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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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Sen. Johnson joins cosponsors of Local Radio Freedom Act
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson is joining five members of the Wisconsin House delegation in supporting the recently reintroduced Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA). The resolutions in the House of Representatives and the Senate oppose “any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge” on local broadcast radio stations. Representatives Bryan Steil (R-WI-1), Ron Kind (D-WI-3),…
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Weekly Radio Addresses discuss state budget, personal property tax
This week’s Weekly Radio Addresses from Wisconsin’s Capitol discuss the recently signed state budget and the vetoing of a bill that would have eliminated the personal property tax. These addresses are available for Wisconsin broadcasters to use as they see fit. Here are the summaries from WisPolitics: — In this week’s Democratic radio address Gov.…
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Veteran Wausau DJ shares advice, stories, ideas for radio newbies
“Morning radio is the place to be!” And no one knows that better than WIFC’s Dave Kallaway. His radio career spans four decades, with nearly three in his current role. “We were allowed to listen to the radio in high school, in typing class, and that’s where I first got the bug that radio might…
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How to safely connect with viewers on social media
Social media is an incredible tool for connecting with your audience. But the line between sharing and oversharing is a fine one. Sara Maslar-Donar is the anchor of WKOW’s Wake Up Wisconsin Weekend morning show and reports for the weekday morning show. She was also recipient of the WBA’s ‘Best Online Personality” award, placing second.…
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Síle Shigley named host of WPR’s ‘Simply Folk’
Síle Shigley has been named the permanent host of Wisconsin Public Radio’s long-running Sunday night folk music show “Simply Folk.” Shigley performed in the Celtic a cappella vocal quartet Navan for more than 15 years, playing across the United States, and she’s steeped in the musical traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the…
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WISN-TV wins Service to America award
Milwaukee TV station WISN-TV is being recognized with a Service to America Award from the NAB Leadership Foundation. WISN-TV was a finalist in large market television for WISN-TV Feeds the Hungry. Within two weeks of the “stay-at-home order,” WISN knew they needed to find a way to feed the struggling members of their community. As…
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Find opportunities for bettering yourself after pandemic
You probably read the book, “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. Or, maybe that’s on your To Do list. Years ago I heard of this great book to reorder my life and accomplish more in less time. I called the bookstore and ordered a copy. Soon after, the store manager called, “Mike, your book “Getting…
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WBA slate of officers, directors announced
The WBA Nominating Committee has set a slate of officers and directors for consideration by the WBA general membership. As provided by WBA by-laws, Don Vesely, WMTV-TV, Madison, the current WBA Vice Chair and Chair-Elect, will automatically be elevated to the position of Chair of the Board at the 2021 WBA General Membership meeting. The…
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Nominations open for Young Professional of the Year
Nominations are open for a WBA award to recognize the young professionals forging new paths in broadcasting. The WBA Young Professional of the Year Award seeks to recognize young broadcasters who have made a significant impact on their stations and communities. Nominees must be under the age of 40 at the time of their nomination…
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Hybrid events can keep the “broad” In broadcasting
One of the more perplexing aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the fact that as we recover from it, there’s no clear finish line. How will we know when it’s really over? No lifeguard will blow a whistle to give the all-clear sign and tell us that it is safe to go back into the…
