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2026 WBA Awards for Excellence Rulebook available now
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…
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Ambassador program extends to second UW campus
The WBA campus ambassador program is expanding to a second campus after its pilot year at UW-Oshkosh. Two students at UW-Whitewater will serve as WBA ambassadors starting in the fall semester. The ambassador program was launched in 2025 on the UW-Oshkosh campus with two students: Dylan Przybylski and Jacob Link. The students acted as representatives…
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Wisconsin Broadcaster available now
The September/October issue of Wisconsin Broadcaster is now available. Highlights from this issue:
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Shockleys establish Young Broadcasters Development Fund
WBA Hall of Famers Terry and Sandy Shockley are the founding grantors of the newly established Young Broadcasters Development Fund, aimed at inspiring career building in the broadcast industry. “Our mission with this fund is to inspire and motivate young people to pursue a career in broadcasting,” Terry and Sandy Shockey said. “The rewards are…
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Student scholarship competition underway
Do you know a student who could use assistance with educational expenses? The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation offers three $2,500 scholarships and one $1,500 scholarship. Students who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for these scholarships. The application process is online. It’s available on the WBA website at wi-broadcasters.org/scholarships Students who have completed at…
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Senate version of tax reform preserves ad tax deductibility
The U.S. Senate version of a tax reform bill released this week preserves the deductibility of business advertising expenses. “Local broadcasters support tax reform that promotes economic growth and job creation, and it is undeniable that advertising is a stimulus for both,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. “NAB looks forward to working with…
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Digital strategy should focus on what’s under the tree
It’s that time of year again – when our thoughts turn to the holidays, family, gift-giving, and thankfulness. But as our two companies – Jacobs Media and jācapps – have learned over the past eight years or so, the holidays also signify a noticeable bump in the way consumers use gadgetry they receive as gifts.…
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WBA, WBA Foundation offer programs for engineers
The WBA and the WBA Foundation appreciate those who have chosen broadcast engineering as a profession. We realize that all broadcast engineers must stay current in broadcast engineering knowledge, skills, practices, and technologies, and that involves an investment of time and money. As the broadcast industry evolves, so must our understanding of how to implement…
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WBA Foundation & WBA: A Strong Partnership
I am pleased to have the honor of serving as Chair of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation (WBAF). Foundation President and CEO, Michelle Vetterkind, provides outstanding leadership for the WBAF. I am happy to report that your Foundation is well positioned to be a strong partner with the WBA during 2018. Communication with the WBA…
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Data can be used to improve profits, ratings, company
Several months ago, in this same column, we touched upon data analytics and what makes data so important for creating a business advantage in broadcasting. You may recall the references to Moneyball with an emphasis on using data to predict the future and essentially gain a competitive advantage. We’ve heard about predictive analytics and how…
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Online payment available for 2018 dues
Even though there are still a few weeks left in this year, it’s time to pay next year’s WBA member dues. When 2017 ends, so does your WBA membership. You should soon be receiving your notice for 2018 WBA dues so sign up now and keep your membership in full force, without interruption, all the…
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Assembly committee approves police body camera bill
The Wisconsin State Assembly’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted Tuesday to send a bill to the floor that addressed issues surrounding the use of police body cameras. The committee voted along party lines. The bill passed 8-4. Among other things, the bill would set in place a process for the release of police…
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Concerns raised about drone restrictions for newsrooms
Multiple layers of regulations could affect the ability of newsrooms to use drones for news gathering, according to a report presented to the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council. Wisconsin State Journal photojournalist Michel King spoke to the council Oct. 26 saying that some state and local governmental agencies are placing restrictions on airspace beyond the…
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Nominations open for Hall of Fame, Local Broadcast Legends
Nominations open for Hall of Fame Award The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation Hall of Fame Committee is now requesting and accepting nominations for the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame nomination process is open and will run through Feb. 15, 2018. Submissions should be made on the official nomination form [PDF] and…
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Poll: Local TV news popular in SE Wisconsin
The results of a Marquette Law School poll released this week show local TV news is popular among residents in southeast Wisconsin. “Just more than half of respondents, 52 percent, say they watch local TV news every day, 18 percent a few times a week, 7 percent just once a week, 10 percent less than…
