JULY/AUGUST 2019

CHAIR’S COLUMN Broadcasters emphasize importance of local elections

It seems strange to be writing about council members, county supervisors, not to mention voting on numerous school and municipal referendums. In general, one’s quality voting and elections in the off-year of life is affected more by getting value for your local property tax dollar of the election cycle. If it were an than who we elect to represent us in Washington or Madison. election year, politics would As broadcasters, we cannot force our viewers or listeners to care more occupy much of our conversations, about local elections. We do, however, give them opportunities to pay attention to local issues and local elections. I know our Wisconsin talk Steve Lavin commercial time, and news content. and news radio stations highlight local issues and local elections by WBA Chair State and federal elections are generally good for the offering opportunities for interviews. Our broadcast TV news broadcast industry, both in advertising revenue and news interest. departments certainly cover many of the larger issues, opportunities, Pundits would be predicting turnout, discussing various polling data and candidates in forums or in interviews. points, and public sentiment. No worries…that time is just around the Based on resources and time, local broadcasters can only highlight a corner. limited number of issues, elections, or candidates and from what I have This past spring we all had the opportunity to vote in local elections. As seen and heard, we do a great job. We might all do well to extend responsible citizens I trust you took full advantage of your right to vote. coverage to our digital products like podcasts, digital forums, or OTT But it is disappointing to hear that 26.6 percent turnout was considered opportunities to give more local candidates the opportunity to be heard. “strong” for an April election. Those turnout numbers were enhanced by highly contested mayoral races in two of the three largest cities in Thank you to those who care enough to run for local positions in town, Wisconsin as well as a race for an open seat on Wisconsin’s Supreme village, city, and county government and on school boards. They are not Court. Without the State Supreme Court race or large city mayoral races doing it for the glamour or the money. They do it because they truly the spring election would likely have seen turnout in the teens. care about the quality of life in your community. They are the ones who Citizens shouldn’t forget that in get the calls when the roads are not plowed or the garbage is not April we were electing school picked up, and they don’t have a staff to take the calls and respond to CONTENTS boards, village trustees, city constituents. Award to recognize young professional in broadcasting...... 2 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Join NCSA/PEP social campaigns ...... 2 Jacobs Media: Digital myths vs. reality ...... 3 WBA brings broadcasters together at Summer Conference ...... 4 FCC visits Wisconsin Young Professionals Column...... 6 Representatives in Nelson’s name. The Big Easy Mad City ...... 8 of the FCC’s The new $1,000 scholarship Names in the News ...... 11 Consumer will be available along with In Remembrance ...... 11 Affairs and four other previously created Friedman to serve on Public Records Board ...... 11 Outreach Michelle scholarships during the next Members in the Spotlight ...... 12 Division visited Vetterkind, cycle of scholarships WBA’s 2019 Doug Chickering CAE Wisconsin in available through the WBA. WIAA Sports Workshop...... 14 June as part of a WBA President Read more on page 16. Educators’ Column ...... 14 two-state swing and CEO The Hall of Fame ceremony WBA Foundation Hall of Fame ...... 16 through the was an emotional one with WBA Foundation Column: Midwest to talk to residents about consumer issues. 2019-2020 Hall of Fame Supporters ...... 17 great speeches to mark the careers of four amazing Koser, Lavin donate raffle winnings to WBA was represented at all the public meetings and broadcasters: Clif Groth, David L. Nelson, Fannie WBA Foundation ...... 17 local broadcasters promoted and attended the visits. Mason Steve, and Dean Maytag. If you haven’t Nelson joins Legacy Club ...... 18 Read more on page 3. already checked out their Hall of Fame videos, be 2 photographers awarded Jowett Fellowship . . . . 18 Nelson family announces new scholarship sure to visit the Wisconsin Broadcasting Museum Support WBA Foundation where you’ll find them on the homepage: celebrity golf outing ...... 19 The family of newly inducted WBA Hall of Fame member David L. Nelson announced at the Hall of www.wisconsinbroadcasting museum.org. Thank you, WBA Foundation ...... 19 Fame ceremony the creation of a new WBA scholarship Calendar of Events ...... 20 Continued on page 2> PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Continued from page 1

