The Assistant News Director at WFRV-TV in Green Bay, McKenna Rentmeester, is the WBA Young Professional of the Month for the month of January.
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 significant impact on their stations and communities. A subcommittee of the WBA Board of Directors will select the Young Professional of the Year, who will be recognized at the 2026 WBA Awards Gala on May 2 at the Madison Marriott West.
Rentmeester was nominated by WFRV-TV News Director Joe Radske who wrote that Rentmeester is a trusted leader in the newsroom.
“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,” Radske wrote. “McKenna 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.”
Nominate a YP of the Month here.
Here’s more about McKenna:
Company: WFRV-TV
Position: Assistant News Director
Years at station: Six
Started in broadcasting (year): 2020
- How did you get into broadcasting?
I was in the process of deciding what careers interested me and which colleges would best suit my higher education. While I considered several career options, ultimately my mom was the guiding force to my future as a journalist. 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.
- How do you view the role of young professionals in broadcasting?
Budding journalists bring fresh passion and drive to the industry, helping motivate any newsroom to strive for the best coverage or story angle possible. The infusion of new ideas and the constant evolution of broadcast media pairs well with young professionals in every aspect of what journalists stand for. But leaning on the experience of veteran anchors, managers, and reporters can be an invaluable resource for anyone. The balance of new and fresh to meet experience and stability is key to any successful news organization.
- What advice would you give to other young broadcasters?
Just ask the question. It’s a critical part of being a journalist, but there are many times speaking up may seem more difficult than staying silent. 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.
- What does the future of broadcasting look like to you?
Part of the draw to a career in broadcasting is that no two days are the same. I feel this applies to the industry, and therefore, the future. As we navigate technological advancements and always changing viewer interests, building stable media-to-viewer relationships will be key.
