MAY/JUNE 2020

CHAIR’S COLUMN Broadcasters step up to help Wisconsin through pandemic FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out. It is what good broadcasting stations have and why our listeners and viewers tune in. Sure, they want to be entertained with good programming, but if we are not keeping them informed on what is going on in the market, we will lose them. They will find it someplace else. When discussing this with our programming people I emphasize FOMO. Be topical but also be pertinent. Chris Bernier Give our listeners something they can use or need to COVID-19 Developments WBA Chair know about current conditions. A great compliment • Broadcasters are covering critical news, helping local business- for our announcers is when a listener says “… did you es, and changing programming to help their communities. See hear what (the announcer) said this morning”. To our sales staff, FOMO pages 8-9 for amazing examples. is a key asset of our stations and the most important thing we have to • The WBA Awards Gala is going online this year (watch your email sell. for more) and the WBA Summer Conference has been canceled. In times like this FOMO is especially important. We need to inform • Your WBA Legislative Committee and your fellow members are listeners and viewers on the news about the pandemic and what busy working with Congress on relief for broadcasters. resources are available if they need assistance. Wisconsin broad- • Your WBA has compiled a list of helpful resources you can find on Continued on page 3> the WBA homepage or at wi-broadcasters.org/COVID-19

CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S COLUMN DC lawmakers stand with broadcasters...... 2 Pandemic shows power of broadcasters Koser joins NAB Board...... 3 Welton recognized with to bring community together award...... 3 Simply amazing. ly difficult, but necessary decision. I’m pleased YP of the Year announcement 4 and excited to report that we are reconstituting There’s no other way to describe the Member news...... 5 the gala as an online video event over three days Michelle work you and your fellow broad- Jacobs: Helping businesses Vetterkind, with the aim of giving your stations an occasion during pandemic...... 6 casters are doing to help your local to celebrate their work. After all, you deserve a bit CAE communities through this devastat- Names in the News...... 7 of celebration now more than ever. Stay tuned for WBA President ing pandemic. At the same time, your Reporter recognized with more on that. openness award...... 7 and CEO own businesses are suffering from an Broadcasters respond to incredible loss of revenue. We will hold our next Summer Conference in pandemic...... 8-9 2021, but are working on hosting a virtual job fair We’ve heard stories from many of you over the past Educators Column...... 10 and EEO webinar this summer to continue our weeks. We hear the heartbreak and stress, but we also commitment to YOU with our WBA Assistance Fellowship for hear the pride in the critical role you’re playing. You photographers...... 10 Action Plan for EEO Compliance. More to come on should be proud. And know that your WBA is proud as Obituaries...... 11 that as well. well. More Names in the News...... 12 Hall of Fame, Local Broadcast Legends, YP of Be sure to check out pages 8-9 in the newsletter to see WBA Hall of Fame inductees the Year announced announced...... 13-14 what your fellow broadcasters are doing in their own Walker Broadcast Management communities. It’s most definitely inspiring. This newsletter is full of recognition. We are proud Institute postponed...... 14 to announce the 2020 WBA Hall of Fame induct- WBA events affected by pandemic WBA Local Broadcast Legends ees: announced...... 15 I’m sure you’ll agree that the WBA Awards Gala and • Thom Gerretsen Calendar of Events...... 16 Summer Conference are huge events for you, our • Jack Mitchell valued members, and canceling them was an extreme- Continued on page 2> PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Continued from page 1 • Wayne Larrivee A heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s been • Nancy Zieman involved in making calls and sending emails on You can read about them on pages 13-14. We are behalf of your fellow broadcasters. Please check also proud to announce the 2020 Local Broad- out the article below to see the strong support cast Legends honorees: broadcasters are getting from our Congressio- Wisconsin Broadcasters Association nal delegation. Yes, you truly make a difference! Officers & Board of Directors • Erin Davisson • Karen Dalessandro Your WBA is here to serve you OFFICERS 2020-2021 Chair of the Board • Bill McCollum and John Moser Broadcasters continue working through pan- Chris Bernier Radio Plus, Marinette/ • Peter Murphy demics and that also holds true for your WBA. Fond du Lac You can read more about them on page 15. Vice Chair - TV, Chair Elect Don Vesely WMTV-TV, Madison Last but certainly not least, we’re proud to Vice Chair - Radio announce our first Young Professional of the Year Lupita Montoto La Movida WLMV Radio, (drum roll please....): Terry Stevenson. We have a Madison wonderful profile of Terry on page 4. Treasurer Jan Wade WISN-TV, Milwaukee Everyone listed above would have normally Secretary been recognized at the WBA Summer Confer- Michael Wright Midwest Communications, ence. Because of the conference cancellation, Green Bay/Wausau they will be recognized at the 2021 Summer Immediate Past Chair Conference, along with Dick Zaragoza, our WBA Steve Lavin WBAY-TV, Green Bay Your WBA Board held its first meeting via video Distinguished Service Award recipient. conference on April 15. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Legislative Committee busy calling on DC Judson Beck WLAX-TV/WEUX-TV, We absolutely can’t wait for the day when we La Crosse/Eau Claire Please know that your WBA Legislative Commit- can all celebrate the work you’re doing right Brian Burns Morgan Murphy Media, Madison tee has remained busy through the pandemic now! Nothing can replace the value that you, Paul Cameron The Family Radio Network, maintaining contact with lawmakers in DC about our Wisconsin broadcasters, bring to your com- Appleton how the pandemic is affecting our local broad- munities. In the words of one of your fellow Herb Cody QueenB Radio, Platteville casters and how the federal government can members from a recent legislative call, your are Sean Dwyer WXOW-TV, La Crosse support our local broadcasters’ public service not only essential, you are critically essential. Stevens Point mission. Stay safe. We need you! Anna Engelhart WKOW-TV, Madison Aleese Fielder NRG Media-Wausau/ Stevens Point DC lawmakers show support for Wisconsin broadcasters Andy Gille Midwest Communications, Green Bay Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation is showing support for local Dean Kallenbach Wisconsin Public Radio, broadcasters during the COVID-19 pandemic by getting behind letters Senior Regional Manager, Eau Claire asking federal officials to help keep stations on the air. Mike Smith WFRV-TV, Green Bay Seven of Wisconsin’s members of the House of Representatives signed Mark Strachota WDJT-TV/CBS & Telemundo, Milwaukee a letter asking the Trump administration to consider federal spending Colleen Valkoun iHeartMedia, Milwaukee on advertising be prioritized for local media outlets. Jeff Welton Nautel, Hackett’s Cove, Representatives Dingell and Upton from Michigan, and Representatives Flores and Veasey from Texas, are Nova Scotia lead signers on the letter to the White House. Ex Officio - NAB Board Tom Walker Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Among the 240 House representative signing the letter are Wisconsin representatives Bryan Steil (1st Dis- Madison trict), Mark Pocan (2nd District), Ron Kind (3rd District), Jim Sensenbrenner (5th District), Glenn Grothman (6th District), and Mike Gallagher (8th District). WBA Team President & CEO Another letter, led in part by Wisconsin Representative Jim Sensenbrenner, asks House leadership to Michelle Vetterkind, CAE expand the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program to include those media compa- [email protected] nies with more than 500 employees. This expansion would help local broadcasters continue to fulfill their Vice President - Administration Linda Baun public service mission during this critical time. [email protected] Wisconsin representatives Mark Pocan (2nd District), Ron Kind (3rd District), and Glenn Grothman (6th) NCSA/PEP Coordinator joined Sensenbrenner on the letter. Liz Boyd [email protected] Wisconsin Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson both signed a letter asking the federal government Director of Operations and Public to help local broadcasters through the purchase of advertising. Affairs Kyle Geissler The letter from Senators Daines (MT), Manchin (WV), and Barrasso (WY) asks the Office of Management [email protected] and Budget to use federal funds to purchase advertising to help local broadcasters continue their critical work at a time when the people they serve are seeing their greatest need. WBA Board minutes are always available for members. Please email Linda Baun at The letter was signed by 74 U.S. Senators. [email protected] to request WBA member radio and TV stations thank all the members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation who a copy. have showed their support for their local broadcasters during this pandemic. 2 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Welton to receive 2020 NAB Radio Engineering Achievement Award WBA Board member and regional sales manager, Central US, for Nautel Limited, Jeff Welton, will be honored with the 2020 NAB Radio Engineering Achievement Award. Welton handles all aspects of transmitter sales and customer support. He joined Nautel in 1990 as the company’s first customer service technician, and went on to provide field support, conduct site inspections and installations, and develop training materi- als for both internal and external use. Welton is also a frequent lecturer and author on digital radio, radio technology, and radio engineering, including numerous arti- cles and three chapters in the 11th edition of the NAB Engineering Handbook. He received the 2019 Association of Public Radio Welton Engineers Engineering Achievement Award and the SBE James C. Wulliman Educator of the Year award in 2018. Jim Stenberg from American Tower Corporation will receive the 2020 NAB Television Engineering Achievement Award. Broadcasters represented at conference Wisconsin EAS Committee Chair Gary Timm Koser joins NAB Radio Board was at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Tom Koser, owner of Koser Radio Group in Rice Lake, has been elected to the NAB Radio Board. His Security and met up with Manny Centeno, two-year term begins June 2020. Project Manager, National Public Warning System - IPAWS, FEMA, Washington, DC. Thank ‘I am honored to be elected by fellow broadcasters you both for your service to this important in the Midwest region to represent them and their public safety resource! interests at the national level in our industry,” Koser said. “The NAB is our vital link to shaping policy The conference is attended by emergency management, 911 centers, and decisions in Washington and throughout the law enforcement, fire agencies, health departments, and other first Koser country and I’m excited to serve as a positive voice responders from Wisconsin’s 72 counties. and strong advocate for our broadcasters.” Update website link to Wisconsin Amber Alert As a member of the NAB Board, Koser will serve on the WBA Board of Directors as an ex-officio member. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has updated Koser has served on the WBA Board of Directors, served as WBA the website address for Wisconsin Amber Alert. Board Chair in 2011, is a current member of the WBA Foundation The new address is: amberalert.widoj.gov/ Board, and was inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame in 2018. The website contains resources and statistics about Koser is assuming the NAB Board seat previously held by Tom Wisconsin’s Amber Alert system. Walker, President of Mid-West Family Broadcasting in Madison. Koser will also assume Walker’s seat on Live code test called off because of pandemic the WBA Board as an ex-officio member and as co- Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service chair of the WBA Legislative Committee. called off the live code test scheduled for April 16 because of the Walker served on the NAB Board for six years. He ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. has served on the WBA Board of Directors, served Stations were still encouraged to draw attention to Severe Weather as WBA Board Chair in 2007, is a current member of the WBA Foundation Board, and was inducted into Awareness Week and a “virtual” tornado drill on April 16. Walker the WBA Hall of Fame in 2015. 2020 Election windows for Lowest Unit Charge Your WBA thanks Tom Walker for his service to the Elections Election Dates Window for LUC begins NAB Board and his fellow Wisconsin broadcasters. Spring Primary Feb. 18, 2020 Jan. 4, 2020 Spring Election April 7, 2020 Before end of primary window 7th Cong. District May 12, 2020 Before end of spring window Fall Primary Aug. 11, 2020 June 27, 2020 Fall General Nov. 3, 2020 Sept. 4, 2020

