MAY/JUNE 2018

CHAIR’S COLUMN Our Real Threat TV was going to replace radio. FM was Perhaps like you, I had the broadcast “bug” when I was a kid. I created a “faux” radio station in my room in my folk’s house in Shorewood, supposed to replace AM. Tapes would when I was 14 years old (“WEXL, We Excel In Music!”). I rode supplant records. 8-tracks would kill my bike to Journal’s WTMJ when I was 17 years old and asked if I could tapes. Cable would end television. be on the radio. I was told “no”, but was invited to meet radio personality Jonathan Green, who asked me to hang around, answer the phone, get Later, satellite would be the end of terrestrial radio. his coffee, and learn all about broadcasting. Steve Wexler And today, digital audio and video is predicted to If an intern showed That was the beginning of a journey that WBA Chair foreshadow the end of free, over-the-air television and up in your lobby would take me from unpaid intern to the radio. today and expressed head of the radio division. Of course, none of this turned out to be true. interest in TV or If an intern showed up in your lobby today Instead, broadcasters adjusted and revised business strategies to meet radio, what response and expressed interest in TV or radio, what consumers and advertisers where they are: on the air, online, and over would they get? response would they get? Would someone numerous digital platforms. come out and talk about our business and None of the tremendous technology and media advances over the past potential opportunities with them? More to the point, are young people 50 years should scare us. In fact, they ought to energize and stimulate interested in our business in the first place? our thinking, propelling us forward to innovate and create new ways to As I think about the WBA’s many outreach programs and activities, I find reach our audiences on behalf of our advertisers. the work we do with students the most inspiring. At the recent Student What does scare me, however, is our inability and/or reluctance to Seminar, I met many young energetic and talented students eager to recruit, train, promote, and encourage young people to become part of talk about careers in media. Many of them were lured by on-air positions our industry. and some even seemed surprised to hear about the many opportunities in production, sales and marketing, and promotion. continued on page 2 > CONTENTS

Walker re-elected to NAB Board...... 3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Website helps viewers know when to rescan for repack...... 3 WBA Summer Conference ...... 4 WBA ramping up for busy season The Toolbox ...... 7 Educators’ Column ...... 7 Spring is (finally) here and your WBA Team could not be Young Professionals’ Column...... 7 Hall of Fame: Four new names to be added . 8, 9 happier! I’m sure many of you (especially you Wisconsinites) WBA Newsroom ...... 11 feel the same way! EAS Live Code Test Recap...... 12 Michelle Awards recognize openness, lack of openness 12 Vetterkind, This is, without a doubt, one of Panelists named for WBA Foundation CAE our busiest seasons at your WBA. primary debates...... 13 WBA President Let me highlight a few of our Wisconsin stations pick up 24 regional and CEO Murrow awards ...... 13 upcoming events: Four to Receive Local Broadcast Legends Wisconsin Army National Guard Awards...... 14-15 I recently had lunch with Recruiting and Members in the Spotlight ...... 15-16 Retention Battalion Commander LTC Dean NAB Show in Las Vegas ...... 17 Nemecek and Capt. Mike Olson from the Four new names to be added to Wisconsin Army National Guard. WBA Foundation Hall of Fame ...... 18 Vetterkind with Wisconsin Army National Guard Recruiting and We, and they, are so pleased with the renewed Jacobs Media: Retention Capt. Mike Olson and Battalion Commander LTC Dean partnership at the National Level—and we all so How do all of your station’s digital tools Nemecek connect back to the bottom line?...... 18 appreciate the support that you, our valued Jowett Fellowship supports training for members, have provided for the Army National visits to several Wisconsin stations. We so photographers ...... 19 Guard with our NCSA/PEP Program. appreciate the support you’ve shown them. I know 15 graduates join Walker Broadcast Our Guard friends are also in the process of making they have certainly enjoyed your hospitality. Management Institute alumni ...... 19 Continued on page 2> PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Continued from page 1

You’ll be seeing many of our Wisconsin Army Hall of Fame Inductees and Local Broadcast Legends National Guard friends at the upcoming WBA Referring to two proud highlights of the event, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards Gala and the WBA Summer Conference. please join me in congratulating our 2018 WBA Officers & Board of Directors As always, please join us in making them feel Hall of Fame Inductees: Tom Koser, Chris Lytle, welcome! Bob Smith, and Gary Timm and our Local OFFICERS 2018-2019 Broadcast Legend Award Recipients: Kathy Chair of the Board Awards Gala Steve Wexler Keene, Margaret Neader, John M. Wadd, and Jeff E. W. Scripps Company, What can I say? Record entries (and it’s looking Wagner. like record attendance as well). It’s going to be a Vice Chair - Radio, Chair Elect I look forward to seeing you (and celebrating Nancy Douglass WLKG-FM, Lake Geneva GREAT night! Do you have your Kentucky Derby with you) in June at the Hilton Milwaukee City Vice Chair - Television outfit yet? I do! My goal for the night is to not hit Center in downtown Milwaukee. It’s most fitting Steve Lavin WBAY-TV, Green Bay my co-host, Steve Wexler, in the head too many as the hotel is also the home of the WBA’s Treasurer times with my hat! Chris Bernier Radio Plus, Marinette/Fond du Lac amazing Hall of Fame display. You definitely won’t Secretary Jowett Fellowship want to miss it! Don Vesely WMTV-TV, Madison Don’t forget that applications for the (first ever) Primary Debates Immediate Past Chair Rick Jowett Fellowship are due on June 1 (see Dick Record , La Crosse And….of course, our debates! While your WBA page 15). Foundation has a rich and proud history of BOARD OF DIRECTORS We’re tremendously proud of this Fellowship in offering debates for the gubernatorial and Judson Beck WLAX-TV/WEUX-TV, honor of our friend and are most appreciative of U.S. Senate elections in the general elections La Crosse/Eau Claire everyone who has contributed to the Jowett for over 30 years, we’re excited to venture into Lynn Bieritz Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Fellowship fund. We’ve also had several multi- hosting debates for the primaries this year. Eau Claire year pledges. If you’d like to contribute, just let The Democratic candidates for governor will Keith Bratel iHeart Media, Madison me know! debate Friday, July 13 at 7 p.m. in Madison. Juli Buehler WLUK-TV, Green Bay The Republican candidates for U.S. Senate will Brian Burns , Madison Summer Conference debate Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m. in Wausau. Paul Cameron The Family Radio Network, Appleton This year’s WBA Summer Conference is shaping WBA Hall of Famer Jill Geisler will moderate Dave EdwardsWUWM-FM, up to be one of our best ever! If you haven’t both debates. The general election debates Milwaukee Public Radio, Milwaukee signed up yet, please do so now! I’m sure you’ll will be scheduled at a later date. JT Koser Koser Radio Group, Rice Lake/Hayward agree the Conference Committee did a wonderful job with the agenda. We’re thrilled to have NAB I look forward to seeing many of you over the Lupita Montoto La Movida WLMV Radio, Madison President and CEO Gordon Smith joining us and next couple of months (and some of you, multiple times)! Mark Strachota Weigel Broadcasting Co., we’re also looking forward to the debut of The Milwaukee Toolbox! The WBA Young Professionals have done Your WBA Team is well aware that we’re blessed Chuck Sullivan Entercom Communications, Hales a great job with planning this one-day event that to have such tremendous member participation! Corners Please know that we don’t take it (or you) for will take place on Friday following the Jan Wade WISN-TV, Milwaukee conference. Make sure to show your support by granted. Jeff Welton Nautel, Hackett’s Cove, Nova Scotia sending the Young Professionals at your station. Thank you, as always, for your time & support! Michael Wright Midwest Communications, You’ll be glad you did! Wausau Ex Officio - NAB Board CHAIR’S COLUMN Continued from page 1 Tom Walker I hope you’ll support these efforts, including the challenging, and fulfilling our industry can be. I am Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Madison Young Professional’s “Toolbox” one-day seminar on going to recommit myself this coming year to June 22, right after our summer conference in become more active in these efforts in my own Staff Milwaukee. New initiatives like this one, in addition company and within our own WBA. President & CEO to Ken Beno’s work with students across the state, Michelle Vetterkind, CAE Media technology will continue to evolve, bringing [email protected] help position our industry as forward-thinking and with it new challenges and opportunities as audiences Vice President - Administration relevant to a new generation of broadcasters. seek new ways to consume our content. Let’s make Linda Baun [email protected] In your own stations, I hope you’ll actively engage sure there is a new generation of young broadcasters NCSA/PEP Coordinator Liz Boyd with interns and up-and-coming broadcasters so excited and prepared to welcome them to our [email protected] they can hear from you how rewarding, changing business in the years to come! Director of Operations and Public Affairs Kyle Geissler [email protected] WBA Board minutes are always available for Fall Partisan Primary members. Please email Linda Baun at 2018 Election [email protected] to request a copy. Election Date: August 14, 2018 Windows for Window of LUC begins: June 30, 2018 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Lowest Unit Fall General Election 44 E. Mifflin Street, Suite 900 Election Date: November 6, 2018 Madison, WI 53703 Charge Phone Toll Free (800) 236-1922 Window of LUC begins: September 7, 2018 wi-broadcasters.org

2 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Walker re-elected to NAB Board Mid-West Family Broadcasting President Tom Walker will serve two more years on the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Board. Walker was re-elected to the Board in voting that ended in March. His two year term will commence in June.