NAB “Fly-In” Please read about the rest of the conference in Your WBA was on the newsletter. We had a full agenda of engaging Wisconsin Broadcasters Association hand during for a sessions, special sessions for engineers, a day of Officers & Board of Directors NAB “Fly-In” event in training for young professionals, and inspiring Detroit in June that recognition of our Local Broadcast Legends and OFFICERS 2018-2019 brought together four new Hall of Fame inductees. Chair of the Board Steve Lavin WBAY-TV, Green Bay radio executives to Don’t forget to mark your calendars for June 17- Vice Chair - Radio, Chair Elect discuss radio’s 18, 2020 when the WBA Summer Conference Chris Bernier Radio Plus, Marinette/Fond du Lac partnership with the returns to the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse. Vice Chair - automotive Don Vesely WMTV-TV, Madison industry. Celebrity golf outing event coming in 2020 Treasurer Your WBA Foundation is excited to bring you a Lupita Montoto La Movida WLMV Radio, We learned about Madison the future of audio consumption, how that future new event in 2020: The WBA Foundation Celebrity Golf Outing. Secretary is being viewed by the auto industry, and Jan Wade WISN-TV, Milwaukee maintaining radio’s prominence in the dashboard. The event will be held Aug. 4 at SentryWorld golf Immediate Past Chair NAB officials also provided updates from Capitol course in Stevens Point. Watch for future Steve Wexler , Milwaukee Hill and talked about the 2020 elections. announcements and the launch of a website dedicated to this event. This was the first time the NAB held a fly-in in BOARD OF DIRECTORS Detroit. We are seeking sponsors as well as stations to Judson Beck WLAX-TV/WEUX-TV, commit to running ads about the event in La Crosse/Eau Claire Bucks Senior VP headlines WBA Summer Conference support of our title sponsor. To join this exciting Keith Bratel iHeart Media, Madison We were thrilled to have inaugural event, please contact me: Brian Burns Morgan Murphy Media, Madison [email protected]. Milwaukee Bucks Senior Paul Cameron The Family Radio Network, Appleton Vice President Alex Lasry Herb Cody QueenB Radio, Platteville with us at the WBA Recognize your young professionals Finally, we’re creating an opportunity for you to Dave EdwardsWUWM-FM, Summer Conference at Milwaukee Public Radio, Milwaukee the Osthoff Resort. He recognize your amazing up-and-coming Anna Engelhart WKOW-TV, Madison spoke during the broadcasters. The WBA Young Professionals Award will be given out at the 2020 Summer Aleese Fielder NRG Media-Wausau/ keynote luncheon held Stevens Point, Plover June 13. Alex talked Conference, but we’re seeking nominees right JT Koser Koser Radio Group, Rice Lake/Hayward about the success of the now. The nomination deadline will be coming up team, the 2020 Democratic National Convention in September. Read more about that on page 5. Mike Smith WFRV-TV, Green Bay coming to the Fiserv Forum, and the future of In the meantime, have a safe, fun summer and Mark Strachota Weigel Broadcasting Co., Milwaukee Milwaukee. make some time to relax and enjoy a warm Wisconsin. We earned this! Chuck Sullivan Entercom Communications, Hales Corners Jeff Welton Nautel, Hackett’s Cove, Nova Scotia Michael Wright Midwest Communications, Award to recognize young professionals Green Bay/Wausau Ex Officio - NAB Board Tom Walker in broadcasting Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Madison A new WBA Award will judged by a subcommittee of the WBA Board. recognize the young The subcommittee will select the six finalists and WBA Team professionals forging the winner from those finalists. All six will be President & CEO new paths in profiled in WBA publications and recognized at Michelle Vetterkind, CAE broadcasting. the WBA Summer Conference. The winner will be [email protected] The WBA Young awarded at the 2020 Summer Conference in La Vice President - Administration Linda Baun [email protected] Professional of the Year Crosse. Award seeks to recognize Anyone can make nominations. Nominations NCSA/PEP Coordinator Liz Boyd [email protected] young broadcasters who have made a significant will be accepted in the form of a letter of Director of Operations and Public Affairs impact on their stations and communities. recommendation not to exceed 500 words. Kyle Geissler [email protected] Nominees must be under the age of 40 at the Nominations are currently open and will be due WBA Board minutes are always available for time of their nomination and must have spent a by Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. members. Please email Linda Baun at minimum of two years at a radio or TV station in Submissions can be made here: [email protected] to request a copy. Wisconsin. Finalists will be selected based on https://www.wi-broadcasters.org/ their contributions to the industry, spirit of yp-award-nomination/ innovation, and community involvement. Wisconsin Broadcasters Association The award was established by the WBA Young Questions? Contact Kyle Geissler at 44 E. Mifflin Street, Suite 900 Madison, WI 53703 Professionals Committee and nominees will be [email protected]. Phone Toll Free (800) 236-1922 wi-broadcasters.org

