchor with whopping 106 Emmys makes shock on-air announcement

Award-winning WAVE News presenter John Boel has announced that he will retire in early 2025.

The beloved Kentucky journalist announced today via Instagram that his 40-year career has come to an end and that he wants to continue helping people.

Between his time at WLKY and WAVE, Boel has won a record 106 Emmys for his investigative work, including four this year alone.

Additionally, he has won 17 Edward R. Murrow Awards and two Eclipse Awards during his career.

Although he has spent years behind the camera, Boel is best known for his efforts to help people recover from addiction.

The experienced triathlete entered a rehabilitation center in November 2010 and since his recovery he has been sharing his story to help other patients.

Boel is the author of two books, entitled ‘On the News … In the News: A Journalist’s Own Story of Recovery and Self-Discovery’ and ‘Cast Away: Five Generations of Family Fish Stories’. In the first book, Boel extensively discusses his addiction journey.

In his announcement, the revered journalist wrote: “When I entered rehab in November 2010, I thought my life and career were over. A few days after I arrived, a counselor at Hazelden gave me the St. Paul Pioneer Press because there was an article in it that he wanted me to read. It happened to be about a man I had admired in college named Don Shelby, a legendary anchor and I-Team leader at WCCO-TV. The man I wanted to be like.

Although he has worked behind the camera for many years, Boel is best known for his commitment to people in the world of addiction recovery.

The veteran triathlete entered rehab in November 2010 and since recovering, he has been sharing his story to help other addicts.

“The story was news to me. It described the plunge he had taken from alcoholism. But he had gone into treatment, turned his life around and was happily retiring after a fulfilling career.

‘They gave me that story to give me hope. But I sat there and cried because it all seemed so unattainable and impossible at that point in my crashed life.

‘Then something wonderful happened. People encouraged me and at the same time gave me honest blows about my character flaws – a long list. They told me that I could get there too if I did what I was told and put it in the hands of a higher power.

The beloved Kentucky journalist took to Instagram earlier today to reveal the highlight of his 40-year career and how he plans to continue helping people

Boel is also the author of two books, called ‘On the News… In the News: A Journalist’s Own Story of Recovery and Self-Discovery’ and ‘Cast Away: Five Generations of Family Fish Stories’. In the first book, he goes into great detail about his addiction journey.

In the same post, he revealed that his last broadcast will air on February 28, 2025.

“I received the same encouragement, support and honesty from countless people after the plane landed in Louisville and afterward.

‘One thing led to another. An offer from WAVE. Promotions on the job. Incredible colleagues. Debts paid off. Journalistic achievements. Better family life. Successful children. Growth as a person. And now – I am happy to announce my own retirement.

“I’ve spent 40 years in this business helping people. But there are others in WI who need my help. I look forward to doing that as a son/brother/father/grandfather – instead of a journalist.”

In the same message, he announced that his last broadcast will be on February 28, 2025.

Boel has two daughters, Kelsey and Brianna, and a dog named Durango with his wife Brenda.