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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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Weekly Radio Addresses discuss PFAS, law enforcement
This week’s Weekly Radio Addresses from Wisconsin’s Capitol are about PFAS and law enforcement. 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. Tony Evers pushes Republicans to release funds allocated to dealing with PFAS contamination. The…
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WBA Awards competition draws 1,535 entries
Wisconsin’s radio and TV stations submitted 1,535 entries to the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards for Excellence contest, a increase over last year (1,502). The submission deadline for the 2023 awards was Wednesday night. A total of 120 stations submitted entries. “Wisconsin broadcasters did some amazing work in 2023 and that’s reflected in the level of…
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Get to know first two 2024 Young Professional honorees
Young professionals are making their mark on broadcasting in Wisconsin and the WBA is recognizing them. The WBA Young Professional of the Year Award seeks to recognize young broadcasters who have made a significant impact on their stations and communities. A subcommittee of the WBA Board of Directors selected five young professionals to recognize in…
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Creative radio pioneer Bill Vancil dies
WBA Hall of Famer and creative radio pioneer Bill Vancil died Jan. 3 after a long illness. He was 82. Vancil grew up in Kewanee, Illinois. While attending Wesleyan University, he hit the air at KSTT, Davenport, Iowa in the early 60’s. Ken Draper, KSTT PD would be programming WCFL, Chicago a few years later. When…
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Weekly Radio Addresses focus on education, new year
This week’s Weekly Radio Addresses from Wisconsin’s Capitol are about education and the new year. These addresses are available for Wisconsin broadcasters to use as they see fit. Here are the summaries from WisPolitics: — In this week’s Republican radio address, Sen. Julian Bradley calls on Wisconsinites to voice their concerns over a lawsuit he…
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2023 – The Year of the Rocket Ship or The Tortoise?
As we come to the end of another interesting, yet challenging year for broadcasters, we are constantly asked to try to put things in perspective. Unlike many years, 2023 had two main themes. One was like a rocket ship, potentially rapidly upending a lot of the ways we do business. The other was like a…
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Broadcasters making themselves heard from Lambeau to the Capitol
We hope you’ve had a relaxing holiday season, because your WBA is off to a running start in 2024! You’ve no doubt already heard a lot about our Student Forum at Lambeau Field on Feb.24. We’re hearing from schools in all corners of the state planning to send students to learn about careers in broadcasting…
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AI is great, but don’t forget to keep the human touch in broadcasting
As the year comes to a close, I am filled with excitement and gratitude. I am excited to see where the future of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association is headed with our updated image and dedication to ushering in a younger generation of broadcasters. I am also grateful to be able to step into this role…
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WSAW-TV holiday campaign raises $166K
WSAW NewsChannel 7’s annual Share Your Holidays campaign raised $166,834 and thousands of pounds of non-perishable food during its 21st year. The money will be split between the Wausau Salvation Army and The Neighbors’ Place. Food that was donated will go to Peyton’s Promise for distribution to multiple food pantries. “I know 2023 was a…
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Koehn to retire after 46 years in broadcasting
WISC-TV anchor Mark Koehn is retiring after 46 years in broadcasting. Over the course of his career, Koehn has traveled to Super Bowls, Rose Bowls, political conventions, and much more. Behind the scenes, he has been a mentor to many generations of reporters and producers who have made their way through Madison over the years.…
