MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Journal Broadcast Group, a subsidiary of Journal Communications Inc., said Wednesday that its chief financial officer plans to retire at the end of the year.

Ron Kurtis, a 36-year employee who also serves as senior vice president, will step down Dec. 27, the company said.

Journal Communications publishes the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and owns or operates radio and television stations in 12 states.

The company's shares were up 2 cents to $3.69 in afternoon trading.