Get a 2020 Political Broadcasting Rules Summary on the WBA website. Under “Members Only” look for “Political Broadcasting Resources.” CHAIR’S COLUMN Continued from page 1 casters have really stepped up, airing announcements at no charge to let people know about businesses that are still open in whatever capacity, doing fundraising events for needy individuals and organi- zations like food pantries, and the Red Cross. This has always been our mission. Way to go Wisconsin broadcasters! We have lost several WBA Hall of Famers this year. One that I would like to mention is Willie Davis. Most people in Wisconsin know him as a legendary Green Bay Packer. We were fortunate to know him as a broadcaster. Those of us who were lucky enough to meet him know him as one of the genuinely greatest people you will ever meet. Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2020 3 Young Professionals Stevenson named first WBA Young Professional of the Year One of the founding members like creating unique content both on-air and off-air, using the inter- of the WBA Young Professionals net, streaming, social media, and personalized apps. Committee has been named the “Understanding and evolving with technology is the key action that WBA’s first Yong Professional of will keep the broadcasting industry relevant,” Stevenson wrote. “As the Year. we encourage our advertising partners, we too must keep ourselves Terry Stevenson was the highest in our audiences’ top-of-mind awareness; when our communities are ranked of the five young broad- looking for news, entertainment, and sports, we want them to think casting professionals recognized of us first as their preferred source for that information across every this year for making a significant method of media consumption.” impact on their stations and When asked what advice he would give to other young broadcasters, communities. The group was Stevenson said, “Reimagine what broadcasting could be like and then selected from a group of nom- go make it happen.” inees ranked by a subcommittee of This directive embodies the way that Stevenson has the WBA Board of “Reimagine what built his entire career, always pushing to expand the Directors. broadcasting boundaries of what is considered possible and “the way things are done” to give clients and the community new The four other hon- could be like and then go make it and exciting ways to engage, reach, and interact with orees are Heather each other. It takes a lot of time, energy, commitment, Storm from Woodward Radio Group in Appleton, Eric happen.” and sacrifice to build a successful and meaningful career Bartos from Wisconsin Public Radio, Jesi Hartman from in advertising, and Stevenson has given above and be- WKOW-TV, and Greg Scalzo from Good Karma Brands yond in each of those areas and would encourage other in Madison. All four were recognized in earlier issues of the WBA Young Professionals to do the same. newsletter. Stevenson said he has been guided, mentored, and taught by ex- Stevenson began his broadcasting career in his sophomore year of ample from his grandfather Don Seehafer. From giving him his very high school, when he asked his grandfather, Don Seehafer, to air first opportunity on-air, to a part-time trial in sales, to a 30-minute Christian music program on one of the instilling in him an understanding of the importance of stations that his grandfather then owned. Seehafer told relationships and encouraging his active participation him that if he wanted the airtime, he would have to earn in the WBA, Stevenson said his grandfather was his it. Much to his grandfather’s surprise, Stevenson went best role model and biggest advocate, and Stevenson out and sold his show to local business sponsors, earned would like to dedicate this award to him. his airtime for a Christian music program on a Classic Rock station (WQTC-FM), and thus began a career in All honorees, including Stevenson, were to be recog- broadcasting and advertising sales marked by creativity, nized at the 2020 WBA Summer Conference. The 2020 hard work, and ingenuity. Summer Conference has been cancelled because of the pandemic. Recognition of the young professionals will Since those early days, Stevenson has gone on to work be rescheduled. his way up through the company of Seehafer Broadcasting as an advertising executive part-time during high school and then full-time If you’d like to nominate a young professional for this recognition, you immediately following high school graduation, eventually earning his can do that here: current role of Advertising Sales Manager. https://www.wi-broadcasters.org/yp-nominations/ Stevenson believes strongly in the power and capability of young professionals to bring change to the broadcasting community. He knows firsthand both the challenges and the opportunities that face today’s young professional. “Young professionals bear the responsibility of learning with respect the history of the field, of looking to the leaders who have been in Stay Connected broadcasting for decades and allowing those leaders to mentor, shape and mold them,” he wrote. Stevenson believes young professionals are the future of broadcast- CONNECT WITH ing, bringing a unique perspective to an industry that has already YOUR WBA stood the test of time. Beyond simply building a career, Stevenson says young professionals must embrace the vital importance of build- Find us on Facebook ing relationships in every aspect of their broadcasting work. @WIBroadcasters on Twitter @WisconsinBroadcasters on Instagram In considering the future of broadcasting, Stevenson sees a subtle wibroadcasters on Snapchat but important shift from a role as “broadcaster” to a role as “content provider.” Listeners and viewers have so many options available to them now, with more coming every day, and it is the responsibility of broadcasters to meet them where they are. To Stevenson, this looks