2 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org FCC visits Wisconsin consumers Representatives of the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Affairs and Outreach Division visited Wisconsin the last week of June week as part of a two-state swing through the Midwest to talk to residents about consumer issues. broadcasters promoted and attended the visits. FCC representatives talked to residents about robocalls, phone The week-long meetings started in Minnesota. The first meeting scams, and the TV spectrum repack. They also talked to teens in Wisconsin was held June 26 at the La Crosse Public Library. The about distracted driving. At each location they made a representatives held a public meeting in Tomah on June 27 and presentation before taking questions. DeForest and Portage on June 27. The visits are part of a series of road trips the FCC is making The WBA was represented at all the public meetings and local across the country to meet face-to-face with consumers.

FROM THE JACOBS MEDIA TEAM AS PART OF THE JACOBS MEDIA/WBA DIGITAL PARTNERSHIP Digital myths vs. realities I spend a lot of my time inside of content. If they are going to be using smartphones, let’s create a great stations, meeting with sales teams, experience on those platforms and start monetizing. As everyone in this business knows, dollars chase audiences. So it management, and even clients. shouldn’t surprise anyone that digital revenue is exploding – including One of the most frequent things I hear from from local advertisers. I often hear broadcasters scoff that the data is just broadcasters is denial that digital is a big thing—it’s a about national advertisers, but BIA Kelsey just released their 2019 passing fad, broadcasting is free, and data plans are too projections on local market ad spend, and it’s clear the advertisers are Paul Jacobs expensive, and there’s not enough revenue in digital to following the audience: Jacobs Media make it worth the investment. The BIA Kelsey report As a broadcaster who is deeply invested in digital, let me try to sort indicates that while radio is through the myths and realities based on two simple graphs: taking 9.8 percent of local Recently, Nielsen revenue (combination of issued their Total OTA and online), and Audience Report. In television is taking 12.5 the graph above, the percent, digital revenue following is clear: (online/interactive, email, and mobile) is capturing 1. The amount of 30.3 percent of local minutes spent dollars. In other words, the watching live or money has followed the time-shifted audience. television is down slightly across all There is no doubt the times we are living in are more complex and challenging than a few ago. We’ve got competition with demographics, but unique content (Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, Netflix, etc.) and multiple in all demos except ways of accessing that content (smartphones, Roku, Alexa, etc.). Millennials, television still is the dominant medium. However, the barrier to entry to get your content onto these platforms is 2. Time spent with radio is also down, but not as much. low, and you have the secret sauce that these digital competitors don’t 3. Time spent with apps on smartphones and tablets is exploding have once you invest in an app or an Alexa skill: The ability to move your across all demos and has grown by 40 minutes/day in the past audience to these new platforms at no cost, the skill to monetize them, year. local knowledge, and credibility with your local advertisers. Think about it. When an advertiser has a problem at 4 p.m., who do This doesn’t look like a fad to me. But this also doesn’t need to be a they call at Google? Or Pandora? Or Facebook? negative story for radio or television broadcasters. Just because someone is spending a lot of time on their iPhone doesn’t mean they Local broadcasters have an inherent digital advantage. It’s time to can’t consume your content unless you’ve decided not to invest in apps use it. and provide a solid user experience. It can no longer matter to you or to The WBA Digital Hotline is a free service of the Wisconsin Broadcasters your advertisers how, where, or when people are consuming your Association. If you have any questions related to digital, social, mobile or more, contact Paul Jacobs at [email protected]

Wisconsin Broadcaster | July / August 2019 3 The WBA Summer Conference brought together broadcasters from throughout Wisconsin to the Osthoff WBA brings broadcasters Resort in Elkhart Lake. together at Summer The two-day conference was held Conference June 12-13.

