The assistant news director for WFRV-TV in Green Bay, McKenna Rentmeester, is the WBA Young Professional of the Year.
Rentmeester was selected by a subcommittee of the WBA Board of Directors from a pool of six YP of the Month honorees highlighted since July 2025 who were recognized for making a significant impact on their stations and communities.
Rentmeester started her career in broadcasting began at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. She used the skills learned as a news intern at WFRV-TV to strengthen SPTV at UWSP. Not long after graduation, she began producing newscasts at WFRV.
She was nominated by WFRV-TV News Director Joe Radske who wrote, “McKenna not only is extremely proficient at producing a compelling newscast, she is a leader who inspires and elevates the individuals who contribute to the newscast.”
He said it was her patient leadership that led to her elevation to the position of Executive News Producer and her current position as Assistant News Director.
“I could not find a better person to work alongside as my Assistant ND,” Radske wrote. “Before I arrived, WFRV put together all encompassing coverage of the NFL Draft. Planning began a year out from Draft Day in March, 2025. McKenna was the leader of the coverage plan. Highlights included a story a day, specials produced throughout the year and daylong coverage on Draft Day. Along with keeping a steady eye on daily news coverage, WFRV produces at least (2) specials every month. McKenna is the lead manager to coordinate specials related to Veteran Affairs, Positive Stories and Sustainably Speaking.
Radske said Rentmeester brings patience and positivity to the newsroom every day.
“Every business has a go-to person. McKenna is that go-to person. It doesn’t matter if it’s mandated news coverage or decorating the newsroom for a holiday, McKenna will be involved.
Rentmeester said her inspiration for getting into broadcasting started with a newscast.
“We were watching a morning news reporter live at a county fair that led us to having a deeper conversation on how I could pursue a job like that. I’ve always enjoyed reading, telling stories, and a curiosity that drives me to look deeper at obstacles I may face. My studies at the University of Stevens Point further cemented my passion for journalism.”
She said she appreciates the new ideas brought in by young broadcasters and the experience of veterans.
“The balance of new and fresh to meet experience and stability is key to any successful news organization.”
She encourages other young journalists to be bold and ask questions.
“Asking questions is how we learn best practices to set ourselves up for success. It may seem simple but your perspective matters because more often than not, a viewer will be thinking the same thing.”
Rentmeester will be recognized at the 2026 Awards Gala on May 2 at the Madison Marriott West.
YP of the Month honorees and YP of the Year nominees included:
Haley Clark
Steven Devine
Emerson Lehmann
Kayla Williams
Zach Zelinski
If you’d like to nominate a young professional for this recognition, you can do that here:
