Hello Wisconsin Broadcasters,
On behalf of your WBA Awards Committee, we hope you have had a great first half of the year, and that you have been saving your potential entries for this year’s contest. You are a part of the largest state broadcaster awards program in the nation, and we can’t wait to see and hear the great content you have to showcase!
History shows that WBA stations are competing to win big! Now is the time to map out a strategy that gives you the best chances of winning the award(s) that you value most. Are you seeking awards for individuals or for your station? Or do you strategically rotate one station of emphasis to nab a News Operation or Station of the Year award (You can compete for one, the other, or both!).
Winners of the major “Of The Year” awards historically use these best practices:
- They decide whether they are competing for an Operation of the Year, or a Station of the Year, so they can determine where their entries will have the biggest impact.
- They have a point person for entries, who ensures they are maximizing their entries for the most possible points for categories that lift their chances for an “Of The Year” title.
- They enter two submissions for as many categories as possible…guaranteeing them one point for participation and potentially gaining additional points if they place more than once in the category!
Your WBA Awards Committee has met several times this year to ensure your feedback is heard and items are addressed and improved. A few items we would like you to be aware of are:
- We’ve added a special 2026 award for ‘America’s 250.’
- We’ve updated the descriptions of several categories for clarity.
- Time limits have been adjusted for several categories.
A note about disqualifications. We want to be sure your great work gets counted!
- Double check the time/length rules for a category, as well as the length of your entry. Time limits are biggest reason for disqualifications.
- Be sure the items submitted are for the entry you are submitting.
- Check category rules for what to include and what not to include (Example, no links allowed in a PDF. Some awards do not allow a PDF at all.)
Finally, we’d like to recognize the committee members involved in planning the program and putting on the show. No one is afraid to speak their mind. They all contribute and do great work on behalf of our industry and the Awards Gala.
Terry Bell, WXOW-TV
Nancy Douglass, WLKG, Lake Geneva
Jill Genter, WKOW-TV, Madison
Jason Hillery, Midwest Communications
Anne Paape, retired
Heather Reese, PBS Wisconsin
Lindsay Wood Davis, Esteemed Chair Emeritus
If you have questions or comments about the awards, feel free to reach out to any of us. Your feedback is valuable.
We’re looking forward to seeing all of you again for the big bash at the Madison Marriott West on May 1, 2027!
Sincerely,
Lynn Bieritz and Tom Swigert
WBA Awards Committee Co-Chairs