Website helps viewers know when to rescan for repack A FCC website can help television viewers know when they should rescan their televisions to avoid losing channels because of the spectrum repack. The FCC’s DTV reception maps now include information on when stations are scheduled to change frequencies for the repack, which is when viewers will have to rescan their televisions to continue getting all of their channels. The interactive map is available here: https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/ dtvmaps Twenty-eight television stations in Wisconsin will be affected by the repack, which is the result of a recent spectrum auction. Viewers should know: • No new equipment is needed. • Over-the-air viewers will have to rescan their channels after a station changes frequencies. • The frequency change does not mean stations will be changing channels. All stations will remain on the same channels as they currently appear on your TV. More resources are also available at the Get the WBA App for the Awards Gala NAB website http://www.tvanswers.org/. The earliest stations in Wisconsin to be Get the WBA App in time for the WBA Gala. affected are five stations that are part of All attendees are registered to use the app. Phase 2 running from Get the full list of winners as soon as it’s released at the end of the Dec. 1, 2018 to April night, get handy reminders, check out photos, and tell us what you 12, 2019. The last thought of the gala by filling out a survey. station affected is part The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. of Phase 10 which It’s also available on iPad. Search your app store or find links on starts in May 2020. the WBA homepage. All users will be prompted to set up a password, but users will not have to login after your first time opening the app.

Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 3 WBA Summer Conference Wednesday, June 20

OPTION 1: OPTION 2: OPTION 3: 8 a.m. Golf Tournament: Fire Ridge Golf Club 8:40 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Conference Sessions 2241 County Road W | Grafton, WI 53024 WBA Engineering Day Sessions fireridgegc.com Details below. The WBA Annual Golf Tournament takes place June 20 at Fire Ridge Golf Course in Grafton. Appropriate golf attire and soft spike shoes only please. Shotgun start at 8 a.m. The tournament is held during the WBA Summer Conference at the Hilton Register today at Milwaukee City Ce nter. GOLF HANDICAP: On the golf registration form please include your USGA wi-broadcasters.org. or club handicap. If you don’t have an established handicap, please give your best estimate. The maximum handicap is 36 for men and 40 for women. Registration deadline is May 25, 2018. WBA Engineering Day WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 2 p.m. Session 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.: Registration Millennials: Are millennials being stereotyped? Do they have a special set of rules? A panel of millennials working in 9 a.m. the broadcast field will help us with these and other questions. After Saving a Tower and Early Experiences with the break we will hold round table discussions with radio and TV GM’s, Repacking HR specialists, millennials and all of you. The goal: To determine how AM towers typically have porcelain base insulators. Changing them out we attract and retain the younger generation. is an engineering and rigging challenge. This talk details an insulator change out on a 500' self-supporting tower. Kent Rich Wood Aschenbrenner Resonant Results Senior Director of Engineering E.W. Scripps Justin Hull Marty Justin Britny Williams Brand Manager Mangerson Van Hout Broadcast 9:45 a.m. Break WHBY/WSCO Chief Broadcast Technician Specialist Engineer Woodward Radio WPR 10 a.m. Session 3 p.m. Break WJFW Journalists Under Pressure 3:15 p.m. Roundtable Discussion Moderator Nick Juli Rep. from Each employee is unique. It’s our job to ensure they feel comfortable to share Katie Anderson Buehler WISN TV ideas and bring new initiatives to the forefront. GM’s and HR personnel will Crowther News Brown Deer Director draw upon the information gathered from the millennial panel to explore Reporter, Community WLUK-TV what can be done to recruit and grow our own talent. WTMJ-TV Outreach Officer Michael Mike David Dan Kass Kemmeter Oxenford Shelley Brown Deer News Partner, Executive Police Chief Director, Wilkinson, Director Woodward Barker, RTDNA Radio Group Knauer Joe Poss Cheryl White Anna Engelhart General Manager Human Resources Station Manager 11:45 a.m. Lunch WTMJ-TV Director WKOW-TV E.W. Scripps 1:15 p.m. Session Wireless Mics after Repack and White Space Legislative Update Sennheiser will bring us an update on what wireless mic manufacturers are doing to keep your mics working after the TV repack and recent White Space rulings. Kelly Radandt Don Vesely Jeff Ver Voort Eric Reese General Manager General Manager Dir. Human Resources Woodward Radio WMTV-TV Morgan Murphy Customer Development & Applications Engineering, Americas; Sennheiser Electronic Corporation 5:30–7:30 p.m. Exhibit Reception 4 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Conference Sessions, Wednesday, June 20

8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Registration 1:30–3:15 p.m.

10–11 a.m. Job/Career Fair WEDNESDAY, Journalists Under Pressure In accordance with the WBA’s Assistance Action Plan For EEO Compliance, Journalists are facing new pressures from the public when they’re we will be holding a job/career fair in conjunction with our Summer working in the field. How can journalists work safely under the Conference. Set up begins at 1 p.m. additional scrutiny and how can managers help them. This panel will One of the menu option initiatives under the FCC’s Outreach Prong 3 is explore the issue. “participation in at least four job fairs or career fairs by personnel who Moderator Nick Juli Rep. from have substantial responsibility in the making of hiring decisions.” Full SEU Katie Anderson Buehler WISN TV participation in each job/career fair should earn the SEU a 1/4 credit. JUNE 20 Crowther News Brown Deer Director Accordingly, over a 2-year period of participating in these WBA sponsored Reporter, Community WLUK-TV job/career fairs, and SEU should earn a full credit. WTMJ-TV Outreach Officer Booth registration deadline is May 31, 2018; register at wi-broadcasters.org. Michael Mike David Dan For job seekers: 8 a.m. –6:30 p.m.: Registration Kass Kemmeter Oxenford Shelley • Dress like it’s your interview: business attire Brown Deer News Partner, Executive Police Chief Director, Wilkinson, Director • Bring plenty of resumes; we recommend 30 for the WBA Job Fair. Woodward Barker, RTDNA • Include a link to an online portfolio on your resume or bring samples of Radio Group Knauer your work with you. 10–11 a.m. • Research participating stations you want to target for potential job Leading the Conversation: openings. A Framework for Local Digital Media Sales • When you introduce yourself, offer a firm handshake and maintain eye Jack Zavoral, Director of Member Development contact. Come prepared with at least three questions. for the Local Media Association • Have an idea of what your career path might look like and be prepared to discuss. Have what you need to take notes. While many broadcast sales representatives have had • Ask “What is the next step?” in pursuing job opportunities this is a great product training for digital offerings, this presentation time to ask for their business card! will provide a higher-level perspective on how digital products fit within the overall marketing scheme for local • Follow up with companies you are interested in working for with an e- mail or handwritten note- show initiative! businesses. Jack Zavoral, Director of Member Development for the Local Media Association will showcase a logical framework Registration is FREE! Pre-Registration is NOT required. salespeople can apply when approaching clients with cross- 3:30–4:30 p.m. platform presentations/proposals. One of the key takeaways of this presentation is how digital products and services fit with TV and EEO: Bring Your Bias – Recognizing Overcoming Radio campaigns to provide the most effective media combination Unconscious Decision-Making available in the local marketplace. Join us for a no-nonsense, Binnu Palta Hill buzzword-free, real world discussion of the best ways to drive your client’s businesses using a combination of digital and broadcast. Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Wisconsin School of Business Cultural dexterity has become an increasingly valuable skill in 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. today’s diverse and global workplace. According to a survey of or Digital? Is data analytics just the latest 1370 CEO’s across the globe conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, cultural competence is considered a critical professional skill rather than a buzzword or a new weapon? ‘soft skill’. Research shows that diverse teams operating in an inclusive culture are more innovative and far outperform their homogeneous "Data Analytics" is a term most of us first heard 25 years ago in counterparts. Companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity relation to baseball. Today, it is one of the hottest topics throughout are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their national industry the management world. We’ll explore how this all began and why medians, and those in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more Wisconsin broadcasters can benefit. This seminar will include likely to have higher financial returns than their respective national Woodward Radio Music Director (and WBA Young Professional) industry medians (Diversity Matters by McKinsey). Diverse team members Heather Storm, armed with her shiny new Masters’ Degree in Data in inclusive environments are much more likely to have a shared vision and Analytics from the University of Maryland. Heather will explore just personal commitment to the success of the team, leading to high levels of a few of the places in your station where Data Analytics can be your job satisfaction and retention. secret weapon. Inclusion is a key ingredient for the success of diverse teams. One of the A SPECIAL REQUEST: All attendees to this seminar should read the challenges in cultivating an inclusive environment, where each member of book Moneyball by Michael Lewis OR see the movie. We’d prefer the team can contribute to his/her fullest potential, is bias. Given that bias that you read the book, but if you choose to watch the movie, do so is an inherently human trait, in this session, we will explore what it means AGAIN. Do not depend on your recollections of the movie from to be a culturally competent professional and an inclusive leader by many years ago. Remember, this is going to make you a success learning to recognize and address our own blind spots. We will review the AND make you money, so pay attention! latest research on how unconscious bias affects behavior, and strategies Heather Lindsay for addressing unconscious bias in the workplace. Storm Wood 4:30–5:30 p.m. Legislative Update Woodward Davis Radio Group Broadcast 5:30–7:30 p.m. Exhibit Reception Management 7:30–10 p.m. Dinner and Ice Cream Social Strategies Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 5 Conference Sessions, Thursday, June 21