4 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Member News Fox completes purchase of WITI-TV WISN-TV hosts annual Black Excellence Awards Milwaukee TV station WISN- Nexstar and Fox have completed a trans- TV hosted and sponsored the action that gives Fox Milwaukee TV station 35th Annual Black Excellence Fox 6 (WITI-TV) which was recently acquired Awards on Feb. 28. The event by Nexstar through the purchase of Tribune recognizes African Americans Media. who have made a significant Fox is also buying a Nexstar station in Seattle and Nextsar is buying impact on southeastern two stations in Charlotte. Wisconsin and beyond. The “Since completing the Tribune Media transaction we’ve evaluated op- annual event was presented portunities to optimize our portfolio with the goals of positioning us by the Milwaukee Times and WISN-TV anchors Sheldon Dutes and in markets that are complementary to existing operations or markets Adrienne Pedersen emceed the ceremony. where we believe we can generate greater upside and potentially “From corporate trailblazers, to educational innovators, to artists freeing up some national cap ownership space,” said Nexstar CEO and entertainers, these award recipients represent the very best in Perry Sook. our community,” said Jan Wade, president and general manager of The deal was first announced in November. WISN-TV. “We’re all guided by their vision of excellence, and grate- ful for their amazing gifts!” Radio station recognized by Wausau PD The special honoree category this year was “Women at the Leading Wausau radio station 89Q (WCLQ) was recent- Edge of Education, Medicine, Law, and Business,” highlighting the ly named a Wausau Police Department 2020 contributions of women in the community providing leadership Community Partner of the Year. and a positive impact on the public and private sectors. Along 89Q organized “Lights of Christmas” with two with the special honoree category, there area Culver’s restaurants. More than $3,000 were more than a dozen other categories was raised for the program. General Man- which acknowledge a total of nearly 50 ager Coy Sawyer then purchased gift cards individuals. A select group of exemplary from area Christian schools that were disbursed to the Wausau and local high school students received the Rothschild police departments. Law enforcement officers handed out prestigious Louvenia Johnson Scholarship, more than 200 gift cards to citizens in need as the officers came upon which recognizes accomplishments involv- them during the winter. ing education, extracurricular activities, and community-building. This year’s Louvenia “Over the years I have seen a number of ways to impact the commu- Johnson Scholarship recipients were featured nity and I would like to say that 89Q and the Lights of Christmas have on WISN-TV. established one of the nicest programs,” Rothschild PD Chief Jeremy Hunt said. The keynote address was delivered by Kim- berly Godwin, the executive vice president of Culver’s was also recognized by the Wausau Police Department. CBS News. In addition to the keynote speaker, 89Q plans on working with seven more police departments in its recipients, and honorees, the gala included remarks by special market in 2020-21. guests Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Milwaukee Public School Superintendent Dr. Keith Posley, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Sucher named to head Radio Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. Entertainment management professional Kevin Sucher has been named executive director of Weeden retires after 34 years at WMTV-TV non-commercial radio station 88Nine Radio Milwau- NBC15 (WMTV-TV) Chief Engineer Tom Weeden is kee (WYMS-FM). retiring after 34 years at the Madison station. A Milwaukee native, Sucher worked as a profes- “Tom’s combination of curiosity, knowledge, pro- sional musician for several years, teaching himself fessionalism, and heart made him one of the best recording and sound engineering skills that even- broadcast engineers we have in our industry,” WMTV tually led to a career as a music producer. Through Sucher producing, Sucher built relationships with artists General Manager Don Vesely wrote. and influential professionals in the entertainment Weeden was a part of numerous technological industry, which grew into a national career in artist management. Weeden advancements during the course of his career and The long list of artists he’s worked with include Eric Benét, David played an instrumental role in the construction of the Foster, Train, The Tenors, and Michelle Branch. station’s new building in Madison that became operational in October As executive director, Sucher is responsible for management of the 2016. station and leading the organization. To ensure a smooth change “Tom’s contributions to NBC15 are as numerous and as big as any in leadership, he started in his new position this week in an over- single employee before him,” Vesely wrote. He also credits him for his lapped transition period with outgoing Executive Director Glenn support of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. Kleiman. The station shared a video tribute and interviewed him on his last The Radio Milwaukee board began an extensive national search for day. a new executive director in October 2019 after Kleiman announced he would step down in spring 2020, after four years in the role. His last day at the station was March 31. Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2020 5 FROM THE JACOBS MEDIA TEAM AS PART OF THE JACOBS MEDIA/WBA DIGITAL PARTNERSHIP How advertiser needs have changed due to COVID-19 (and how broadcasters need to respond) When the impact of the pandemic began to take effect But there are now examples of how advertisers are making the pivot. around mid-March, broadcasters got hit hard by can- Papa John’s is promoting “pizza not touched by human hands when it cellations, as their clients shut down their businesses. comes out of the oven,” and Carvana has adjusted their slogan from “The Bills stopped being paid as everyone struggled to try to easiest way to buy a car,” to “The safest way to buy a car.” And in both cas- figure out what it meant. es, these companies are promoting digital solutions to accomplish these A month later, we are seeing signs some clients are be- important goals and cater to their customers’ needs and health priorities ginning to think about what their businesses needs to during the pandemic. look like in the post-COVID-19 world. Gone are the days As things begin to return to normal, broadcasters will need to pivot as Paul Jacobs when their advertising message well. While advertisers will continue to need to centered around “check out our huge inventory,” “I believe broadcasters use advertising to build brands and awareness, the “fast, friendly service,” and “come in and take a test need to drive traffic might become a quaint pic- drive.” They have been forced to focus on home are well-positioned to ture from our past. In its place, businesses will need delivery, curbside pickup, and eCommerce. make this pivot but to develop eCommerce, more robust websites, To satisfy these old marketing objectives, adver- will need mobile apps, database marketing, social media tising was used to drive traffic and consumers marketing, SEM and SEO, and more (note I didn’t stopped in to either browse or to buy. Businesses to do so quickly.’ include geo-targeting, because in the digital world didn’t require having any kind of relationship with where driving traffic to a store isn’t as important, these consumers because they could just re-tool neither is their location) in order to satisfy these with more advertising and marketing. changing needs. And that’s the biggest lesson learned – in order to survive during and I believe broadcasters are well-positioned to make this pivot but will after the COVID-19 crisis, businesses are going to have to invest in having need to do so quickly. Many companies have invested in providing digital digital, one-to-one relationships with their customers. And this is where solutions and products, and of course, these packages may need to be broadcasters can come in. supported with traditional advertising. But needs are going to change, and now is the time for broadcasters to truly evolve their business mod- I love restaurants, and here in Detroit there is a group that has six unique els. bistros that are outstanding. We’ve been customers of one of their restau- rants for close to 30 years. Like all restaurants, they stopped table service The local small and medium businesses that comprise the base of broad- six weeks ago and tried to promote curbside pickup. Two weeks ago, casters’ business compete every day with Amazon, Wal-Mart and Target. they announced the closure of all their locations. And while those mega-companies can invest millions in their digital strategies, developing a digital relationship with customers doesn’t need One of the reasons they failed was because they didn’t know who I am. to cost a fortune. Sure, the wait staff greeted us when we came in because of our longevity, but the company didn’t really know us. They had a weak email relation- But the cost of not having a digital relationship with customers could, ship with us, no mobile app, and no way to activate the thousands of and for broadcasters, it’s time to pivot. customers who loved their restaurants. Very old school. Wishing all of you, your families, and your colleagues good health during And looking around, they aren’t alone. To my eye, most local restaurants these challenging times. and retailers haven’t invested in developing digital relationships with The WBA Digital Hotline is a free service of the WBA. For any questions their long-term customers and can’t activate them today as shopping regarding digital solutions, contact Paul Jacobs at [email protected]. patterns radically change. WBAY-TV breaks CP Telethon record value of our programs, the quality of our staff,” said John Syndergaard, WBAY-TV in Green Bay broke a new the Executive Director of CP. record when it raised more than One person who understands CP’s value is veteran WBAY reporter, $1,450,000 during a telethon to ben- Kristyn Allen, who shared her own efit Cerebral Palsy Inc. The total broke family’s experience. After her new- the previous record by $30,000. born daughter was hospitalized The 66th annual CP Telethon was for 72 days with a life-threatening hosted March 7-8. It’s the lon- upper respiratory virus, she faced gest-running local telethon in the serious developmental delays, nation. like her ability to eat and drink. “I cried when she finally drank from a CP is an independent nonprofit agency that provides therapy, child- bottle,” Kristyn said, “and the first time that happened was at CP.” care, and adult day services. Each year, its professional staff works with more than 2,000 people of all ages and abilities to help them For Kristyn, and many other WBAY employees, telethon weekend is a reach their personal development goals. The money raised during the labor of love. “Their passion for this event is remarkable. It is impossi- 2020 telethon will be used to support and maintain current programs, ble to fake it,” said Steve Lavin, WBAY’s General Manager. “My hope is develop new ones, and expand CP’s reach, which continues to grow. “I everyone involved in the annual CP Telethon finds it both personally believe that our work resonates with people, people understand the and professionally rewarding.” 6 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Making a Difference Polar Bear Plunge raises $34K for cancer charity A Polar Bear Plunge event hosted by an Eagle River radio station raised more than $34,000 for a local cancer charity. Reporter recognized by Openness Awards WRJO led the 2020 Northwoods Original Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Fox 6 (WITI-TV) Milwaukee reporter Amanda St. Angel On My Shoulder. Hilaire is among those being recognized by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council its Sixty plungers came from as far away as Arizona and Texas to take the annual Openness Awards, or Opees. plunge. WRJO morning show host Mike Wolf celebrated his 20th year with a cool dip in the water. Including the 2020 plunge, more than St. Hilaire will receive the Media Openness $555,000 has been raised for Angel On My Shoulder over the past 20 Award (“Mopee”) for her in-depth investigative years. reports on how state legislators, alone among state and local public officials in Wisconsin, Angel On My Shoulder’s mission is to further the well-being of those St. Hilaire reserve the right to destroy records at will and affected by cancer through enhancement of their quality of life, how the clerks in both houses refuse to release and the creation of hope to provide a life of rich quality and endless records regarding allegations of misconduct against lawmakers possibilities, generating awareness of and their staffs. The station, represented by Tom Kamenick, is the plight of those affected by cancer now suing Gov. Tony Evers for initially refusing to release records through advocacy. without the requester providing limited search terms. For the rest of the awards, both a former state employee who rebuffed a committee’s efforts to embrace secrecy and an attor- ney who launched a law firm devoted to transparency are being honored as citizen openness advocates, while the state’s two largest newspapers tied in the category of open records scoop of the year. Awards are also being given to former state Supreme Court Jus- Names in the News tice Shirley Abrahamson and to a Lafayette County official who Meghan Reistad will join Mike Curkov, Pauleen blew the whistle on an ill-advised plan to threaten the news Le, and Justin Thompson-Gee to anchor the CBS 58 media into compliance with its wishes. Morning News on weekdays from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. This is the 14th consecutive year that Opees have been given. on CBS 58 (WDJT-TV) and from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, a nonpartisan WMLW, The M. group that seeks to promote open government, consists of Stacy Engebretson is leaving NBC26 (WGBA-TV) after about two dozen members representing media and other public 20 years at the station. Engebretson is a two-time interests. Sponsoring organizations include the Wisconsin News- Emmy award-winning journalist who most recently paper Association, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Wiscon- Reistad anchored NBC 26 Live at 5:00 and previously anchored sin Associated Press, and the Madison Chapter of the Society of NBC 26 at 6:00 and 10:00. She also served as NBC Professional Journalists. 26’s Assistant News Director. Engebretson previously The winners were to be honored at the tenth annual Wisconsin worked as an anchor/reporter for WAOW-TV in Wausau Watchdog Awards Dinner, which was postponed because of the and KSAX-TV in Alexandria, Minnesota. She plans to pandemic. continue working with the many nonprofit organiza- tions she developed relationships with through her Clark marks 30 years reporting on WEAU-TV NBC26 Cares series. WEAU-TV news anchor Judy Clark recently Engebretson WITI-TV anchor Nicole Koglin is leaving the Milwau- marked 30 years on the air at the Eau Claire kee TV station after more than 15 years. “While it has station. been an absolute pleasure, and honor, to wake up Mil- Clark started at WEAU-TV on March 26, 1990. waukee for more than 15 years, it’s now time for me to She graduated from the journalism program at be with my own family when they wake up and begin University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and worked their day,” Koglin said. Koglin plans on leaving in July. for WAXX-FM as a news reporter before joining Bailey Coleman, a program director for an iHeart- WEAU-TV. She began as a reporter and quickly Media station in Milwaukee is leaving to be VP of Clark moved into anchoring. She has anchored the Koglin Programming for iHeartMedia New Orleans. She will station’s 5 p.m. newscast for more than 20 years. oversee programming content and Her husband, Tom Benson, is the operations manager at WEAU. operations for eight radio stations and Both started working at WEAU-TV on the same date but didn’t will host middays on urban station know each other. WYLD-FM. Reggie Brown has been named program director for V100.7 A special segment was produced, but because of the pandemic, (WKKV-FM) and will continue to broad- on-air staff and the general manager had to shoot their com- cast on the station as an afternoon ments in separate locations. Past staff members were also asked to send in photos with a sign celebrating her anniversary. Coleman Brown host. Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2020 7 COVID-19 Response Wisconsin broadcasters play critical role in COVID-19 pandemic Wisconsin’s radio and TV stations are helping their communities respond to the medical, economic, and mental strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Broadcasters take seriously their commitment to serving their local communities and helping Wisconsin stay healthy and safe. In additional to regular news updates, here are some examples of the work being done around the state. WACD-FM County 106 and WATK-AM/FM in Heartland Communications radio stations in Antigo are broadcasting messages on each Eagle River and Ashland are airing programs station 10 times per day about the necessity to promote local businesses open during the of supporting locally owned businesses in the pandemic and running spots in support of local community and hosting businesses daily on a businesses. The Ashland stations started a pet morning show. food pantry. WBEV in Beaver Dam is putting local business- In addition to hosting a free website where local es on the air to talk about how listeners can restaurants can add their hours of operation, help and 95X (WXRO) hosted a commercial-free Woodward Radio Group stations in the Apple- dance party to relieve stress. Both stations are ton area hosted an online virtual sing-along to sharing local pandemic resources over the air unite the community. and on their websites. Big Radio in Janesville, Beloit, and Monroe WMVO-LP in Monona is hosting three dance quickly created an online business directory parties a week to help kids at home “get the at shoplocal.fm that includes information on wiggles out.” The parties air Mondays, Wednes- local restaurants, retailers, and other businesses days, and Fridays. offering services while still complying with new health emergency regulations. Radio Plus stations in the Fond du Lac area are keeping listeners connected to their commu- Mid-West Family Broadcasting in Madison nities through interviews with businesses, hosted a free webinar to help local businesses. non-profits, religious groups, and other com- The eight-station group teamed with partners munity groups. The stations also produced and to host the educational webinar. shared a video promoting local businesses. Durand radio station WRDN is providing Radio Milwaukee (WYMS) changed up its pro- updates with local officials on a daily basis. It’s gramming schedule in reaction to the needs of also promoting restaurants providing takeout its listeners. It created numerous weekday and to encourage support from listeners. The station weekend programs to, for example, teach kids also facilitated milk and cheese curd donations about music and provide a dinnertime dance for families and local school districts. party. QueenB Radio in Platteville has created “Oper- Madison radio station Life 102.5 (WNWC) is ation Small Business,” an online list of local small taking its community building initiatives online. businesses the community can support. Busi- The station’s Family Fun Guide underwent a nesses interested in getting listed can fill out a complete revamp to focus solely on safe-at- form. The stations are also airing daily updates home activity ideas. The station also launched provided by local officials. the next installment of its book club. Madison TV station NBC15 (WMTV-TV) is seek- V100.7 (WKKV) in Milwaukee hosted Stay At ing online donations to help a local food bank Home, Stay Safe, a special on the importance of As of April 1 The Care Box Challenge has raised social distancing. The in-depth honest conversa- $448,408 (which includes $48,500 in matching tion about COVID-19 and its effects on the com- funds) to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank munity was moderated by Milwaukee County of Southern Wisconsin. Health Commissioner Dr. Jeanette Kowalik. WISN-TV in Milwaukee and Hunger Task Force Mid-West Family radio stations in La Crosse launched an online ‘food drive’ in April to help are using aroundrivercity.com to allow local local families in need. The initiative has already businesses to post updates about changes in raised $313,000. The station also launched their business hours and services. They’re also “Operation Shop Local” to help small businesses using the website to promote local and regional in southeast Wisconsin. artists performing live on social media. 89Q in Wausau partnered with community WWIS Radio in Black River Falls has inter- organization Payton’s Promise to promote viewed local food bank officials regarding the group’s effort to collect food for students procedural changes for those picking up food who rely on school lunch. The station is also for those in need. It’s also delivering information interviewing health care officials about staying for listeners regarding maintaining cleanliness physically and mentally healthy. and assisting area restaurants. 8 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org A group of six radio stations in Manitowoc launched a local campaign in partnership with WLAX-TV/WEUX-TV serving the La Crosse and the local Chamber of Commerce. The stations Eau Claire areas created a webpage listing local are airing PSAs encouraging listeners to keep businesses and restaurants that remain open shopping local and launched a webpage dedi- and is airing locally produced PSAs. cated to COVID-19.

