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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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Winter can’t stop YOU, our Wisconsin broadcasters
We’re proud to say that you, our valued Wisconsin broadcasters, haven’t let this winter’s extreme cold and unrelenting snow slow you down. Our member stations are certainly working hard to keep your listeners and viewers safe while at the same time getting your messages to elected officials on the state and federal level. We’re grateful…
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Most powerful medium ever invented
I look forward to the opportunity to serve the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association as your Chair this year. I have been blessed to work in the broadcast business for the bulk of my career and I have been fortunate to not have to leave the state to do it. Through my involvement in the WBA I…
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Wisconsin Broadcaster available now
The March/April issue of the Wisconsin Broadcaster is now available. You can download it here. Highlights from his issue: WBA Chair Steve Lavin says radio and TV are the most powerful advertising mediums ever invented. WBA President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind highlights the major headlines from the WBA. The 2019 WBA Board of Directors…
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Antigo radio host dies
The host of a morning radio show in Antigo has died. Gary Hartl hosted the WATK Breakfast Club. During his career he served as DJ, news director, and salesman at WRLO/WATK. He was also a car salesman for Parsons of Antigo for 30 years. Hartl died Tuesday. He was 68. According to his obituary, Hartl…
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Radio personality rescued by 13-year-old
A middle school student in Merrill received a special commendation for his efforts to save a local radio personality who was trapped in the snow. Merrill police said on Feb. 21 they were called to the WJMT studios when 13-year-old Michael Dickman heard someone calling for help as he walked past the studios. The boy…
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WBA Foundation Educational Support Grant Program taking applications now
In 2010, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation Board of Directors created the Educational Support Grant Program. This program awards up to $10,000 annually to assist non-profit college and technical school broadcast education programs to acquire equipment, hardware, software, and/or other teaching materials necessary to conduct broadcast education programs and promote careers in broadcasting. Communications educators…
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Sen. Johnson, Rep. Stiel join cosponsors of Local Radio Freedom Act
Sen. Ron Johnson and Rep. Bryan Stiel are joining four other Congressmen from Wisconsin supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act. 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. Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI-3), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6), Sean Duffy…
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Students ‘learn a lot’ at WBA Student Seminar
“Great to meet with possible contacts.” “Thought it was great overall” “I learned a lot.” ”Great experience that stretched me out of my comfort zone.” “This is my third year attending, and it’s always fantastic.” ”Thankful I have this outstanding and incredible experience.” Those were just a few of the comments from over 150 students…
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List of WBA Student Awards for Excellence winners
2019 Student Awards for Excellence Winners High School High School – Sports Programming (TV) 1st Place Union Grove High School – UGHS Broncos Media Sports Play-By-Play 2nd Place Lakeland Union High School – LUHS Sports Features 3rd Place Only two entries High School – Sports Programming (Radio) 1st Place Bay Port High School – Hockey…
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Wisconsin broadcasters take their message to Capitol Hill
More than 35 people representing Wisconsin broadcasters were in Washington DC this week to meet with the state’s two Senators and eight House Representatives to talk about their service to their local communities and several issues facing the industry. WBA leadership arrived early to attend NAB’s State Leadership Conference on Tuesday to get updated on…