8 –9:15 a.m. The Rise of Emotional Intelligence of Humanity Business Breakfast Bill Marklein Founder/CEO Employ Humanity 9:15–9:45 a.m. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to effectively Economic Update manage our own emotions and the emotions around us and it is quickly becoming the No. 1 competency for 10–11 a.m. workplace/community leadership in the 21st century. The digital CONCURRENT SESSIONS transformation is driving opportunity in the world for leaders to create the human-connection experience, and most importantly, a legacy. All Broadcast V. Local Cable (TV focus) of humanity craves a social fabric that values and is committed to EQ. Robert Russo With the rapid acceleration of technology, digital media, distractions, change and stress, EQ is even more crucial for building healthy, President/CEO RNR Media Consulting trusting relationships both personally and professionally. Real human- The unfortunate reality is that local cable and their sellers connection is the for our own happiness and well-being and are outselling both radio and TV stations. In most local those we lead. Bill Marklein inspires, entertains, challenges thinking markets the local cable MSO’s are either the number one or and will get you excited about using your unique human-only skills of two biller in your Wisconsin markets. This dominance is now stretching awareness, adaptability and empathy for your continued success in into the digital side as well. As the cable subscriber numbers shrink

Registration 7:30 am–7 Registration p.m.: this ever-changing world. due to cord cutters, it makes no sense that they ad revenue is growing, but it is! 12:15–2:15 p.m. This session will addresses this problem and how to reclaim these KEYNOTE LUNCH dollars. Starting with a 10,000 foot view of the issue and ending up on a local level. Session will include discussion and strategy on video and NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith digital sales, OTT, reach and frequency, and qualitative. Gordon H. Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, oversees the advocacy efforts Blast Away Procrastination: of thousands of local radio and television stations across America. He Get it Done Now is a former two-term United States Senator from Oregon (1996-2008) and was a successful entrepreneur before launching his career in Rita Emmet politics. Smith was respected as a pragmatic lawmaker able to THURSDAY, JUNE 21 THURSDAY, Are you overwhelmed with all that you've been putting successfully reach across party lines. Smith's role on the Commerce off? Is it almost impossible to get yourself going? Do you Committee and as the Chairman of a Senate High Tech Task Force know what you need to do in order to be successful at helped foster his interest in new media and new technology issues. He work, in a relationship, with your life --- but you just put off has been leading the NAB since November 2007 and last year he doing it? Many people are constantly tired because of what they DO, agreed to stay with the NAB into 2023. but putting off what-you-know-you-should-do is usually more Local Broadcast Legends exhausting, more debilitating than hard work, right? If you can't find are recognized at this luncheon. the time for this session, perhaps THIS is the session you need.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. 2:30–4 p.m. CONCURRENT SESSIONS Marching Forth: A Broadcaster’s Journey of Broadcast V. Local Cable (Radio focus) Leadership, Innovation, and Service Robert Russo COO, Neuhoff Communications President/CEO RNR Media Consulting Mike Hulvey The unfortunate reality is that local cable and their sellers We will follow an innovative journey that brings together are outselling both radio and TV stations. In most local markets the leadership, motivation and inspiration. We will focus on local cable MSO’s are either the number one or two biller in your what it means to “March Forth and B Positive,” while having Wisconsin markets. This dominance is now stretching into the digital the honor of serving as broadcasters every day. If you’re an side as well. As the cable subscriber numbers shrink due to cord owner, manager, seller or talent, there is a story for you as together we cutters, it makes no sense that they ad revenue is growing, but it is! will explore the journey of Marching Forth. This session will addresses this problem and how to reclaim these 5– 6 p.m. dollars. Starting with a 10,000 foot view of the issue and ending up on a local level. Session will include discussion and strategy on video and Hall of Fame Reception digital sales, OTT, reach and frequency, and qualitative. 6–7 p.m. Hall of Fame Dinner

7– 8 p.m. Hall of Fame presentations

6 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COLUMN Send your YPs to The Toolbox, Friday, June 22 ‘The Toolbox’ in June One-day conference for young professionals in the It was a managers and news directors broadcasting industry from different markets all know summer each other, and so do a lot of YPs, 10:30–11:30 Brunch Mingle day in but there’s nothing designated 2017, in like a summer or winter 11:30–12:30 Own Your Brand Tryg Jacobson conference to pull everyone Sheboygan, 12:45–1:45 together to do what we know all at a of us in broadcasting like to do: Who Pays Your Paycheck? Shayna Sharpe Hannah Anderson beautiful network. WMTV-TV, Like both of us, YPs in today’s 2:00–3:00 WBA Young resort on Professionals industry are hungry to grow, Be The Change, Leadership Panel Committee the water. especially, with the reachable Moderated by Hannah Anderson I’d never been to goal to get to a bigger market Andy Choi, WISN-TV Anchor this part of the state since moving sooner. YPs want to grow professionally, socially, and Erik Bilstad, WTMJ-AM Executive Producer, News to Wisconsin four years ago for my first job in television. This was skillfully. But more importantly, Sarah Gray, WSAW/WZAW-TV News Directo r a new experience. I was attending YPs want to connect, which could Terry Stevenson, Sales Manager Seehafer Broadcasting the WBA Summer Conference, be through social media, in one, to take part in a new group I person, on the weekends, or 3:15–4:15 had just joined, the Young through a new event: The Covering Cops, Panel Professionals Toolbox. group through Moderated by Hannah Anderson That’s when our WBA, and two, It’s a perfect and idea formed into Ashley Luthern, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to attend a easy resource for something bigger Breaking News & Crime Reporter Chief Brad We ntlandt couple events teams to help staff and sustainable for Greenfield Police Department Special Agent Jennifer for my station. the future of Walkowski, FBI I had never learn, lead, and broadcasting, been to a WBA starting from the Bryan Polcyn, WITI-TV Investigative Reporte r grow stronger Summer YP, up. Sarah Thomsen, WBAY-TV Anchor & Reporter Conference within the industry. The next step was to before. Here’s get general 4:30–5:30 Social Media Lindsay Harrison-Eirich what I knew managers and news 5:30–7:30 After Party about them: They were twice a directors to send their staff and to For more information co ntact: Hannah Anderson at year, general managers or news get YPs to WANT to attend. So with [email protected] or Te rry Stevenson at directors often went, and it was a some careful planning, Terry and I [email protected] couple of days away for them to put together a day that will not network and learn new skills. only benefit teams across the Other than that, I had no idea. state, but most importantly it will Register today at The first event I went to was a benefit the YP. There’s brunch, social hour for YPs. It was a small keynote speakers, mixed with two wi-broadcasters.org group, but it has big energy for panels, and a day-ender social. It’s the industry, which leads me to a perfect and easy resource for my partner in crime: Terry teams to help staff learn, lead, Stevenson, an ad sales manager and grow stronger within the THE TOOLBOX SPONSORS from Seehafer Broadcasting. industry. We began to talk about YPs, the I’d encourage you to at least resources offered and how little check it out on the WBA YPs knew about what was website (or on page 7 of this available to them. There might newsletter.) Registration is open, be a lot of resources, but were and pre-registration interest was they being broadcasted to the encouraging to both Terry and I. YPs? And how could we connect We’re so proud to see this idea YP to YP, just like the general come to life to help teams across managers and news directors have the state. Sign up your YPs for The their bond at the conferences Toolbox, we hope to see them each year? Many general there in June!

Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 7 WBA Foundation Tom Koser

Hall of Fame Tom Koser is an exemplary model of a local broadcaster who is dedicated to his local Four new names to be added to roots and committed to community service through WBA Foundation Hall of Fame broadcasting. Koser has made numerous contributions to The Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of instrumental in securing the location: broadcasting as an industry as a station owner and Fame was created in 1989 to honor “The location in downtown Milwaukee to as a highly engaged member of the Wisconsin broadcasters that have devoted a display the WBA Hall of Fame is perfect Broadcasters Association where he served on the minimum of 15 years to the as one of the grandest hotels in the state Board of Directors and as WBA Chair. represents our best of the best from all broadcasting industry including a Koser started his career in 1981 as an account over the state. The Hilton hotel in minimum of 10 years as a Wisconsin executive at WISM-AM/FM in Madison for Mid-West downtown Milwaukee has always been broadcaster. The award recognizes an Family Broadcasting after graduating from the UW- a favorite venue for many radio and individual’s history of exemplary Platteville Broadcast Management program. He television events for decades. In fact, leadership in community and statewide served the company for eight years as a general even today a large television tower still service as a broadcast professional. sales manager and general manager for stations in stands atop the hotel. Ben Marcus, the Illinois before starting Koser Radio Group in 1988. The first 12 members of the Hall of Fame founder of the Marcus Corporation, at Koser first purchased WJMC-AM/FM in Rice Lake, were inducted during the 1989 WBA one time owned and operated several and then built a 14 station group in Hayward, Summer Conference. Since 1989, 140 radio stations in Southeastern Rhinelander, and Escanaba/Marquette, Michigan. outstanding broadcasters have been Wisconsin; Mr. Marcus, and the family He owns and operates six stations in his home area honored with Hall of Fame inductions. have always been a true friend of local, of Rice Lake and Hayward. He serves on numerous over the air radio. Inductees are chosen each year from boards and formed the Rice Lake Celebrity Charity nominations by WBA members, family Mr. Marcus was the founder of the Classic organization that raises more than members and friends. Broadcasters who Children’s Variety Club of Wisconsin, a $100,000 a year for local youth organizations. have been inducted into the Hall of Fame major charity that tied into Wisconsin Koser has established a tradition of excellence and include managers, personalities, radio and television stations for decades. effectiveness that he will pass to the next engineers, reporters, educators and those To have a major wing in a major Marcus generation. broadcasting pioneers who were all of the hotel displaying the Wisconsin above. Broadcasters Hall of Fame is a marriage Chris Lytle Four broadcasters will receive this that can only be described as perfect!” prestigious honor in 2018. They are: Tom The Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame Chris Lytle’s innovative training Koser, Chris Lytle, Bob Smith, and Gary also has a permanent, virtual display at the has reached hundreds of Timm. online Wisconsin Museum of Broadcasting thousands of broadcast In October 1989, Alfred C. Sykes, then which debuted in 2009 at salespeople throughout the Chairman of the Federal Communications www.wisconsinbroadcastingmuseum.org, world and his entrepreneurial Commission, came to Wisconsin to where the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of spirit has its roots in Wisconsin formally dedicate a Hall of Fame display, Fame Gallery is one of our major broadcasting. including plaques honoring the inductees, attractions. He has helped radio sellers and their managers at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin We hope to see you all at the 2018 Hall of build careers and realize levels of personal success Library in Madison. In 2010, due to Fame festivities at the Hilton Milwaukee they had only dreamed of. Many people call him remodeling of the SHSW facility, the City Center on Thursday, June 21. The “mentor.” display was removed and put in storage. event will begin with the Hall of Fame Lytle began his career in 1972, at WCLT-AM/FM in The display now resides at the Hilton Reception at 5 p.m., with a banquet in Newark, Ohio and joined Mid-West Family Milwaukee City Center. In the words of Bill honor of the inductees, and the inductions Broadcasting in Madison in 1973 where he was Hurwitz, WBA Foundation Board Member following at 6 p.m. quickly promoted to local sales manager. It was (and2017 Hall of Fame inductee), who was

OFFICERS President & CEO Nancy Douglass Dean Maytag Roger Utnehmer Chair of the Board Michelle Vetterkind, CAE WLKG-FM, Lake Geneva Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster Nicolet Broadcasting David Sanks Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Bill Hurwitz Kelly Radandt Sturgeon Bay Foundation Sanks Communications Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster Woodward Radio Group Jan Wade Appleton/Green Bay Vice Chair BOARD OF DIRECTORS R. Perry Kidder WISN-TV, Milwaukee Laurin Jorstad Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster Jill Sommers Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster Chris Bernier Tom Koser Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster Secretary Radio Plus, Fond du Lac Dick Record WAQE-AM/FM/WJMC-AM/FM/WKFX-FM Chuck Steinmetz Wisconsin Broadcasters Keith Bratel Rice Lake Family Radio, La Crosse iHeartMedia, Madison WITI-TV, Milwaukee Association Foundation Officers Treasurer Al Lancaster & Board of Directors Scott Chorski Scott M. Trentadue Tom Walker WSAW-TV/WZAW-TV, Wausau Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster www.wbafoundation.org Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Madison WKBT-TV, La Crosse 8 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org WBA Foundation

there that he modeled relationship selling and coached with Hall Of Fame Inductees expressions like “Your clients get better when you get better.” Lytle 1989 1998 2009 joined American TV in 1978 where he continued developing the Walter Damm Jean Gitz Bassett Tommy Lee Bychinski character of “Crazy TV Lenny” in TV and radio spots. In 1983, Lytle, along Richard Dudley Howard Emich Charlie & Mike Kearns with his partner and wife Sarah McCann, launched The AdVisory Board, Haydn Evans Jim Tomlin R. Perry Kidder a sales training company based in Madison where they produced William Forrest Jim Wulliman Paul LeSage recorded sales training sessions and management seminars that have Earl Gillespie Mark Zelich Ben Hovel touched more than 250,000 sellers, programmers, managers, and 2010 Eddy Jason 1999 advertisers. Lytle has written four books, numerous distance learning Mike Gousha Joseph W. Killeen Woods O. Dreyfus Bruce Grassman courses, and given more than 2,300 presentations on four continents Ben A. Laird Joe Laughlin John Hoffland and in all 50 states always proudly representing Wisconsin Harold McCarty Jack Lee John Laabs broadcasters. Morgan Murphy Terry Shockley Earle Terry Bruce Wallace Bob Smith 1990 2000 2011 Gerald Bartell Larry Busse Eddie Doucette Bob Smith exemplifies leadership in television Sidney Bliss Dr. Ruane Hill Laurin Jorstad broadcasting through a career of leading stations Thomas Bolger Duke Wright Terry Kelly and staffs in Wisconsin and throughout the George Comte LeRoy Wolniakowski Charles Dickoff country. 2001 George Frechette Bob Barry 2012 Smith started and grew his career in Wisconsin and Nathan Goetz Bob Dailey Greg Bell continues to live in Wisconsin in his position of Charles Hanson Dick Record Howard Dahl Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Gray William E. Walker Dr. Robert Snyder Joe Dorsey Television. 1991 Lee Davis Jill Geisler Roger Utnehmer Smith was an account executive at WEAU-TV in Eau Claire when he Edward Allen, Jr. 2002 started his career in 1986. He later became the station’s local sales Robert Bodden Irene Buri Nelson Ed Hinshaw 2013 manager. His career with Benedek Broadcasting continued over the Harold Engel Henry Lippold Dave Carlson following decade taking him to leadership roles at stations in Virginia Jack Krueger Don Seehafer William T. Evjue and Illinois where he went from leading sales departments to leading Tony Moe Ray Wiater Karl F. Schmidt whole stations. In 2000, he became general manager at WMTV-TV in Elmo Reed Scott M. Trentadue Madison and he eventually expanded his responsibilities to overseeing 1992 2003 Bill Vancil seven markets for after it acquired Benedek Gordon Hinkley Chuck Ramsay Broadcasting in 2002. He was promoted to his current position in Les Leonard Jim Schuh 2014 2013 where he has corporate responsibilities and oversees revenue Jack Stiehl Tom Shanahan Ron Fruit and operations for Gray stations in the Midwest and Western regions Arnie Strope Bob Southard Ed Hutchings Marv Nelles of the U.S. Don Wirth 2004 David Sanks Smith is a mentor who guides his employees while giving them 1993 John Schermerhorn Jack Baker autonomy. He is credited with making stations run better and making Ronald Bornstein Jack Gennaro Susan Knaack them more community minded. Terry Baun 2015 Bart Kellnhauser Don Carmichael Joe Moen Dave Raven Phil Fisher Dr. Charles A. Culver Gary Timm 1994 Sandra K. Shockley Roger LeGrand 2005 Mike Sullivan Gary Timm is best known for his dedication to Tom Walker Ralph Evans Glen Loyd promoting and supporting the Emergency Alert Jim Irwin System in Wisconsin and nationally. Bob Uecker Walter John 2016 Chilsen Aline Hazard He embodies the commitment Wisconsin 1995 Elizabeth Murphy Burns Larry McCarren broadcasters have to serving their communities. His Jack Hackman Ted Moore Chuck Roth career in engineering, numerous consultant roles, and Roger Russell Lindsay Wood Davis leadership as Broadcast Chair of the Wisconsin EAS Committee for William R. Walker 2006 2017 more than 25 years have demonstrated his expertise, commitment to Carl Zimmermann Don Borchert Ken Beno excellence, passion for broadcasting, and dedication to the important Marty Green 1996 Lee Sherman Dreyfus Leonard Charles role broadcasters play in keeping people informed and safe. Howard Gernetzke Bill Hurwitz Timm was an engineer at WTMJ-AM, WKTI-FM, and WTMJ-TV in John McCullough 2007 Larry Meiller Jack Severson Milwaukee starting in 1973 and spent much of his career working on Bob Bosold Bernie Strachota 2018 EAS issues. Timm is the primary author of the Wisconsin State EAS plan, Mike Elliott James Hoyt Tom Koser which was the first in the nation to be completed. From 2010 until his 1997 Chris Lytle retirement in 2015, Timm was a senior consultant supporting the U.S. Rosa B. Evans Bill “Mann” Rittman Bob Smith Department of Homeland Security. In retirement Timm continues to be Larry Clark Gary Timm involved in EAS issues and has assisted the National Weather Service, Bill Haig Andy Spheeris 2008 Wisconsin Emergency Management, Amber Alert, the FCC, and FEMA. Willie Davis He has authored numerous articles and handbook chapters and is Terry Havel recognized as an EAS expert. He has won acclaim for his ability to Jonathan Little explain technical issues to a non-technical audience. Mike McCormick

Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 9 10 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org George Smith was named evening news anchor at at KUSI-TV in San Diego and television stations in Tucson, Arizona, and WKOW-TV. He joined Amber Noggle on the news desk Savannah, Georgia. She joined NBC15 in September 2004. Bellport weeknights at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. Smith has been a TV championed anchor and reporter for more than two decades. He the station’s hallmark food drive and fundraiser, NBC15 Share Your anchored evening newscasts at WOIO in , Holidays for Second Harvest Foodbank, and advocated for the adoption Ohio, and spent a decade as a correspondent for ESPN, of shelter animals by launching in the station’s “Pet of the Week” appearing on Sports Center and Outside the Lines. segments. Her last day will be May 11. Before coming to Madison, George was working at WFLD in . Rebecca Ribley joined WKOW-TV’s “News Wake Up He started his on-air duties in Madison in April. Wisconsin” as morning show co-anchor on April 9 WISC-TV photographer Doug Wahl has retired after joining co-anchor Dani Maxwell and meteorologist 39 years in the business. Wahl covered everything from Branden Borremans. Ribley came to WKOW from co- trips to the Rose Bowl and Super Bowl to high profile owned sister station WAOW-TV in Wausau, where she court cases, and presidential campaigns. co-anchored the evening news. Prior to her evening A former news director at WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee is anchor duties, Ribley was the morning news co-anchor returning to the station in a new role. Jeff Kiernan in Wausau. She is originally from Medina, Ohio and previously worked has spent the last 15 years working for CBS managing several legacy at WKYC in Cleveland. newsrooms around the country and is now returning to WTMJ-TV in Court system removes dismissed cases from online records a new leadership role as senior director of local content. He will oversee broadcast news operations for WTMJ-TV and the station’s The WCCA Oversight Committee made recommendations in 2017 to the digital and social media content strategies. He returned to WTMJ-TV Director of State Courts about the maintenance of online court records, at the end of April. commonly known as CCAP. WBA President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind sat on the committee. The director has published the actions that will be WMTV-TV anchor and morning show host Christine taken as a result of the recommendations. Bellport will retire in mid-May. Bellport worked in television for 28 years, and was morning show anchor on Most notably, many dismissed cases will be removed from WCCA. NBC15 for 14 years. Bellport’s broadcast career began in Felonies, small claims, and numerous other case types will be removed 1990 at WAGE Radio in Leesburg, Virginia, and she then after two years and misdemeanors will be removed after one year. This worked at WTOP-FM in Washington, D.C. She also worked represents a large number of court records that have already been removed from the system. Names in the News Angie Kasal has been named Manager, Sports Joe Antonelli has been named to the position of vice president and Network Operations for WTMJ-AM in Milwaukee. Kasal general manager of WGBA and WACY in Green Bay starting April 16. will lead network affiliate relations, coordinate game Antonelli was previously director of sales for Scripps station WFTX in broadcasts, and act as a liaison with team partners. Fort Myers, Florida. In his new role, Antonelli will have Kasal has worked in sports marketing at WTMJ since direct responsibility for the station’s sales operations in 1998. addition to general station oversight. He began his career as an account executive for Radio One, before Kasal Hartland Communications has hired Katie Carmichael as their Ashland market program director. Carmichael’s moving into TV sales at WLAJ-TV, in Lansing. broadcasting career kicked off in 1998 when she A Chicago native with a passion for Christian radio is interned for K-Country 104.9 in Albany, Georgia. She is joining The Family in Appleton as Assistant Program Williams experienced in many markets including the Director. Caleb Williams was born and raised in metro area and she’s experienced in multiple genres. Chicago and grew up listening to and working with In her career she has helped organize and raise more Chicago radio personalities. Williams says he believes than $500,000 for many different non-profit God is using radio to change the lives of listeners Carmichael organizations including Children’s Miracle Network, around the world, and he wants to make sure The which is the one she holds closest to her heart. Family’s story can be heard around the world. Madison TV station WKOW-TV has a new Cumulus has promoted Dayton Kane to Operations meteorologist. John Zeigler debuted March 12 on 27 Kane Manager and Program Director of WPKR-FM and News weeknights at 5 and 10 p.m. He comes to WWWX-FM in Appleton/Oshkosh. Kane was previously Madison from WJZY in Charlotte, North Carolina where Program Director of Cumulus stations WKRU-FM and he was the chief meteorologist. His previous WOGB-FM in Green Bay. experience includes morning meteorologist at KOLR in Shawna Young has joined The Family Radio Network Springfield, Missouri as well as positions at KQDS in Zeigler as promotions coordinator for the central Wisconsin Duluth, Minnesota, and KARE in Golden Valley, area. She is studying small business entrepreneurship Minnesota. Young at Northcentral Technical College.

Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 11 EAS Live Code Test Recap Tornado warning tests show value of cooperation

By Gary Timm Wisconsin State Emergency Communications Commission, EAB Chair This test day is another fine example of the close cooperation between your WBA and Wisconsin’s broadcasters, NWS, and Wisconsin Emergency On April 12 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., Management (WEM). The WBA thanks all Wisconsin broadcasters for participating in not only airing this year’s tests, but in the time you two statewide tests of the Tornado devoted to promoting the tests in the week leading up to test day. Warning EAS code were conducted On a related note, the FCC recently released the results of the Sept. 27, 2017 Nationwide EAS Test. in Wisconsin. Although numbers were not broken out by state, these were the The tests were originated independently by the five National Weather nationwide numbers for all reporting EAS Participants (radio, TV, and Service (NWS) offices that serve Wisconsin, and those NWS offices did a cable): 96 percent successfully received the test, 92 percent successfully good job of issuing the tests at the exact same time in all areas leading retransmitted the test, and 89 percent reported no complications with to well synchronized tests statewide. Although the tests were largely the test. These are all improved numbers over the 2016 nationwide test successful, there were some audio issues that resulted from the use of results. The FCC and FEMA have indicated their intent to continue these new NWS software that is still having the bugs worked out. These issues tests, with the next one to be issued in fall of 2018. will likely be resolved by next year’s test time.