Engineers were busy before the official start Back at the to the conference. The Media Technology Osthoff, Institute convened on June 11 to spend a full conference day going over the latest in broadcast attendees heard engineering technology. from WKBT-TV News Director Anne Paape and Kevin Benz from i-Media Strategies about finding ways to do investigative reporting every day. Benz also later led a session about building a happy workplace, which included some tips from the members of a “fun squad.” The WBA hosted a job fair Wednesday Sales teams later afternoon to connect job seekers with radio heard from WBA and TV stations. Hall of Famer Chris Meanwhile, Lytle who talked Broadcasters then the WBA about building heard from DC Board and relationships your Attorney David WBA competitors can't Oxenford about Foundation steal. recent updates Board from the FCC held its including annual information about how stations can keep on joint top of their EEO requirements. meeting followed by dinner. Rainy skies on Wednesday And Ryan Brown from Ignite led a didn’t keep golfers session most everyone can benefit from: How from playing at to negotiate. The WBA's Legislative least a few holes Committee then convened to update just down the members about legislative issues on the road from the federal and state level. Osthoff Resort at Quit Qui Oc Golf Club.

Engineering Day was also underway on Wednesday morning with a full house hearing from experts about cyber security, ATSC 3.0, podcasting, and other engineering topics.

4 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Legends Award is a great honor and recognition for individuals that work behind the scenes and within their communities fulfilling the commitment broadcasters have made to serve their local communities. Lunch was followed by an intriguing speech from Milwaukee Bucks Meanwhile, the WBA’s Young Senior VP Alex Professionals were kicking off their Lasry. Apart from second annual Toolbox sessions with a playing a key role in the discussion about avoiding burnout. Bucks organization, Lasry was also a part of Read more about the Toolbox on page 6. the effort to get the Sessions Democratic National Convention to come to continued for Milwaukee in 2020. He spoke about how high the profile events can benefit Milwaukee and conference Wisconsin. with dynamic Kevin Benz form i-Media Strategies held a final presentations session Thursday afternoon about beating from Speed burnout. Marriott of P1 Learning The Summer Conference came to a close about attracting millennial and GenZ Thursday night with the WBA Hall of Fame Before dinner, employees and reception and dinner which you can read more WBA Ryan Brown about on page 14. members from Ignite about Next year’s Summer Conference will be connected creating a high held June 17-18, 2020 at the Radisson with performance Hotel in La Crosse. See you there! exhibitors at the Exhibitor Reception, which culture in your included the Wisconsin Army National Guard, company. the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, UW The Keynote Thank you, Sponsors! Foundation, Coalition for Children, Youth, and Luncheon Families, started with SentryWorld recognition of the 2019 Local Broadcast BMO A part of BMO Financial Group Golf Course, the Legend honorees: Alzheimer’s Jerry Burke is believed Association, to have more contacts and Media and sources than any Staffing reporter in the Fox Network, Valley. among others. Duff Damos is known in the Wisconsin Northwoods for his deep voice, his dedication to radio, and his devotion to his audience. Glen Moberg embodied the ideals of local Tom Koser of journalism during his Koser Radio almost 50-year career. Group won the Marshall (Marsh) raffle and Shapiro (1938-2012) donated the was a Madison proceeds back broadcasting icon to the WBA whose engaging Foundation. personality took him Wednesday wrapped up with dinner which, from a beloved kids because of the rain, was held indoors. show host to a well- Thank you, Partner! Thursday kicked off with the Business respected sports Breakfast where WBA officers and committees authority. The award was reported on the latest happenings with the accepted by his wife and WBA and WBA Foundation. That was followed daughter. by a business update from BMO Wealth The Local Broadcast Management. Wisconsin Broadcaster | July / August 2019 5 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COLUMN Young professionals hone their skills at ‘The Toolbox’ Recently more than 30 young broadcasters came out for the second annual Toolbox Conference, put on by the WBA Young Terry Stevenson, Professionals Seehafer workplace shooting. Three expert In addition, I’d like to personally thank our Broadcasting Committee. panels weighed in on issues such as amazing speakers and panelists as well as the The Toolbox was a fighting burnout, new media young professionals who attended this event one-day young professional influences, and young professionals in along with their companies who made their conference held at The Osthoff Resort broadcasting. attendance possible. in Elkhart Lake during this year’s WBA The purpose of The Toolbox is to Thank you to the WBA Board of Directors as Summer Conference featuring a range of provide skills and resources for well-rounded well as the YP Committee members for their speakers and panels that focused on timely young professionals in the broadcasting support of this event. topics that are challenging young professionals industry by fostering better communication every day. Thank you to to my partner, Amy Pflugshaupt, skills in the workplace, encouraging stronger co-host and moderator of this year’s event who Speakers talked about investigative reporting, relationships within communities, and creating did a fantastic job! It was an honor working as well as a personal account of surviving a dynamic leaders in the industry. By sharpening with you. the tools that young professionals use on a And finally, a very special thanks to Hannah day-to-day basis, whole organizations will Anderson, who co-founder this event with me benefit and become stronger and the industry last year and has worked behind the scenes in itself will continue to move forward in a making this year’s Toolbox another major competitive and relevant way. success. Hannah, this will forever be part of Thank you to The Toolbox sponsors: Quincy your legacy with the WBA. Media, Mid-West Family Broadcasting, and Until 2020 … . .

