An anchor/reporter at WEAU-TV in Eau Claire, Kim Leadholm, is the WBA Young Professional of the Month for the month of August.
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 2027 WBA Awards Gala on May 1 at the Madison Marriott West.
Leadholm was nominated by WEAU-TV Operations Manager Maddy Crowell who wrote that Leadholm is a “strong and steady leader in our newsroom.”
“I have seen her mentor handfuls of new, fresh-out-of-college reporters during her time as weekend anchor,” Crowell wrote. “She does probably the most work out of anyone in our newsroom, (at present) anchoring three shows, producing one, and working on reporting daily.”
“She has really focused on crafting a knowledgeable and personable on-air presence and growing as both an anchor and reporter in her time here at WEAU.”
Nominate a YP of the Month here.
Here’s more about Kim:
Company: WEAU 13 News in Eau Claire
Position: Anchor/Reporter
Years at station: Just more than four years
Started in broadcasting (year): May 2022
- How did you get into broadcasting?
I took a reporting class at Black River Falls High School that sparked my interest in visual storytelling. My high school teacher, Julie Tiedens, and one of the best college professors I’ve had at UW-Madison, Pat Hastings, both played major roles in my interest in this career through their mentorship and support.
- How do you view the role of young professionals in broadcasting?
Young professionals are in a great position to learn from those with experience in the industry while bringing new perspectives to newsrooms. Growing up with such heightened access to social media, we have an advantage in navigating that landscape and finding the best ways to reach viewers. We have to help move our industry towards that online base, while keeping the same ethics and morals that journalism has been founded on for decades.
- What advice would you give to other young broadcasters?
Keep asking questions, be curious and listen to your gut.
- What does the future of broadcasting look like to you?
There will need to be a shift toward a more targeted online presence. We have to find the best ways to reach younger audiences that aren’t as inclined to turn on the TV and watch their local news. In the age of fake news, AI, and social media, future broadcasters are going to have to figure out how to compete with ‘fast, click-bait’ content rather than the evidence-based approach we take.