Awards recognize openness, lack of openness

Each year since 2007, exposing the lack of transparency favored by unearthed dozens of allegations of harassment officials in Sauk County. Someinvolved a involving professors and other staff. the Wisconsin former county administrator who received a Freedom of $135,000 contract buyout. Some involved the Whistleblower of the Year (“Whoopee”): Will Information Council county’s former highway commissioner who Kramer solicited NASCAR tickets from a contractor. This industry risk-management and safety has given out Damos’ paper, based on his reporting, has filed consultant refused to keep quiet about the a lawsuit and lodged a complaint alleging dangers posed by industrial barrel recycling Bill Lueders Openness in Government awards, additional violations. plants. He secretly recorded one plant manager remarking that the drums “could or Opees, to worthy recipients. Political Openness Award (“Popee”): Scott Walker blow up and kill eight people in a heartbeat.” Most are positive, including one this year to Last March, for the second year in a row, When government regulators failed to act, he Gov. Scott Walker. But there is a negative Wisconsin’s governor issued an executive order went to went to the Milwaukee Journal award, and others highlight less-than- ordering state agencies to improve their Sentinel, spurring that paper’s remarkable commendable players. performance on open records requests. It “Burned” investigation, which led to significant directs them to track and post their record fines and safety improvements.. The awards were presented at the eighth response times and limits how much they can annual Wisconsin Watchdog Awards dinner in charge. It also requires “regular training for all No Friend of Openness (“Nopee”): The Wisconsin Madison on April 19. employees and members of all boards, Legislature The winners are: councils, and commissions.” Walker’s efforts in This year, lawmakers from both parties denied requests for records of sexual harassment Citizen Openness Award (“Copee”): Joe Terry this area, including his executive order in 2016, are much appreciated. investigations and refused to provide This former village administrator for Port electronic records in electronic form. The Edwards in central Wisconsin alleged multiple Open Records Scoop of the Year (“Scoopee”): Republican majority also held secret meetings open meetings and ethics violations by the Wisconsin State Journal and Media Milwaukee to hash out budget details, continued to village board. His complaint to the Wood Pushing back against official secrecy, State conduct business by using abusive mail ballots County district attorney led to the Journal reporter Molly Beck reported on sexual and selectively blocked access to their social appointment of a special prosecutor and harassment complaints against four media accounts. Lawmakers need to clean up ultimately to a settlement requiring some lawmakers, including one that led to a $75,000 their act, before next year’s awards. officials to receive training on the state’s settlement, while colleague Nico Savidge Your Right to Know is a monthly column openness laws. exposed weaknesses in UW-Madison’s distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Media Openness Award (“Mopee”): Tim Damos harassment reporting procedures and pulled Information Council (www.wisfoic.org), a group back the veil on multiple accusations involving A reporter for the Baraboo News Republic, dedicated to open government. Bill Lueders is the a particular professor. And UW-Milwaukee group’s president. Damos broke multiple stories this year student journalists at Media Milwaukee

12 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Panelists named for WBA Foundation primary debates The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation has named the panelists who will be asking questions during two televised statewide primary debates scheduled for July.

The debate between Republicans in the U.S. Senate primary will be held Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m. at WSAW-TV in Wausau. The debate between Democrats in the gubernatorial primary will be held on Friday, July 27 at 7 p.m. at NBC15 (WMTV-TV) in Madison. The panelists for the Democratic gubernatorial primary will be:

Jill Jessica Emilee Leigh Mills Lupita Geisler Arp Fannon WMTV-TV Montoto Moderator WISC-TV WKOW-TV (social La Movida media Radio panelist)

Panelists for the Republican U.S. Senate primary will be: Chris Melissa Ben Heather Jeff Conley Langbehn Meyer Sahr Thelen Midwest WAOW-TV WJFW-TV WSAW-TV WSAW-TV Commun- (social ications media panelist)

The social media panelists will be asking the candidates questions plans to hold debates for the general election candidates in the based on social media activity during the debate. Veteran debate gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races. Details of those debates will be moderator Jill Geisler will moderate both debates. announced at a later date. The hour-long debates will be offered to radio and television stations The primary election will be held on Aug. 14. across the state for live or delayed broadcast. The WBA Foundation

Wisconsin stations pick up 25 regional Murrow awards Nine Wisconsin TV stations and two Wisconsin radio stations this Award recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Edward R. week collectively won 25 regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. The Murrow set as a standard for the profession of electronic journalism. awards are given out by the Radio Television Digital News Association These are the 2018 RTDNA Regional Murrow Award recipients. National (RTDNA). winners will be announced in June. WBAY-TV Newscast Hard News Excellence in Writing Investigative Reporting A Good Friday: Jakubowski Homeless Kids in Hotels The Opioid Crisis Target 2 Investigates: Watered Manhunt Ends News Documentary Feature Reporting Down Drunk Boating Laws WISN-TV Our Wisconsin: Lance Sijan Remembered WGBA-TV Continuing Coverage The Climate Change Effect Breaking News Coverage Flooding Disaster WTMJ-TV Tornadoes WLUK-TV Excellence in Innovation Newscast Excellence in Social Media Stollies: High Speed Impact Wisconsin Public Flooding Disaster WLUK Excellence in Social Media Television WUWM-FM Sports Reporting WITI-TV WTMJ-AM Excellence in Innovation Excellence in Social Media Jaxon's Wish Breaking News Coverage WUWM FOX6 News Milwaukee Police Officer Acquitted WISC-TV Hard News Feature Reporting Continuing Coverage Excellence in Sound Dinner Conversations Help Keep The Search for Jakubowski In Search of Albert Do My Job - Barista Addicts on Track Excellence in Sound Hard News Excellence in Video Newscast Patience at the Pump Perfectly Legal Rides & Reins WUWM Newscast May 2, 2017 Feature Reporting Website River of Healing FOX6Now.com WKOW-TV Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 13 Four to Receive Local Broadcast Legends Awards

Four Wisconsin Broadcasters have been chosen as WBA behind the Local Broadcast Legends and will be recognized during scenes making the Keynote Luncheon on Thursday, June 21 as part of a difference in broadcasting the WBA’s Summer Conference. and her The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Local Broadcast Legends Award was community. established in 2015 under the direction of Bruce Grassman, owner/president Neader was of Results Radio. The Local Broadcast Legends Award is a great honor and born in Chicago recognition for individuals that work behind the scenes and within their in 1935 and communities fulfilling the commitment broadcasters have made to serve their started her career in local communities. They are individuals who exemplify localism. This award is a means to extend broadcasting in 1955 when she became an recognition of these individuals beyond their local communities. executive secretary at the ABC-TV network as Individuals with 15 years or more service in Wisconsin broadcasting may be nominated by their part her effort to become a television actress. company, co-workers, community leaders, family members, and friends. The station or There she worked with the likes of Dick Clark. organization which the nominee is associated with submits the nomination on behalf of the She also met her future husband, Scott, nominating individual(s). whom she married in 1963. After raising two The WBA is grateful to Bruce Grassman for his vision to establish a means for dedicated local sons, she restarted her career at KORN/KXON- broadcast employees to be recognized for their contributions to Wisconsin broadcasting. This TV in Mitchell, South Dakota, where she award is for those who unconditionally support their stations and community. worked in sales and hosted her own show Our 2018 recipients are: named “Margie’s People.” In 1977 she moved to La Crosse where she Kathy Keene bright clothing, large baubles, quick blue worked in broadcast sales and management Kathy Keene has a personal eyes, and easy smile,” said Kelly Radandt, at WLXR, WKBH, and the WIZM family of connection with her General Manager of Woodward Radio Group. stations. She was also the local marketing audience in the Fox Valley “What’s more personal than tuning into director for Heileman Brewing Company. that has lasted for more the ‘Good Neighbor Show’ each day and After she retired, she returned to work at Mid- than three decades, hearing her advice, good thought of the West Family as a receptionist for many years making her a prime example of the power day, and her guests?” and was loved by all her co-workers. of local broadcasting. “She is the warm, smiling voice that would Neader was known for her honesty, integrity, She is best known as the host of “The Good regularly host the mayor of Appleton for a and marketing abilities. She was a listener and Neighbor” for the last 37 years on WHBY-AM listener call-in session or a Fox Cities historian took time getting to know people. She served in Green Bay. to inform you of more fascinating facts as a mentor for young salespeople, and about your hometown,” said Greg Bell, Keene started hosting the show in 1982 after connected with them personally, offering retired General Manager of Woodward Radio them advice. serving as the station’s receptionist. She was Group. “Kathy exemplifies the best in good “Advice from Margie was usually gospel,” identified as having a “soothing” voice and local radio.” was called up to fill in when the previous host Family Radio National Sales Manager Dick retired. She has also been recognized for her embrace Record said. “She was important to the of social media and digital technology to stay everyday life of our radio stations.” She grew up in Wisconsin and has been in the connected with her audience. She won a Neader gave her time to her church and Fox Valley long enough to know the decision- Social and Digital Media “Best Personality” community groups. She served as director of makers and politicians in the listening area award in the 2016 WBA Awards competition. because she’s interacted with them on the air. the La Crosse YMCA, on the La Crosse Jail Her show features everything from recipes Keene has been praised for her kindness, Ministry Board, and the committee of the La and stain removal ideas to local performances quick wit, and ability to make callers and Crosse County American Red Cross. She and conversations with community leaders. guests feel comfortable. prepared meals for the Salvation Army “Feed the Kids” program every year. She spent more Keene has hosted many travel trips, has Margaret Neader than 20 years teaching Sunday school and participated in station events, marched in Margaret Neader was a visiting parishioners who were in nursing local parades, and supported charitable preeminent representative homes or home bound. causes in the community, most notably, the of radio in La Crosse. Most United Way. She was also dedicated to her two sons, her of her time was spent grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. “To know Kathy is to love Kathy with her She died in July 2017. She was 81.