On behalf of the WBA… Thank you for a FABULOUS WBA Summer Conference! Osthoff Resort Chris Lytle, Instant Sales Training Craig Bowman, Futuri Media Conference Committee Marin L. Medema Souphaphone Maddox, Patrick Burger, Cumulus Chicago Rick McCoy (Chair), BMO Wealth Management Ellie Allen Cornelius Gould, Futuri Media Mid-West Family Broadcasting Speed Marriott, P1 Learning Carrie Hellmer Sgt. David Jones, Judson Beck, WLAX -TV/WEUX-TV David Oxenford, Allison Anhalt UW-Green Bay Police Anna Engelhart, WKOW-TV Wilkinson Barker Knauer Catherine St. Louis Tom Kujawa, UW-Green Bay Tim Etes, iHeartMedia Anne Paape, WKBT-TV Police (retired) Matthew Ford-Ziegelbauer Don Grassman, Results Amy Pflugshaupt, WMTV-TV Richard Lhermitte, Enensys Broadcasting Jan te Pas Brandon Scholz, Mike Pape, RMM Solutions Jessica Laszewski, WMTV-TV Staff and Set-up Crew at the The Capitol Group Osthoff Phil Whitebloom, Enensys Steve Lavin, WBAY-TV Molly Stentz, WORT-FM Rich Wood, Resonant Results Colleen Valkoun, iHear Media Terry Stevenson, Conference Speakers & Tim Wright, Cumulus Chicago Jan Wade, WISN-TV Moderators Seehafer Broadcasting Gina Barton, Bridget Thoreson, Hearken Media Technology Engineering/Clinic Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Michelle Vetterkind, WBA & WBA Institute Speakers Committee Kevin Benz, i-Media Strategies Foundation, President and CEO Bill Hubbard Kent Aschenbrenner (Chair), Ryan Brown, Ignite Steve White, Tim Laes, E.W. Scripps Company Corey Carter, WIXX BMO Wealth Management Midwest Communications Patrick Berger, Cumulus Sarah Gray, WSAW-TV Engineering Day Mike Norton, ECB Steve Brown, Jason Joanis, BMO Wealth Speakers Jeff Welton, Nautel Woodward Radio Group Management Mark Burg, WLAX-DT / WEUX-DT Kent Aschenbrenner, Rich Wood, Resonant Results Lane Kimble, WJFW-TV E.W. Scripps Company Greg Dahl, Second Opinion JT Koser, Koser Radio Group

6 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Communications, Inc. Wisconsin Army National Guard Wausau/Stevens Point) Judson Beck, WLAX -TV/WEUX-TV Clif Groth, New Radio Group Xperi Patrick Communications Lynn Bieritz, Mid-West Family Bill Hubbard, UW-Green Bay Broadcasting Hall of Fame Keith Bratel, iHeartMedia Gary Mach, GEMCOM Presentations/ Second Street Marty Mangerson, WJFW-TV The Weather Company Brian Burns, Production Morgan Murphy Media Kevin Ruppert, WISC-TV Xperi Patti Allen Paul Cameron, The Family Radio Tom Smith, Retired Jane Bartell 2019 Hall of Fame Scott Chorski, WKBT-TV Jim Steinhart, WISN-TV Tucker Boyd Supporters Herb Cody, QueenB Radio Hall of Fame Committee John McDonald, Armada Media Dave Edwards, WUWM Greg Bell Studio Gear Bliss Communications Anna Engelhart, WKOW-TV R. Perry Kidder Partner CBS 58 Milwaukee Aleese Fielder, NRG Media – Tom Koser, Koser Radio Group Wisconsin Army National Guard Gray Television Wausau/Stevens Point Al Lancaster, WSAW-TV Hearst Bill Hurwitz Dick Record, Family Radio Photographer Bill Hurwitz Laurin Jorstad Debbie Borth, Chuck Roth, Quincy Media Koser Radio Group R. Perry Kidder Camera Kisses Photography David Sanks, Magnum Communications JT Koser, Koser Radio Group Sanks Communications Prize Donors Midwest Communications Tom Koser, Koser Radio Group Terry Shockley, Bliss Communications Mid-West Family Broadcasting Al Lancaster, WSAW-TV WZAW-TV Shockley Group Inc. Cumulus Radio Morgan Murphy Media Dean Maytag Scott Trentadue Dielectric Wisconsin Stations of Quincy Kelly Radandt, Roger Utnehmer, Good Karma Brands Media Woodward Radio Group DoorCountyDailyNews.com iHeartMedia Madison Dick Record Dick Record, Family Radio Young Professionals iHeartMedia Milwaukee Scripps/WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee David Sanks (Foundation Chair), Committee Magnum.Media Terry and Sandy Shockley Sanks Communications JT Koser (Chair), Media Staffing Network WITI-TV, Milwaukee Mike Smith, WFRV-TV Koser Radio Group Mid-West Family Madison Woodward Communications Chuck Steinmetz, WITI-TV Hannah Anderson, NRG Media WTMJ and ESPN Milwaukee/Good Mark Strachota, WMTV-TV (former) Weigel Broadcasting Co. Osthoff Resort Karma Brands Chet Daniels, WCLO/WJVL Chuck Sullivan, Entercom Results Broadcasting Allison Garcia, WISC-TV Volunteers & Communications Seehafer Broadcasting Amy Pflugshaupt, WMTV-TV Special Thanks Scott Trentadue WAOW-TV Marlys Lindstrom Heather Poltrock, WSAW-TV Jan Wade, WISN-TV WDJT-TV David Sanks, Terry Stevenson, Seehafer Tom Walker, WFRV-TV WBA Foundation Chair and Broadcasting Corp. Mid-West Family Broadcasting WKOW-TV Golf Coordinator Heather Storm, Jeff Welton, Nautel Jill Sommers Woodward Radio Group Woodward Communications Michael Wright, Midwest Leader Printing Communications Exhibitors Sponsors Lorraine Ortner Blake BMI WBA & WBAF Staff Alzheimer’s Association Seth Resler, Jacobs Media Broadcasters General Store BMO Wealth Management Michelle Vetterkind, President and CEO, WBA and Coalition for Children, Broadcasters General Store (BGS) WBA and WBA WBA Foundation Youth & Families Comrex Foundation Board Linda Baun, Comrex Steve Lavin, Gray Television Vice President GatesAir (WBA Chair), WBAY-TV Liz Boyd, Media Staffing Network Don Vesley, (Vice Chair - Holiday Vacations NCSA/PEP Coordinator Nautel Television, Chair Elect) WMTV-TV Jacobs Media Kyle Geissler, Chris Bernier, (Vice Chair – Radio, Nielsen Director of Operations and Marketron Chair Elect) Radio Plus Second Street Public Affairs Midwest Communications Lupita Montoto,(Treasurer) SentryWorld Golf Course Mid-West Family Broadcasting La Movida Radio And Wisconsin Department of Nautel Jan Wade (Secretary), WISN-TV Revenue THANK YOU FOR YOUR Nielsen Steve Wexler, (Immediate Past SUPPORT OF THE 2019 WBA Wisconsin Department of Tourism SUMMER CONFERENCE. NRG Media (Fort Atkinson, Chair) Good Karma Brands Wisconsin Foundation and Northwoods, Alumni Association Wisconsin Broadcaster | July / August 2019 7 What better two cities to host a celebration: New Orleans and Madison.

