It owns and operates a collection of 11 radio brands serving listeners across Delaware, Eastern Maryland and the Chincoteague region of Virginia, in addition to seven broadcast TV offerings and real estate holding company Loblolly. The media properties are overseen by Craig Jahelka, a 50-year industry veteran associated with Draper Media since April 2008.
A plan has now been put in place to determine Jahelka’s successor, once he retires.
The company announced on Wednesday morning (4/1) that this will be Jahelka’s final month overseeing a company anchored by longtime CBS affiliate WBOC-TV in Salisbury-Ocean City, Md., and “FOX21,” based on a digital subchannel. The TV assets also include “Telemundo Delmarva,” found on WBOC DT2, the Delmarva Sports Network, WBOC Classics and MyCOZI TV.
The radio properties include radio stations in Havre de Grace, Md., situated between Baltimore and Newark, Del.; Salisbury-Ocean City; and Wilmington, Del.; growing in fall 2025 with the acquisition of stations from Forever Media.
Jahelka joined Draper Media as VP/GM of WBOC-TV and “FOX21.” Under his leadership, he greatly expanded the company’s visual media assets and was instrumental in recognizing the growth of Spanish-language consumers across the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He also helped orchestrate the Forever Media transaction that made Draper Media a regional Radio broadcasting company.
“Craig has spent nearly 50 years in the broadcasting industry, and I’m honored that he chose to spend such a significant portion of his career on Delmarva leading Draper Media,” said Molly Draper Russell, President/CEO of Draper Holdings. “We are deeply grateful to Craig for the impact he has made to our company and our team members over the years. His legacy of growth, innovation, and leadership will continue to shape Draper Media for years to come.”
Jahelka added, “It has been the privilege of my career to lead this team and serve the Delmarva community for the past 18 years. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, from expanding local news and launching new networks to growing our radio presence across the peninsula. I’ll always be grateful to the Draper family for the opportunity and to every team member who made this work meaningful.”