14 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org John M. Wadd Jeff Wagner Members in the Spotlight John M. Wadd Jeff Wagner has spent his Beno named ‘Top 50 VIP’ exemplified the power career serving his local Ken Beno, WBA Education of local radio. He served radio audience and Committee Chair and member of the residents of helping hundreds of the WBA Hall of Fame, has been northern Wisconsin in aspiring broadcasters to selected by the Lake Land numerous ways during his long career further their own careers serving the College Foundation in Mattoon, and believed that “broadcasting is a public. Illinois, as one of the “Top 50 privilege and a sacred trust.” He was VIP’s” in honor of the College’s Wagner started his career in radio in 1975 known at the voice of Northwoods 50th anniversary. and has been committed to small town rural Wisconsin. Wisconsin radio ever since. He got started in This award was recently established to recognize Wadd’s lifelong love of broadcasting radio with high school play-by-play in those who have made a “significant contribution started at Wauwatosa High School where Antigo which he continued for 13 seasons. to the College during its first 50 years.” he produced and hosted a weekly radio Beno was employed by Lake Land for much of In 1979 he was hired as a sales program. After serving in World War II and his career. He was responsible for directing the representative for WRLO-FM and WATK-AM studying stage performance at Lawrence Radio/TV Broadcasting Program and was the in Antigo and in 1988 he became managing University, he started his professional founder of WLKL, the college radio station. Beno partner of Ad Mark Communications, which radio career at WAUX in Waukesha. also served for several years as chair of the owned the Antigo stations. In 1997 he Wadd spent a few years at a television Humanities Division. All 50 VIP’s will be became regional manager of Marathon station in the Twin Cities before returning recognized at a dinner in June. Media Radio Group which owned stations in to Wisconsin in 1951 to take a job at Antigo, Rhinelander, and Minocqua. In 2001, WOBT-AM in Rhinelander where he spent WISN-TV engineer retires after 40 years Wagner became manager of Badger the rest of his career. There he served at Communications, a five station group in WISN-TV’s Director of Engineering, Tony various times as a host, program director, Marinette/Menominee, Michigan before Coleman, retired April 27 after 40 years with news director, and general manager. He Hearst Television. hosted “The JW Show” for more than 35 going in 2002 to Eagle River where he was Coleman started at WISN as Assistant Chief years. His true passion was time spent on manager of WRJO-FM and WERL-AM. Engineer in air. In 2005, Wagner was named regional sales 2004. He manager for Heartland Communications As the station’s lead news reporter, Wadd became stations in Eagle River, Park Falls, Ashland, was on call 365 days a year Chief Houghton, and Iron River. for more than 30 years and covered some Engineer of the biggest news events At age 70, Wagner is currently general soon after in northern Wisconsin. He interviewed manager of Coyote and Northwoods Sports that. numerous political Radio Rhinelander and general sales Before and community leaders. representative for Results Broadcasting coming to He also broadcast Rhinelander high stations in Antigo, Shawano, and Iron Milwaukee, school football and basketball games Mountain. Coleman both in the role as play-by-play announcer “Jeff was about doing what is best for the spent 26 and color commentator. Over 30 years he client and doing what is best for the years as an engineer with WCVB in Boston. covered every high school varsity football communities served by the radio stations “Everyone will miss his calm, cool demeanor and basketball game, both home and he’s working for,” said Bruce Grassman, where he had just the right answer for every away. President of Results Broadcasting. “Jeff is emergency,“ said WISN News Director Ben Hart. Wadd was a prolific copywriter always willing to help even his competitors Coleman and his wife Vernell have two sons and and starred in most of the commercials at other stations.” one grandchild with another grandbaby on the produced at the Wagner trained hundreds of broadcasters, way. station during his career. many who have gone on to successful He was a mentor to numerous young careers. Baun recognized for service to SBE broadcasters who went into successful Throughout his career he’s been involved in WBA Hall of Famer careers in journalism. He was involved in coaching little league baseball and hockey, Terry Baun was fundraising efforts for scholarships at local volunteering, serving Rotary Clubs in recently recognized for schools. numerous communities, and serving on the his service to the Wadd worked both on and off the air with Antigo Chamber of Commerce Board. He Society of Broadcast charitable and service organizations. He was elected to the Antigo School Board and Engineers. Baun was helped raise countless dollars for health, served for 12 years and he served on the recognized by the SBE education, and family charities. He was a Langlade Memorial Hospital Foundation for his more than 20 years of service to the SBE’s huge presence in Rhinelander and Board for 15 years. Certification Committee as both a member and surrounding communities and remains chair. He was presented with the recognition Wagner has always wanted to do what’s an inspiration decades after his death. during a meeting at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. best for the communities he’s serving. Wadd died in 1987. He was 65. >

Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 15 Members in the Spotlight money to send 112 kids to Camp Angel. WTMJ-AM begins FM simulcast “Mike Wolf and his WRJO Heartland team did Country station collects 512 units WTMJ-AM started broadcasting Friday on an an incredible job,” Heartland Communications FM translator. The FM signal, known as W277CV, during blood drive CEO Jim Coursolle said. “The terrific WRJO staff operates at 103.3 FM and covers Milwaukee A did an outstanding job and because of their and its adjacent suburbs. ‘frigid’ efforts, more than 100 children will be station in Milwaukee “It’s important to make our content easy to find able to enjoy a wonderful and “warm” camp collected 512 units and we’re excited to add an additional platform experience at Camp Angel this summer.” of blood during a at 103.3 FM along with our digital distribution Plungers were as young as 10 and as old as 75. one-day blood drive platforms,” said Tom Langmyer, vice president benefiting the Station raises $54K for honor flights and general manager of WTMJ and WKTI and BloodCenter of Wisconsin. vice president of news, talk, and sports, for The WKTI-FM held live Milwaukee E.W. Scripps Company. radio station broadcasts from the “KTI The new FM translator signal is the latest initiative WTMJ-AM Bleeds Country” blood by WTMJ to make its content universally available. raised drive on Feb. 26 at the "WTMJ’s 50,000-watt AM signal covers nearly Peck Pavilion inside the $54,758 to support honor flights for local veterans. 80 percent of the population of Wisconsin,” Milwaukee County Zoo. Langmyer said. “Adding FM service for WTMJ ran a three-week on-air campaign led by Musical artists Dierks Milwaukee and its suburbs exposes more radio afternoon host John Mercure. Mercure’s “WTMJ Bentley, Dan & Shay, listeners to our programming.” Russell Dickerson and Cares” fundraising project told stories of the service of Vietnam veterans in the area. During Chase Rice were on the Commercial, public radio teams up to air to encourage a radiothon, listeners donated $32,758 in three listeners to give. Josh hours. highlight local Gracin and Brandon Lay The campaign culminated in “Game Night for A commercial radio performed live to entertain the donors. Stars and Stripes Honor Flight” on Feb. 27 station and public The first-year blood drive drew 501 donors. which was a pre-game party radio station are Each donor received a ticket to Summerfest at historic Turner Hall where guests met teaming up to and was eligible to win prizes, including Vietnam veterans. After the party, the group produce a local hip autographed guitars from Keith Urban and enjoyed the Bucks game against the hop show in the Scotty McCreery and tickets to a Milwaukee Washington Wizards. Chippewa Valley. Brewers game. The money raised will pay for 150 veterans to 95.9 jamz (WEAQ) and Blugold Radio (WDRK) One donation can save up to three lives. see their memorial in Washington, D.C. are collaborating on “Midwest Hip Hop” which During the winter months when weather and “The WTMJ Cares campaign led by John will air Sundays at 9 p.m. on 95.9 jamz, and illness often causes donations to decline, the Mercure is another example of how live, local Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Blugold Radio 99.9 FM. donated blood will help patients in Milwaukee radio impacts people and a community,” said “Midwest Hip Hop” will focus on hip hop artists and across Wisconsin. vice president and general manager of WTMJ from the Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin, Minnesota, "This event is what KTI Country is all about— and WKTI, Tom Langmyer. and the rest of the upper Midwest. The show bringing country music fans together to serve “It’s a privilege to tell the stories of our Vietnam will also focus on up-and-coming artists and our community,” said Ryan Wild, program veterans,” Mercure said. “Their service is often highlight hip hop concerts in the region. director for 94.5 KTI Country. overlooked when compared to other conflicts “It is very important for us to reflect local hip in our history. An Honor Flight will give these hop music in our community,” 95.9 jamz Music Radio station’s polar plunge breaks brave veterans the respect and homecoming Director Luc Anthony said. “There is an they deserve. We couldn’t have done it without underrated but vital hip hop scene around here fundraising record the support of our listeners. They never cease that has a passionate following and a high level More than 1,000 people to amaze me.” of quality. We need to both acknowledge these came out into subzero wind artists and use our position to expose them to a chills to watch more than 80 Milwaukee station becomes bigger audience.” people plunge into a lake in ‘The Fonz’ “For us, partnering with Mid-West Family northern Wisconsin during a Broadcasting on a program like this is exciting,” A Milwaukee oldies station is WRJO event to help raise a record $42,000 for Blugold Radio Station Manager Scott Morfitt now calling itself “The Fonz.” to help kids attend Camp Angel. said. “Not only do we get to feature amazing The ice on Spirit Lake was 16 inches thick on WZTI repositioned itself at hip hop, Blugold Radio is thrilled to give back Jan. 6 for the WRJO/Angel on My Shoulder 100.3 FM and 107.3 FM with the to Mid-West Family Broadcasting who we owe Polar Plunge at same oldies format and a new slogan, “The our very existence to.” iconic Milwaukee symbol of cool, Happy Day’s Bonnie’s Lakeside In July of 2016, Mid-West Family Broadcasting Arthur Fonzarelli, known as ‘The Fonz.’” Resort in Three donated the transmitter and license for WDRK- Lakes. "Fonz FM will feature hit music that is hugely FM 99.9 to the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, Over 18 years the popular with Milwaukee listeners, but has been which subsequently launched Blugold Radio to event has raised largely forgotten by radio stations,” said WZTI manage and maintain the station. In Blugold more than General Manager Steve Kosbau. “It will be a lot Radio’s almost two years of existence, it has $515,000. This of fun for baby boomers." received awards from Volume One, the year’s event The station has a new logo that features a Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, and raised enough thumbs-up from Henry Winkler’s iconic character. Downtown Eau Claire, Inc.