Cumulus radio stations in the Green Bay area PBS Wisconsin and Milwaukee PBS is support- posted a list of area restaurants and bars offer- ing at-home learning for students and families ing services. The effort, promoted on air as “We by airing a new weekday television schedule of Love Local.”The websites are updated several programming with digital resources that con- times each day. nect to Wisconsin’s state academic standards.

Mid-West Family radio stations in Eau Claire The Family Radio Network (Appleton, Green launched “Operation Support Local.” The sta- Bay, Sheboygan, and Wausau/Stevens Point) tions air quick phone conversations with local is connecting with its communities through a businesses that air weekday mornings and are Facebook group where listeners are posting edited and aired as bonus commercials. The needs, encouragement, updates, and informa- interviews are also posted online. tion about artists performing via livestream. Merrill radio station WJMT joined with a local FOX6 (WITI-TV) in Milwaukee is leading an church to produce a live “Drive-In” Easter Sun- effort to provide food to first responders. The day morning service to help worshipers who Feed A Hero program makes it easy to order couldn’t gather for a traditional service because food from a local restaurant and have it deliv- of social distancing. More than 500 vehicles ered or drop it off for those working at health filled the parking area, during a snowstorm. care facilities and in public safety. Midwest Communications radio stations from Mauston radio stations WRJC-AM and WRJC-FM around Wisconsin airing a PSA campaign asking have welcomed lawmakers, health officials, listeners to support local businesses and asking businesses, and food pantry advocates onto the the businesses to contact the station if they are radio to keep listeners informed and engaged still open for business. The stations are sharing with information about how they can help. the information on the station’s websites.

