After more than 40 years in the local news business, KMBC-KCWE president and general manager Wayne Godsey will retire later this year.

Godsey has been at the helm of the Hearst-owned Kansas City duopoly since 1999. Under his watch, KMBC has been recognized for news excellence several times, including two Edward R. Murrow Awards this year.

“KMBC’s longstanding tradition of strong news leadership and dedicated community service remain a model for television stations throughout the Midwest,” said Hearst Television President and CEO David Barrett, in announcing the move.

Godsey began his career as a reporter and producer at WLVA (now WSET) in 1965. He went on to become news director at both WSOC and WTMJ. In 1981, he was promoted to vice president and general manager at WTMJ, a position he would go on to hold at WISN in Milwaukee and KOAT in Albuquerque. He is a graduate of Lynchburg College in Virginia.

“It has been a privilege to have worked in local television,” Godsey said. “Few careers could have been as personally rewarding.”

KMBC-KCWE has not yet announced who will take his place.