16 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org National Association of Broadcasters Show Review April 8–11, 2018 | Las Vegas Convention Center

FCC CHair Ajit Pai with state broadcaster association leaders from around the country

Meeting with FCC Chair Ajit Pai

FCC Chair Ajit Pai speaking at the NAB Show

Performance from Old Dominion Michelle Vetterkind with Robin Roberts

Meeting with NAB Kirk Vetterkind, Chris Bernier, President Gordon Smith Michelle Vetterkind, and Terry Shockley

Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 17 FROM THE JACOBS MEDIA TEAM AS PART OF THE JACOBS MEDIA/WBA DIGITAL PARTNERSHIP How do all of your station’s digital tools connect back to the bottom line?

In this day and age, a single overarching strategy, The rest of the videos will be but it relies on principles that available in on the WBA Website. it’s difficult to keep broadcasters are familiar Look for “Digital Strategy Video up with all the latest with. When you launch a new Series” in the “Members Only” technology. station, you first find content section of the navigation. to put on it: local newscasts, If you’d like additional help As broadcasters, we’re music, or morning shows. expected to be proficient figuring out how your station Seth Resler Once the content is in place, can successfully implement and Jacobs Media with tools that didn’t exist 15 years ago, from Facebook and you need to let the audience improve its digital strategy, I will Twitter to blogs and podcasts. At a time when know about it, so you be at the WBA Summer every radio and television station is pressed for promote the station’s Conference in Milwaukee on money and manpower, it can be programming with billboards, June 20-21. I will be holding overwhelming. newspaper ads, or email one-on-one meetings with campaigns. Then you broadcasters to talk to them How do all of these different tools fit measure your station’s efforts about their station’s digital together? And how do they affect the using a variety of tools, from initiatives. To get the most out of bottom line? Nielsen ratings to perceptual these meetings, we’ve built a To answer that question, it’s helpful to look research studies. Digital Assessment to help you outside the broadcasting industry. As a digital strategy, content marketing get a handle on what areas your station is Increasingly, non-broadcasting businesses works in much the same way – though it excelling in and where there is room for have come to rely on a method known as employs a different set of tools. Instead of improvement. “content marketing” to grow their fanbases. programming a station, you start by putting Take The Assessment Now: That same strategy can be adapted to content on your website: articles, videos, https://jacobsmedia.com/wba-digital- broadcasting. photos, assessment/ Not only does content marketing pull all of a podcasts, As a digital strategy, station’s different digital elements together in etc. content marketing works in much the same way – though it employs a different set of tools.

Once you have your content on the site, you need to get word out to the audience. Instead of billboards and newspaper ads, you use social media campaigns and search engine optimization. Finally, you measure your efforts; but instead of using Nielsen and focus groups, you use Google Analytics and A/B tests. Once you’ve completed the assessment, I’ll Over the next few months, I am reach out to you to set up a time at the WBA producing a series of short Summer Conference to review the results videos for the Wisconsin together. There are a limited number of time Broadcasters Association that slots available. will dive into different digital Together, we’ll find a way to take your topics, from email marketing to station’s digital strategy to the next level. social media usage. All of these I look forward to seeing you in Milwaukee! topics are linked together as part of an overarching content The WBA Digital Hotline is a free service of the marketing strategy, which is the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. For free subject of the first of these advice on anything relating to digital videos. You can watch that broadcasting ranging from mobile, social media, video at: https:// jacobsmedia. content marketing or more, contact Paul Jacobs wistia.com/medias/ddhygnvji8. at [email protected]. 18 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org WBA Foundation

15 graduates join Walker Broadcast Management Institute alumni

Fifteen graduates of the Walker Broadcast Management Audrey Moon, WREX-TV Institute got their briefcases this week as the Institute marked Jesse Bolder, WJJQ-AM/FM the end of its seventh three-year cycle. Tom Galante, Mid-West Family Broadcasting The Institute is designed for broadcast managers and those seeking or being prepared for broadcast management positions. It’s held at Fletcher Keyes, Mid-West Family Broadcasting the UW School of Business on the UW-Madison campus. Mark Birtch, Mid-West Family Broadcasting This year the students heard from Linda Gorchels on marketing and Pat Heffling, iHeartMedia the future, Betsy Hagan on developing people around you, and Stephanie Hedrick, KWQC-TV Barry Callen on creativity. Steven Rick, the Chief Economist for CUNA Mutual Group, spoke at the graduation dinner at the Fluno Center. Jacque Harms, KOLN/KGIN This year’s graduates are: Marty Winters, KOLN/KGIN Mitch Reynolds, Mid-West Family Broadcasting Matt Kummer, WBAY-TV Betsy Keefe, WSAW-TV The graduates get briefcases to mark their accomplishment. The next Institute courses will be held April 2-4, 2019 on the UW-Madison campus. Dave Conour, WNWC-FM The Institute is funded by an endowment from the estate of William R. Joe Marroe, Woodward Radio Group Walker. It represents the largest single contribution ever received by the Kevin Millard, WXOW-TV WBA Foundation. Jowett Fellowship supports training for photographers The Rick Jowett Fellowship was established in 2017 by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation to support educational opportunities for photographers and videographers who work in media in Wisconsin.

Recipients of the fellowship can use the grant for professional About Rick Jowett development in the areas of photography and videography. Applicants Rick grew up in a media family. His grandfather was CEO of Forward must specify how the funds will be used. Potential uses include but are Communications which owned several television stations throughout the not limited to courses offered by the National Press Photographers country. His family was also involved in the print media, the Wausau Association, the Poynter Institute, or any accredited college or university. Herald. While in high school Rick began his career as a photographer This fellowship intends to award a total of up to $2,000 in grants annually working for the Wausau Herald. to multiple recipients to cover part or all of the recipients’ expenses. Rick Jowett completed his degree in journalism (UW-Madison) in the late 70s. Following Submission deadline is June 1. graduation, Rick started his career in broadcasting as a still photographer at WMTV-TV, in Apply at Madison, Wisconsin. Rick began working with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association in 1985 as the Association’s event photographer. He served graciously and unconditionally until his passing. www.wbafoundation.org/scholarships-grants/rick-jowett-fellowship

Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2018 19 Jeff Welton Nautel Regional Sales Manager Central US

Tel: 1 902 823 5127 [email protected] Making Digital Radio Work.

Take a LOOK at YOUR WBA’s Online Job Bank!

Job openings are added to the site daily. Calendar of Events January 30, 2019 For the most UP-TO-DATE See you at the Winter Conference look at Wisconsin broadcasting career WBA and State opportunities, or to place an ad for a June 20-21, 2018 Legislative Day Position Available/Position Wanted, visit the WBA Job Bank under Careers at Awards Summer Conference Madison Concourse Hotel WisconsinGala Hilton Milwaukee City Center wi-broadcasters.org. BroadcastersMay 5, 2018 Feb. 26-27, 2019 Association June 22, 2018 WBA DC Trip The WBA’s Job Bank is also linked to The Toolbox a national broadcast Career Page. Hilton Milwaukee City Center March 2, 2019 Oct 16-18, 2018 Student Seminar Broadcasters Clinic Madison Marriott West Madison Marriott West