Milwaukee TV station WTMJ-TV has launched a Radio stations raise spirits with new ‘Jump Around’ tradition public service campaign called “We’re Open” to Radio stations from around Wiscon- support local businesses. Through a multiplat- sin united with a social media effort form campaign the station is encouraging view- to raise the spirits of Wisconsinites ers to help local small businesses stay afloat. during the COVID-19 pandemic by airing Jump Around on Saturdays at 3 p.m. Station makes temporary flip to COVID-19 programs Jump Around by House of Pain is A sports talk radio station in traditionally played for the crowds Milwaukee is making a tem- at Camp Randall between the third porary change to air program- and fourth quarter at Wisconsin ming related to the COVID-19 Badger football games. pandemic. WIXX-FM in Green Bay, iHeartMedia SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio (chan- stations across the state, and numerous other stations started the nel 110) and its public service new tradition on April 4. channel 121, “Coronavirus: What You Need to Know” will air on 540 ESPN (WAUK-AM) beginning April 20. The programming change will iHeartMedia estimates more than 43,000 people have joined in preempt ESPN network programming until further notice. “Jumping Around” with their neighbors during the airing of the song, while maintaining social distancing requirements. The sta- 540 AM will air Coronavirus Radio (channel 121) Tuesday through tions asked Matt Lepay, the radio voice of your Wisconsin Badgers, Saturday for continuous programming highlights from Doctor Radio’s to record a special message for Badgers fans across the country. ongoing coronavirus coverage. On Sunday and Monday, 540 AM will air Doctor Radio (channel 110) in its entirety. WIXX Brand Manager Corey Carter immediately started promoting the effort on air and online as soon as the idea was pitched to “We can’t wait for live sports to resume and for the threat of the them. coronavirus to subside, but in the meantime, believe the health and well-being of our community is the top priority, as well as delivering “We saw a significant buzz on our social media almost immediate- relevant information to our audience,” said Steve Wexler, Good Karma ly, so we knew it would be big. It was a lot of fun to see so many Brands vice president and Milwaukee market manager. socially isolated families ‘come together’ for a few minutes.” Local sports talk programming will continue to air as scheduled on WIXX received hundreds of videos of listeners and their families 94.5 ESPN. “jumping around” immediately after the song played on social media. 9 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Educators Column Thrive through pandemic by ‘turning setbacks into comebacks’

Years ago, when I was member of the National Press access to technology, bandwidth and time that have taken a toll on Photographers Association, I attended a conference everyone. that featured guest speakers who shared stories of However, there have been a few examples of creative resourcefulness their careers and examples of their work. One fea- resulting in meeting those challenges with surprising results. Here are tured speaker resonated with me with a simple but a few that I thought were worth sharing: effective message that has stuck with me ever since. • The campus web series student organization Focus on U prior to He had pursued a career that he thought was his the campus closure was working on a new project that was set “dream job” and made many sacrifices to climb the to publicly debut in May but has since devised a new collabo- Erik L. Johnson ladder to achieve his dream. However, when he final- rative approach that students will film and edit themselves as ly reached the top, it was not as gratifying as he had various characters in the story at their homes that will be edited perceived and despite the high salary, fringe benefits and fame, his together as a special “COVID” creative episode. career left him with an empty feeling and wanting something more. • At the beginning of the semester a student started working with As the years went by, he grew to resent his position until one day an a local non-profit organization for a creative research project opportunity presented itself that was completely unexpected. It was on a series of promotional videos about the organization’s thrift a chance to pursue something totally different. He took the leap of store and food pantry. The initial project was put on pause due faith and accepted the new position which at first offered a change to the closure but the student has since decided to create anima- of scenery and excitement but at a cost which, at the time, included tions for b-roll that will result in a fresh and unique approach to taking a significant pay cut and lifestyle adjustment. the project and a new marketable skill for the student. After six months on the job he suffered setbacks that included a heart • To stay connected with students remotely attack resulting in loss of his health and eventually his job. His hospi- during the campus closure, the office of Stu- tal bills piled up, setting him back ever further. dent Involvement has created a series of “We Here’s where the story takes another twist. Are Still Falcons” videos to send a message of Having many professional contacts, he reached out and found some- hope with the help of a skilled student intern one who he had not seen for many years that had another opportuni- working from his home. ty for an entry level position at NFL Films. • Another student who was interning for a local The man accepted the position even knowing that he might not community television station was tasked with covering a high school championship basket- make the cut as someone who was at the later part of his career and UW-RF Stage ball game with only two people due to “social not having as much experience in the field as his considerably young- & Screen Arts distancing” restrictions. What would have er counterparts, but he knew that at this point he had nothing to lose Major Ashley Bowes otherwise been an eight to ten-person crew and went for it. directing high school was reduced to two who live switched, mixed championship game As part of his rehabilitation the man became more physically active audio, updated screen graphics, and ran an with social distancing and completely recovered from his health issues. At around the same occasional instant replay all while announc- restrictions in place. time he started to excel at NFL Films and was promoted. ing the game and doing live play-by-play! He went on to work on numerous Superbowl events, won several The coverage resulted in reaching adoring Emmy Awards and loved his life, which led to pursuing another fans, friends and families who otherwise would have missed the endeavor of becoming a motivational speaker. To sum up his story he event. Following the end of the game, the student remarked that used the phrase, “Turn setbacks into comebacks.” It’s easier said than “this was one of the most intense experiences I have ever had.” done, but it’s something I have thought of many times and has reso- While it is not my intent to ignore the widespread gloom and doom, nated lately in the face of unforeseen challenges with the COVID-19 there are examples of positive outcomes that demonstrate the value pandemic. of “turning setbacks into comebacks.” Since campuses have closed and classes have shifted to online de- Erik L. Johnson is Associate Professor of Stage & Screen Arts at UW-River livery, there have been significant compromises along the way in an Falls attempt to find creative solutions to ongoing issues such as limited Fellowship supports photographer training Apply at wbafoundation.org/scholarships-grants/rick-jowett-fellowship The Rick Jowett Fellowship was established in 2017 by the Wisconsin About Rick Jowett Broadcasters Association Foundation to support educational oppor- tunities for photographers and videographers who work in media in Rick grew up in a media family. His grandfather was Wisconsin. CEO of Forward Communications which owned several television stations throughout the country. Recipients of the fellowship can use the grant Submission His family was also involved in the print media, the for professional development in the areas of Deadline is Wausau Herald. While in high school Rick began his photography and videography. Applicants must career as a photographer working for the Wausau specify how the funds will be used. Potential June 1 Herald. Rick Jowett completed his degree in journal- uses include but are not limited to courses ism (UW-Madison) in the late 70s. Following gradua- offered by the National Press Photographers tion, Rick started his career in broadcasting as a still Association, the Poynter Institute, or any accredited college or university. photographer at WMTV-TV, in Madison. Rick began This fellowship intends to award a total of up to $2,000 in grants annual- working with the WBA in 1985 as the Association’s event photogra- ly to multiple recipients to cover part or all of the recipients’ expenses. pher. He served graciously and unconditionally until his passing.

Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2020 10 IN REMEMBRANCE 2 legendary WBA Hall of Famers pass within days Davis remembered for NFL, broadcasting career Elliott was known for leadership, love of sports Green Bay Packer legend and WBA Hall of Famer WBA Hall of Famer Mike Elliott had a career in Willie Davis is being remembered for his land- radio that spanned more than 50 years and a mark run with the Green Bay Packers and long love of sports that he used to inspire those he career in broadcasting. led through his amazing career. Davis died April 15 at the age of 85. Elliott died April 20. He was 82. His broadcast career spanned more than 30 Elliott started his career at WACE radio in years, following a 12-year National Football Springfield, Massachusetts in 1954, where he League Hall of Fame career with the Cleveland was a sports announcer for Springfield College Browns and Green Bay Packers and coincid- games. Early career stops as an announcer ing with a 27-year stint in the beer and wine took him to Stockton, California, Boston, distribution business. He helped the Packers Atlantic City, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and through an unprecedented championship run View their Hall of Fame Chicago. He began his Wisconsin broadcast- and to two Super Bowl victories. videos online at the ing career in Milwaukee in 1973 when he Davis’ early exposure to broadcasting was Wisconsin Broadcasting signed on as host of WTMJ radio’s mid-after- as a color commentator on NFL telecasts on Museum noon music show. He served WTMJ a total of the NBC network. He then took the step to 13 years during three different tours of duty ownership and management in 1976 with the working as an announcer, sports personality purchase of the small bankrupt KACE-FM in on radio and television, and as radio program Inglewood, California. He followed turnaround success there director. with the purchase of WAWA, West Allis, and then WLUM-FM In 1983 he was the play-by-play voice of Major League Base- and WMCS-AM, in Milwaukee and stations in Houston, Texas ball’s Houston Astros, before returning to Milwaukee as pro- and Seattle, Washington. gram director at WISN radio. In 1996 he became Operations His presence in Milwaukee was marked by a long-term com- Director and a sports anchor for Sports America and then from mitment to the African- American community in southeastern 1997 to 2000 he had music shows on WZTR-FM in Milwaukee. Wisconsin and as an independent local voice for the whole Elliott made his final move in 2000 to WBKV/WBWI, West Bend, community. Community service was his hallmark and he as Operations Director and morning show host on WBWI. After served on numerous national and local boards and commis- his retirement at the end of 2005 he continued to work part- sions. He received honorary doctorate degrees from Gram- time at the West Bend stations. bling University, Marquette University, and the Milwaukee Elliott was inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame in 2007. School of Engineering. He was honored as the NAACP Man of the Year in 1978, the NFL Man of the Year in 1987 and with the March of Dimes Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Veteran Milwaukee TV journalist dies Davis was close with his friends in broadcasting and co-hosted A veteran journalist with a long career at WISN- the first WBA Awards Gala. He was inducted into the WBA Hall TV in Milwaukee has died. of Fame in 2008. Mike Anderson started at WISN-TV in 1981 and retired in 2017. Bailey remembered for love of music “Mike Anderson was a transformative figure in A member of the music industry with connec- the history of television news in Milwaukee,” tions to Wisconsin broadcasting is being re- WISN-TV News Director Ben Hart wrote. “In his membered for his love of music and work with storied career, he broke class and color barriers numerous recording artists. and set the tone for what professionalism looks like. His legacy is clear. Mike had a commitment to fairness, straightforward Michael Thomas Bailey, 50, of Madison, formerly reporting and relentless pursuit of the truth.” of Sheboygan, died Feb. 29. Hart said Anderson’s passing is devastating for the station. According to his obituary, Bailey was a “self-de- scribed educator, record collector, concert goer, Anderson received many awards during his career and was a food lover, music industry exile and facilitator of good things.” member of the Wisconsin Black Media Association. Bailey served as the Dean of Madison Media Institute in During his tenure at WISN, he covered countless news events, Madison. He also served on various local advisory commit- including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged tees, including WVMO 98.7 FM community radio for the city of his hometown of New Orleans. Monona. According to WISN-TV, Anderson produced breakthrough He worked with many artists over the years, including The news reports about issues involving racial inequality, eco- Neville Brothers, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Roseanne Cash, nomic development, local governance, political upheaval, and and Alejandro Escovedo. inner-city violence. Funeral services were held March 5. A memorial fund has been Anderson is survived by his wife and three children. He died established in his name. April 21. He was 67. 11 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Madison radio, advertising veteran dies Tarr named to lead engineering for Magnum Media Christopher Tarr has been named Group Director of A radio veteran who spent most of his life in Engineering for Magnum Media which operates 16 Madison has died in North Carolina. radio and 3 LPTV stations in Wisconsin. Tarr accepted John Rustad, 82, was in the final stages of Alz- the position on March 16. His last day with Entercom heimer’s and receiving nursing care when he was April 10. He was with Entercom for more than 16 died from COVID-19, according to his obituary. years. He died April 14. “I made lifelong friends at Entercom and am so proud Rustad was born in La Crosse and spent most of all we accomplished with the Milwaukee and Madison facilities,” Tarr said. “It was very hard to leave, of his career working in radio and advertising but I couldn’t be happier Dave selected me for this newly created in the Madison area. His obituary said he was known in the GDE position. We’ve known each other 15 years. We’re kindred spirits, early days as “Jay O’Day” on WISM radio. sharing a love and passion for radio. We both started out as DJs in He narrated commercials and non-commercial projects that our mid-teens in our hometowns. His sons, Reid and Ty, literally have were heard throughout the state. radio in their blood. Reid’s wife, Chelsey, is transitioning from being a fourth-grade public school teacher over to the stations. I smile every In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family has set up a tribute time I meet yet another staff member that’s been with Magnum since donation page with the Alzheimer’s Association. the 90’s. So, with this family-owned business, radio is a lifestyle. It’s my News, sports reporter leaves legacy in Racine lifestyle, too, so this is a perfect match.” A man who spent 36 years providing news and “Ever since my late wife, Lynn, and I started from scratch with a CP in 1991, we’ve been blessed to be able to rely upon the talents of sports reporting in Racine has died. contract engineers – Steve Konopka, Mark Burg, Bruce Herzog, Jim Gary R. Suhr, 86, died Monday in South Milwau- Zastrow, Jon Zecherle, Darrel Sanders, Bob Gorjance, John Church and kee. Chuck Gennaro,” Dave Magnum said. “As the proud son of a machin- ist, I’m blue-collar, and always take pride in assisting our in-house Suhr started his broadcasting career at WFHR ops guys, Rick Jensen and Erick Burnstad, by hauling nitrogen tanks, in Wisconsin Rapids before moving to WJRN in heading out to a site after storm damage, whatever. But the more Racine in 1962 where he retired in 1998 as the we’ve grown, the more several of those great contract engineers station’s news and sports director. have strongly encouraged me to bring on board a group chief to take According to his obituary, Suhr broadcast local high school football, our stations under his wing. Those who gave me that advice told me basketball, and Racine Raiders football and for 10 years University of afterwards I couldn’t have made a better hire than Chris.” Wisconsin-Parkside basketball. He continued to call Racine Raiders “Chris’ dad had a major tech gig, and his mom’s career was in the arts, games until 2002. During his career, he announced a total of 2,125 so here’s Chris, this really smart guy, who also has so much to offer games both home and away. on the creative side,” Reid Magnum said. “He ties it all together with The press box at Horlick Athletic Field is named for him. He was down-to-earth communication skills. Beyond his RF/studio engineer- inducted into the Racine Raiders Hall of Fame and the American ing/IT/management skills and programming experience, my dad said Football Hall of Fame. In 2017, he received the “Deep Roots” Award he’s always been impressed with Chris’ consistently positive outlook and generous spirit. He’s always encouraging young broadcasters to from the Racine County Sports Hall of Fame. participate in SBE, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, and other The family will welcome friends to a celebration of Suhr’s life at a lat- clinics, and then walking the walk by teaching and mentoring.” er date. Memorials may be made to the Racine Raiders Scholarship “On top of all that, Chris is known as a wonderful husband, dad, Fund or the Racine County Sports Hall of Fame-Heritage Museum. grandfather (young grandfather), leader in his congregation (yes, of course he’s also his church’s sound tech) and is an appointed official in his village,” Dave Magnum said. “Working with Chris is no doubt going Morfitt leaves Converge Radio, PD hired to make our on-going adventure in broadcasting even more of a blast Scott Morfitt was hired in April as we head into our fourth decade.” 2016 ahead of the launch of what was then called Blugold Radio. The Tarr has earned CSRE, AMD, DRB, CBNE accreditations. He currently station (WDRK) was a donation from serves on the SBE National Board as the Mentor Committee Chair. Tarr Mid-West Family Broadcasting to the was the 2007 recipient of the Wulliman Award for service to the SBE UW-Eau Claire Foundation. Morfitt and Engineering community in southeast Wisconsin. was there when the new station went on the air, he built a studio through crowdfunding, and rebranded the Morfitt Wiswell station to Converge Radio. Morfitt is moving to southeast Wisconsin to assist in settling an estate following the death of a loved one. He will step down April 30. He will continue to assist Converge Radio with live events and FCC issues. The station has promoted Ashley Wiswell to program director. This is a new role for the station. Wiswell will be responsible for keeping the station operating properly and working with Converge Radio staff and volunteers on current and future programming. Wiswell joined the station in January 2019 as a student host and pro- ducer. In December 2019, Wiswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communication and German from the UWEC. Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2020 12 WBA FOUNDATION