It was “easy.” It finished 45 minutes earlier than scheduled it was “mad” with the The Big Easy Milwaukee letter carriers live music leading all into the gala. In all, 123 Wisconsin radio and TV stations submitted 1,768 entries, Mad City another record for the number of entries. Put May 2, 2020 on your calendar for next year’s award gala. - Dean Maytag

LARGE MARKET MEDIUM MARKET SMALL MARKET 2018 Station of the Year – Television

WITI-TV WISC-TV WSAW-TV 2018 Station of the Year – News and

WTMJ-AM WCLO-AM WBEV-AM 2018 Station of the Year – Music Radio

WVMO-LP WAPL-FM WLKG-FM

For the full set of winners go to https://www.wi-broadcasters.org/for-the-public/wba-award-winners/. 8 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org LARGE MARKET MEDIUM MARKET SMALL MARKET 2018 News Operations of the Year – Television

WITI-TV WISC-TV WSAW-TV 2018 News Operations of the Year – News and Talk Radio

WTMJ-AM WTAQ-AM WBEV-AM 2018 Social and Digital Media Station of the Year – Television

WTMJ-TV WISC-TV WSAW-TV 2018 Social and Digital Media Station of the Year – News and Talk Radio

WTMJ-AM WCLO-AM WBEV-AM 2018 Social and Digital Media Station of the Year – Music Radio

WLMV-AM WAPL-FM WCOW-FM

Wisconsin Broadcaster | July / August 2019 9 Thank You

to the following for making the 2019 Awards Gala possible!

Masters of Ceremonies Thank you to the Milwaukee Letter Carriers’ Band: Andrew Felix, WEAU-TV Michelle Vetterkind, WBA, President and CEO Conductor/Trumpet - Wm Berlyn Jill Genter, WKOW-TV Steve Lavin, WBA Vice Chair-Television, Flute - Michelle Griffith Robert Kennedy, WTAQ-AM/FM WBAY-TV Clarinet - Donna Bizub Thomas Swigert, Radio Music Presenters Alto Sax - Chuck Borth Hearst Television & Bugler extraordinaire Courtney Bieber, Co-Host Lake 961’s Tenor Sax - Carol Reise Linda Baun, WBA “Good Morning Wisconsin”, WLKG-FM Bari Sax - Tim Dotson Kyle Geissler, WBA Melody Judge, Co-Host Lake 961’s Trumpet- Nancy Pearson Michelle Vetterkind, WBA “Good Morning Wisconsin”, WLKG-FM Trumpet - Tom Swigert Décor Ryan “Elwood” Bjorn, Brand Manager, Fr. Horn - Mark Struve Linda & Terry Baun Host Afternoons, WAPL-FM Baritone - Jeff Semrow Stacey & Nick Overman Kaytie Fajfar, Digital Coordinator, WAPL-FM Trombone - Michael Halfenger Shawn Louks Lupita Montoto, Account Executive, On Air Mid-days Personality, WLMV-AM Trombone - Dean Pearson Tom Graybill, Tri Marq Luis Montoto, Program Director, WLMV-AM Tuba - Andrew Tollefse Sara Obmascher Drums - Daniel Lippert Katie Pulos, Event Essentials Radio News and Talk Presenters Band Manager: Dean Pearson Craig Warmbold, News Director, WBEV-AM Madison Marrott West Cale Zomer, Content Director, WBEV-AM Special thanks to our Partner: When it comes to a dedicated staff, the Marriott has the BEST!!! Tim Biggs, Host of “Southern Wisconsin’s Wisconsin Army National Guard Our deepest appreciation to Morning News”, WCLO-AM Our Sponsors Keola Shimooka, Sales Manager Stan Stricker, Host of “Southern Wisconsin’s American Awards & Promotions Afternoon News”, WCLO-AM (You Rock, Sir) BetterBNC Jane Matenaer, Co-Host, “Wisconsin’s Morning Eric Borchert, Good Karma Brands News”, WTMJ-AM Senior Catering Sales Manager Lakana (Thanks for all the Diet Pepsi’s and your Doug Russell, Sports Anchor/Reporter, above and beyond service) WTMJ-AM Middleton Tourism Commission Social News Desk Stephen Schwaegerl, Television Presenters Group Rooms Coordinator The Weather Company Kassandra Sepeda, Morning Anchor, (Thanks for adding rooms) WSAW-TV The Man with the Golden Voice Ryan, Jose, Hassan, Jeff Thelen, Evening Anchor, WSAW-TV Lindsay Wood Davis, Lemont, and Mark —Linda’s Hero’s Leah Linscheid, Now Morning Anchor, Broadcast Management Strategies The entire Wait Staff of the Madison Marriott WISC-TV West (You were on it) Photos Haddie McLean, Now Morning Debbie Borth, Camera Kisses Support Meteorologist, WISC-TV Chris Bernier, American Awards Adrienne Pedersen, Co-Anchor Vice Chair-Radio/Chair Elect, Radio Plus Better BNC “12 News This Morning”, WISN-TV Steve Wexler, WBA Past Chair, Leader Printing Sheldon Dutes, Co-Anchor “ Good Karma Brands 12 News This Morning”, WISN-TV Video Montage & Technical Support WBA Awards Committee Assistants to the Presenters Studio Gear (John and Dux) Kelly Radandt, Ken Beno, WBA Education Chair Tri Marq (Tom, Chris, Greg, and Keith) Woodward Radio Group (Co-Chair) Liz Boyd, WBA NCSA/PEP Coordinator AND Dean Maytag, WBA Foundation Board Dean Maytag, To you and your teams! Lindsay Wood Davis, Broadcast Management WBA Foundation Board Strategies (Chair Emeritus ) Congratulations 2018 WBA Awards For Excellence Winners! Ryan “Elwood” Bjorn, Woodward Radio Group Nancy Douglass, WLKG-FM

