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Broadcasters collect their WBA Awards for Excellence
Radio and television stations from across Wisconsin came together Saturday to celebrate their award-winning work at the 2026 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards Gala. The awards were handed out at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton with 350 in attendance. Competition for this year’s awards was as strong as ever with 1,322 award entries. A total…
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WBA Foundation announces date for gubernatorial debate
The WBA Foundation Board will continue its 36-year tradition of holding statewide televised debates for Wisconsin’s voters by airing a general election debate in the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial race. Qualifying gubernatorial candidates will be invited to participate in a debate on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m., hosted by Milwaukee PBS. Radio and television stations from…
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4 to be inducted into WBA Hall of Fame in June
The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 WBA Hall of Fame inductees: Dave Magnum has turned a network of radio stations into a second generation legacy in Wisconsin. Kelly Radandt’s broadcasting career reflects a rare blend of strategic leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to people and community. Jeff Tyler’s career stands…
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4 to be honored as Local Broadcast Legends
Four Wisconsin broadcasters are 2026 WBA Local Broadcast Legends. Randy Allen, an on-air presence with deep knowledge of country music and unwavering professionalism which has made him a trusted companion to listeners throughout the Green Bay, Appleton, and Oshkosh markets. Dave Luczak, the voice Milwaukee woke up to, becoming one of the most trusted and enduring…
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WBA 75th anniversary Summer Conference agenda released
The preliminary agenda is now available for your WBA’s Summer Conference celebration of the association’s 75th anniversary will be held June 17-18 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva. Registration is also open. The registration deadline is May 28. The hotel booking deadline is May 25. Speakers for this year’s conference include: Keynote: Curtis…
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WBA Board welcomes new members
Changes were made to the WBA Board of Directors at its August meeting and General Membership meeting, including the naming of a new chair. Don Vesely, WMTV-TV, Madison, was named chair and board members Judson Beck, WLAX-TV/WEUX-TV, La Crosse was named to the role of Secretary and Alesse Fielder, NRG Media, Stevens Point/Wausau was named…
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How a line from ‘My Cousin Vinny’ describes a career in journalism
This fall marks my 20th year in the classroom. Teaching was supposed to be a temporary job until I could land my next TV gig. Remember Marisa Tomei’s character Mona Lisa in “My Cousin Vinny”? She learned about automotive issues not from school or career but from firsthand experience in her family’s auto mechanic business.…
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Changes made to Foundation Board
The WBA Foundation Board added a new member at its August meeting after Scott Trentadue declined to seek another term on the board. Chris Bernier, Radio Plus, Marinette/Fond du Lac will take the seat held by Trentadue. Bernier was already serving on the board as a representative from the WBA Board. WBA Board member Colleen…
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Raffle winner donates prize to WBA Foundation
The winner of the 50/50 raffle at the WBA Summer Conference donated their winnings to the WBA Foundation. Jerad Clark from Mid-West Family in Madison won the raffle during the Wednesday reception at the WBA Summer Conference and donated his winnings to the Foundation. The raffle generated $2,220 for the Foundation. Thank you Jerad!
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Wisconsin Broadcaster available now
The September/October issue of the Wisconsin Broadcaster is now available. You can download it here [PDF]. Highlights from his issue: Incoming WBA Chair Don Vesely writes about the servant’s heart WBA Board welcomes new members, thanks outgoing members Nationwide EAS test goes well for Wisconsin stations Sen. Johnson joins Local Radio Freedom Act WBA…
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Milwaukee photographer awarded Jowett Fellowship
A television photographer working in Milwaukee is the 2021 recipient of the Rick Jowett Fellowship. Ryan Whittaker works at WTMJ-TV. He was awarded $539 to take classes to take a series of classes on visual storytelling and drone photography through the Poynter Institute. He said his aim is to constantly improve as a photographer through…
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WBA scholarships increase, accepting applications now
Do you know a student who could use assistance with educational expenses? The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation offers four scholarships that are increasing in value this year. Students who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for these scholarships: David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund Scholarship – $1,500 (up from $1,000) Howard Gernetzke Scholarship…
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Radio Milwaukee gets grant to start urban alternative channel
88Nine Radio Milwaukee (WYMS-88.9FM) has received a $450,000 grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to start a new Urban Alternative channel to reach young, multicultural audiences through on-air and digital streaming platforms, the station announced Tuesday. “Radio Milwaukee is thrilled to bring the Urban Alternative public radio format to Milwaukee,” Executive Director Kevin…
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Milwaukee station raises $130K for hurricane victims
Milwaukee TV station WISN-TV partnered with the American Red Cross to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Ida. The ‘WISN 12 Hurricane Relief Drive’ raised $130,505 from local viewers to deliver urgent assistance for those affected by the natural disaster. Hurricane Ida’s devastating impact was felt from the Gulf Coast up through the Northeast…
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Former student named to lead WSUM
A former student who worked at the student-run radio station on the UW-Madison campus is returning to serve as general manager. Kelsey Brannen previously worked as the assistant program director at The Current and as the afternoon show manager at KEXP. Dave Black is retiring from the position after 28 years at the station which…