WBA Hall of Fame 4 amazing broadcasters to be added to WBA Hall of Fame Inductees to be honored in 2021 In October 1989, Alfred C. Sykes, then Chairman of the Federal Com- The Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame was created munications Commission, came to Wisconsin to formally dedicate a in 1989 to honor broadcasters that have devoted a Hall of Fame display, including plaques honoring the minimum of 15 years to the broadcasting industry inductees, at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin including a minimum of 10 years as a Wisconsin Library in Madison. In 2010, due to remodeling of the broadcaster. The award recognizes an individual’s SHSW facility, the display was removed and put in history of exemplary leadership in community and storage. statewide service as a broadcast professional. The display now resides at the Hilton Milwaukee City The first 12 members of the Hall of Fame were Center. The Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame also inducted during the 1989 WBA Summer Conference. has a permanent, virtual display at the online Wiscon- Since 1989, 148 outstanding broadcasters have been sin Museum of Broadcasting which debuted in 2009 honored with Hall of Fame inductions. at www.wisconsinbroadcastingmuseum.org, where the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame Gallery is Inductees are chosen each year from nominations by one of our major attractions. WBA members, family members and friends. Broad- casters who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame The 2020 Hall of Fame festivities have been post- include managers, personalities, engineers, reporters, educators and poned because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The WBA expects to hon- those broadcasting pioneers who were all of the above. or the 2020 honorees at the 2021 Summer Conference at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. Four broadcasters will receive this honor in 2020-2021. They are: Thom Gerretsen, Wayne Larrivee, Jack Mitchell, and Nancy Zieman. More about this year’s inductees: Thom Gerretsen Jack Mitchell The respected journalism practiced by Thom Ger- Jack Mitchell’s contributions as an innovator and retsen touched millions of lives during his long career leader left an indelible mark on public radio in covering news and sports in Wisconsin. His writing Wisconsin and across the country. The innovations he and his voice were on the air in every market across brought to public radio transformed it to the valued the state. service it is today and foresaw the changes technolo- gy would bring to radio. Thom started his career in 1974 at WCLO-AM and WJVL-FM in Janesville. In 1975 he was named news Jack was the first employee of National Public Radio director at WPDR-AM and WDDC-FM in Portage. He in 1970 and the first producer and newscaster for its joined Goetz Broadcasting in Marshfield in 1978 seminal program, All Things Considered. He served where he served as assistant news director before being named news as director of Wisconsin Public Radio from 1976 to 1997. During his director in 1986. He contributed to networks that delivered news and tenure, WPR grew from 10 stations to 20 stations and greatly expand- sports content to many of the top radio stations in Wisconsin. He in- ed its audience. He oversaw the development of numerous WPR terviewed presidents and sports legends and covered many Wiscon- programs that aired nationally. sin sports teams, including the Green Bay Packers. In 1986, Jack opened six regional WPR offices across the state to Thom’s philosophy was to “provide more local news to the commu- provide local content. In 1991 he created the Ideas Network to com- nity than any other station in the surrounding markets.” His stations pliment the NPR News and Classical Music Network. The public affairs were known for having the story first. News directors from around the network was the first of its kind in the nation and positioned WPR for state called Thom “the best in the business.” the era of multi-platform audio content. Thom joined Wheeler News Service in 2002 as chief editor where he After leaving WPR, Jack joined the University of Wisconsin faculty and wrote dozens of news stories each day that were distributed state- authored two books about the culture and history of public radio. wide. Jack enhanced and grew WPR’s service to Wisconsin residents and Thom’s high-caliber journalism skills, suburb writing style, and extended its commitment to the Wisconsin Idea. The influence of his reputation for accuracy earned him the trust of his listeners and the leadership on public radio in Wisconsin and across the nation will be respect of peers throughout Wisconsin. felt for generations.

Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation Officers & Board of Directors www.wbafoundation.org

OFFICERS Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Anna Engelhart Dean Maytag Scott M. Trentadue Tom Walker Greg Bell WKOW-TV Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster Chair of the Board Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster Al Lancaster Madison Bill Hurwitz Kelly Radandt Don Vesely WSAW-TV/WZAW-TV, Wausau Chris Bernier Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster Woodward Radio Group WMTV-TV, Madison President & CEO Radio Plus, Fond du Lac Appleton/Green Bay Vice Chair Michelle Vetterkind, R. Perry Kidder Jan Wade Bruce Grassman CAE Lynn Bieritz Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster David Sanks WISN-TV, Milwaukee Results Broadcasting Wisconsin Broadcasters Associa- Mid-West Family Broadcasting Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster tion Foundation Tom Koser Secretary Scott Chorski WAQE-AM/FM/WJMC-AM/FM/ Chuck Steinmetz Dick Record Retired Wisconsin Broadcaster WKFX-FM Rice Lake WITI-TV, Milwaukee Family Radio, La Crosse Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2020 13 WBA FOUNDATION

Wayne Larrivee WBA Hall of Fame Inductees As the “Voice of the Green Bay Packers,” Wayne Larri- 1989 1998 2010 vee’s voice is synonymous with the Green and Gold Walter Damm Jean Gitz Bassett Mike Gousha Richard Dudley Howard Emich Bruce Grassman for Packers fans across the country. Wayne completed Haydn Evans Jim Tomlin John Hoffland more than 20 seasons calling play-by-play for the William Forrest Jim Wulliman John Laabs Packers as part of his more than 40-year career as a Earl Gillespie Mark Zelich Earle Terry Ben Hovel broadcaster in the NFL. 1999 2011 Eddy Jason Woods O. Dreyfus Eddie Doucette Joseph W. Killeen Wayne began his radio career in 1975 at KGRO Radio Joe Laughlin Laurin Jorstad Ben A. Laird Jack Lee Terry Kelly in Pampa, Texas. From there he moved to KSTT radio Harold McCarty Terry Shockley LeRoy Wolniakowski Morgan Murphy in Davenport, Iowa where he announced University Bruce Wallace 2000 2012 of Iowa football games, minor league baseball, and high school bas- Larry Busse Greg Bell 1990 Dr. Ruane Hill Howard Dahl ketball. Wayne got his big break in the NFL as the “Voice of the Kansas Gerald Bartell Duke Wright Joe Dorsey Sidney Bliss City Chiefs” from 1978 to 1984. He called the plays for the Chicago 2001 Jill Geisler Thomas Bolger Roger Utnehmer Bears for 14 seasons and also called games for the Chicago Cubs and George Comte Bob Barry college basketball. Nationally, Wayne worked 12 years as a football Charles Dickoff Bob Dailey 2013 George Frechette Dick Record Dave Carlson and basketball play-by-play announcer for Westwood One. Nathan Goetz Dr. Robert Snyder William T. Evjue Charles Hanson Lee Davis Karl F. Schmidt He joined the Green Bay Packers in 1999. William E. Walker 2002 Scott M. Trentadue Bill Vancil Wayne has numerous awards, including honors from his alma mater, 1991 Ed Hinshaw Edward Allen, Jr. Henry Lippold 2014 Emerson College, and the Illinois Broadcasters Association. Robert Bodden Don Seehafer Ron Fruit Ray Wiater Ed Hutchings Wayne became known for punctuating a Green Bay Packers winning Irene Buri Nelson Harold Engel 2003 Marv Nelles play with the phrase, “There’s your dagger!” His legendary play calling Jack Krueger Chuck Ramsay David Sanks abilities and commitment to Green Bay has won him the adoration of Tony Moe Jim Schuh John Schermerhorn Elmo Reed Packers fans everywhere. Tom Shanahan 2015 1992 Bob Southard Don Carmichael Gordon Hinkley 2004 Dr. Charles A. Culver Nancy Zieman Les Leonard Jack Baker Sandra K. Shockley Jack Stiehl Susan Knaack Mike Sullivan Nancy Zieman (1953-2017) hosted the longest-airing Arnie Strope Terry Baun Tom Walker sewing series on television as part of her career as Don Wirth Dave Raven 2016 an author, designer, businesswomen, TV producer, 1993 Phil Fisher Aline Hazard Ronald Bornstein 2005 Larry McCarren blogger, and national sewing authority. As host of Jack Gennaro Glen Loyd Chuck Roth her popular show Sewing with Nancy, she shared her Bart Kellnhauser Walter John Lindsay Wood Davis Joe Moen love and talent for sewing with millions of viewers Chilsen 2017 1994 Elizabeth Murphy Burns Ken Beno across North America. Roger LeGrand Ted Moore Leonard Charles Bill Hurwitz Broadcast since September 1982, Sewing with Nancy Ralph Evans 2006 Jim Irwin Don Borchert Larry Meiller is the longest-running sewing series on television. Bob Uecker Marty Green 2018 The first programs that aired on cable TV were videotaped in Nancy’s 1995 Lee Sherman Dreyfus Tom Koser home with a camera crew of one person. She developed the scripts, Jack Hackman 2007 Chris Lytle Roger Russell Bob Bosold Bob Smith sewed the samples, and taped the programs. In 1982, her program William R. Walker Mike Elliott Gary Timm became a co-production with PBS Wisconsin eventually airing on 223 Carl Zimmermann James Hoyt 2019 public TV stations in all 50 states. 1996 Bill “Mann” Clif Groth Howard Gernetzke Rittman Dean Maytag Nancy wrote numerous how-to sewing and quilting books and John McCullough 2008 David L. Nelson Jack Severson Fannie Mason Steve designed patterns for nationally recognized companies. She was Willie Davis Bernie Strachota Terry Havel 2020 founder of Nancy’s Notions, a direct mail business that published the 1997 Jonathan Little Thom Gerretsen Nancy’s Notions catalog containing hundreds of sewing and quilting Rosa B. Evans Mike McCormick Wayne Larrivee Jack Mitchell related products. Her production company also co-managed the Larry Clark 2009 Bill Haig Tommy Lee Bychinski Nancy Zieman annual Great Wisconsin Quilt Show. Andy Spheeris Charlie & Mike Kearns R. Perry Kidder Humble and quiet by nature, her viewers saw Nancy as a friend who Paul LeSage could provide companionship, encouragement, and a connection to the past. She provided decades of creative inspiration to her dedicat- ed sewing and quilting enthusiasts.

