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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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Take time to reflect on what matters
I have a sign hanging in my office that reads, “Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.” It’s more than just a decoration. It’s a daily reminder. It reminds me that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, at this very moment, for a reason. And honestly, it helps me recenter when the inevitable daily…
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WMTV Diaper Drive generates 1.2 million diapers for children in need
WMTV’s 5th Annual Diaper Drive raised 1,217,561 diapers in just one week for The Village Diaper Bank. The Madison station’s campaign collected 26,342 diapers and raised $190,595 in cash donations – $182,160 of that total in just one day. The WMTV Diaper Drive benefits The Village Diaper Bank, which distributes more than 179,000 diapers per…
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Wisconsin broadcasters visit Capitol Hill
Wisconsin’s radio and TV broadcasters were on Capitol Hill on March 4-5 to meet with members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation in the House and Senate. Broadcasters visited the offices of all eight House members and both Senators to talk about issues like keeping AM radio in all vehicles, protecting broadcasters from a performance tax, and…
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College debt relief grant available for broadcast journalists
Applications are now being accepted for the Boyd Huppert Education Debt Assistance Grant. The Boyd Huppert Education Debt Assistance Grant was established to help broadcast journalists with paying off student loans. This grant is available to journalists currently employed in Wisconsin broadcasting or related media. Award-winning and widely acclaimed broadcast journalist Boyd Huppert grew up…
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What to Expect When You’re Expecting… Awards in May
Ah, May. A time for flowers blooming, birds chirping, and broadcasters pacing nervously like expectant parents waiting for the big reveal: Will your baby—the spot, campaign, breaking news story, or show you poured your heart into—get the big First Place nod? And will you make that winding walk through the mass of round tables to…
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Jartz to retire from WBAY-TV in May
After more than four decades with WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Local Broadcast Legend Bill Jartz is retiring on May 23. “His unparalleled work ethic, affable personality, booming laugh, and tireless commitment to public service has made Bill a true icon in northeast Wisconsin,” said WBAY-TV General Manager Steve Lavin. “There is just no one like…
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YP of the Month described as ‘innovator’
The Director of New Media at Seehafer Broadcasting in Manitowoc, Emily Freitag, is the WBA Young Professional of the Month for the month of March. The WBA Young Professional of the Month is a nominee for the WBA Young Professional of the Year Award. The award seeks to recognize young broadcasters who have made a…
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Revenue growth comes through digital expansion
In 2025, local business investment in digital marketing is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. According to eMarketer, traditional linear TV advertising is expected to shrink by $4 billion between now and 2027. Meanwhile, Kagan forecasts a 3 percent decline in radio broadcast revenue this year. Despite these challenges for terrestrial media, total ad spending is…
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Reedsburg radio auction breaks record
A radio auction fundraiser supported by a Reedsburg radio station raised a record amount of money for the Reedsburg Area United Fund. The 74th annual WRDB Radio Auction raised $74,000 during 35 hours of airtime over five days. More than 300 individuals and many local organizations donated a record 1,700 items to auction off, including…
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Column: Opee Awards highlight highs and lows
For the 19th consecutive year, the is bestowing its annual Openness in Government Awards, or Opees, meant to recognize outstanding efforts to protect the state’s tradition of open government, as well as highlight impediments. The awards are being announced in advance of national (), March 16-22 and will be presented at the in Madison on…