Walker Broadcast Management Institute postponed to 2021 Recent Upcoming The 2020 Walker Broadcast Management Institute is being postponed Episodes Episodes to 2021 because of the closures prompted by COVID-19. Kenny Rogers Johnny Rivers The courses, hosted on the UW-Madison campus, will be rescheduled Bill Withers Danny and the for April 20-22, 2021. The UW campus was shut down to curtail the Juniors spread of the virus. Paul Revere The courses scheduled for 2020 will take place in 2021. Those courses and the Raiders Phyllis Diller are part of the second year in a three year cycle of classes. Learn more Subscribe wherever you search for podcasts on the WBA Foundation website. 14 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org 5 to be honored as Local Broadcast Legends Honorees committed to serving communities The station or organization Five Wisconsin broadcasters casters have made to serve which the nominee is associated are 2020 WBA Local Broadcast their local communities. They with submits the nomination Legends. exemplify localism. This award is on behalf of the nominating individual(s). The WBA Local Broadcast a means to extend recognition Legends Award was established of these individuals beyond The WBA is grateful to Bruce in 2015 under the direction of their local communities. Grassman for his vision to estab- Bruce Grassman, owner/presi- Individuals with 15 years or lish the award. Bill McCollum & John Moser dent of Results Radio. The award more service in Wisconsin Because of the pandemic, this Bill McCollum and John Moser recognizes individuals who broadcasting may be nom- year’s honorees will be recog- are institutions in Beaver Dam work behind the scenes and inated by their company, nized during the 2021 WBA within their communities fulfill- whose decades-long work has co-workers, community leaders, Summer Conference at the Blue exemplified how committed ra- ing the commitment broad- family members, and friends. Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. Karen Dalessandro Erin Davisson Peter Murphy Karen Dalessandro is among Erin Davisson inspired television Peter Murphy (1935-2015) had a the most recognizable voices viewers in the Green Bay market long career in radio highlighted in Milwaukee radio touching with her persistence and profes- by his distinction of hosting the generations of sionalism in the face of a health first live radio listeners with crisis that nearly talk show by her energy, pas- took her life. telephone in sion, and love of the nation and Erin started her McCollum Moser people. career in 1982 a reputation as a radio news for vigor and Karen started dio personalities and leaders can announcer at success. her career have an immeasurable impact WSPT-FM and in 1981 at a In 1957 Peter on a community. WXYQ-AM in small station in met a farmer in Stevens Point. “Uncle Bill” has been with WBEV Michigan while She also worked Hartford who and WXRO for 57 years with 43 still attending radio school. She at WSAW-TV in Wausau as a had pulled over to help with years hosting The Morning Show moved to Milwaukee in 1998 news anchor and reporter before a flat tire. After hearing Peter’s and connecting with listeners on when she was offered the op- joining WFRV-TV in 1988. voice, the farmer asked him if a personal level. Over the years portunity to become morning he wanted to be the voice of his he has accepted all opportunities host on country station WMIL- It was after that move that basement radio show and Peter to volunteer and he continues Erin staged a public battle FM. She was, at the time, the accepted. working at the station in retire- host of one of only a handful with Wilson’s Disease, a rare ment. He was the top biller in the of female-led morning shows and potentially fatal genetic Peter started at WKTL in Sheboy- sales department for 50 years. In in the nation. Awarded Broad- disorder that prevents blood gan and stayed for a year before 2017, the road on which the sta- casting Personality of the Year from clotting. She suffered three moving to Eau Claire in 1958 as tions are located was renamed life-threatening episodes of by the Country Music Associ- program manager at WEAQ. In Bill McCollum Way. internal bleeding. After medica- ation in 2001 and 2015, Karen 1960 he took over as the host John has been with the stations tions failed to reverse or control was inducted into the Country of a morning talk show named for 47 years. Over the years he the illness, a successful 13-hour Radio Hall of Fame in 2015. In The Party Line, later referred to served as news director, program liver transplant operation in 1990 as The Peter Murphy show by his director, sales manager, and 2017 she moved to afternoons saved her life. on WKTI-FM and in 2019 joined listeners. He hosted this show for finally as general manager. He is WKLH-FM as afternoon host. Erin shared every step of her 30 years. He interviewed people semi-retired but still co-hosts The journey with her television audi- from all walks of life including Morning Show and continues Karen’s community efforts are ence in the hopes of promoting numerous celebrities, politicians, to lead by coaching teammates countless. She co-hosted the awareness of organ donation athletes, astronauts, and from across Good Karma Brands. John annual Child Abuse Prevention and transplants. She remains an his local community. More than was named Beaver Dam’s Citizen radiothon that has raised an advocate for the organ donation 7,000 interviews took place from of the Year in 2016 and continues his involvement in the commu- average of $300,000 a year. She program. Peter’s booth. He was the voice raised thousands more for the nity in a number of leadership Erin has won numerous awards of his people. same cause when her show took roles. for her excellent journalism and over the new Miller Park, and Peter’s greatest achievement was Both Bill and John were involved is a mentor to young journalists his five minute live, in-air, radio later the Fiserv Forum, to sit in just starting their careers. in numerous station initiatives to every seat in the new stadiums. show from a Blue Angels fighter help raise money and awareness As founder of Karen’s Check Erin’s peers say, “Her kindness, jet in 1976. In radio history, no in the community, including Up for Chicks, she provided hun- professionalism, and love for other broadcaster can claim this the annual Children’s Radiothon dreds of breast cancer screen- our business continues to be an same accomplishment. which has raised $1.9 million ings for women in need. inspiration to us and to others over the years. in the community to strive to A mentee to Peter once said, In her more than three decades “Peter expected much of himself, WBEV/WXRO General Manager follow their dreams even when Ryan Gabel wrote of Bill and on the air, Karen has lived up to things go wrong in our lives.” inspiring the rest of us to match or at least catch the daily routine John that, “Their localism and her reputation from her peers as impact are felt by everyone who She will retire in fall 2020 after of success, self-confidence, and the “gold standard of excellence works at the station, our listen- 37 years in broadcasting and 32 loving enthusiasm for the job in the broadcasting industry.” years at WFRV-TV. ers, and those in the Beaver Dam that lay ahead of him.” community.” Wisconsin Broadcaster | May/June 2020 15 Calendar of Events

May 21, 2020 Webinar: Working with Agencies More WE LIVE HERE. Effectively Presented by Emily Musser, Güd Marketing WE WORK HERE. May 21, 2020 WE SERVE HERE. Webinar: 21st Century Leadership - How to Cultivate Leadership in Today’s Workplace Wisconsin Broadcasters help keep our ranks Presented by Jeff Butler, Generation Workplace Expert full so we can serve when called upon. What June 18, 2020 you do matters. Thank you for your support. Webinar: Trends in Local Sales of OTT Advertising Visit nationalguard.com Presented by Jack Zavoral, Local Media Association July 16, 2020 Webinar: Digital and Social Media Legal Issues Presented by David Oxenford, Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer July 16, 2020 Webinar: It’s Not Just Selling More Digital... It’s Understanding How To Sell Against It Presented by Derron Steenbergen, Swagger Institute Sept. 17, 2020 Webinar: How to Give Your National Superstars Home Court Advantage Presented by Kipper McGee, Media Brandwidth Strategies Oct. 13-15, 2020 Broadcasters Clinic Madison Marriott West Oct. 15, 2020 Webinar: Writing and Speaking for Broadcast Presented by Joe Little, KNSD-TV, San Diego