10 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Names in the News A veteran music journalist whose work has been Entercom Madison’s General Sales Manager, Andrea Hansen, featured extensively in Milwaukee and national has been promoted to Station Manager and Director of Sales publications is joining 88Nine Radio Milwaukee for the cluster. In her new role, Hansen will oversee sales efforts (WYMS-FM) as the station’s web editor. Evan for 105.5 Triple M (WMMM-FM), 94.9 WOLX (WOLX-FM) and Rytlewski has been music editor for the weekly and MIX 105.1 (WMHX-FM). Hansen joined Entercom in 2015 as a online Shepherd Express for 13 years, where he Local Sales Manager before assuming the role of General Sales Rytlewski covered all corners of the Milwaukee music scene. Hansen Manager. Prior to joining Entercom, she served as a sales He has been a regular contributor to Pitchfork, which has published manager for the Wisconsin State Journal. a variety of his features and more than 100 album reviews. His work has also appeared in Paste, Under the Radar, American Songwriter Ben Handelman is permanently moving to the Monday and Rap-Up magazines. Before working for the Shepherd, Rytlewski through Friday weekday anchor desk of FOX6 News (WITI-TV). was a longtime and prolific contributor to the national A.V. Club. Handelman will take over duties on the FOX6 News at 4:00, Rytlewski will write about the Milwaukee music scene and edit the 6:00 and 9:00 with co-anchor Stephanie Grady. Handelman was work of other contributors to the station’s website, serving as evening anchor on Friday and Saturday nights. He www.RadioMilwaukee.org. has been filling in on the weekday anchor desk since Brad Hicks’ departure in March. Handelman started his career in Handelman Fox 6 (WITI-TV) Vice President of News John and has been reporting and anchoring at WITI for eight years. LaPorte is moving to Seattle to lead the newsroom at KIRO. LaPorte was at Fox 6 for seven years and Maggie Corry, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee’s membership before that served as news director at WEAU-TV in manager for the last three years, has been named the non- Eau Claire and WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee. He has more commercial station’s development director. As membership than 30 years of experience in local TV management manager, Corry managed individual Radio Milwaukee (WYMS) and production. At KIRO La Porte will lead a team of donors and oversaw its membership program, including on-air LaPorte more than 100 journalists. LaPorte’s first day in membership drives and building relationships with its listening community. As development director, Corry will provide the Seattle was June 17. Cory leadership, strategic direction and management for all Radio Milwaukee philanthropic fundraising efforts, including individual giving, IN REMEMBRANCE foundation grants, and development events. More than 6,000 contributing members help support the station’s operations. Before coming to 88Nine, she Former Wisconsin Rapids news served as a fundraising consultant for influential Milwaukee organizations director dies such as Penfield Children’s Center, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and A man who once served as news director at a the YMCA. radio station in Wisconsin Rapids has died. Cliff Borden died April 27 at the age of 89. He Friedman to serve on Public Records was news director at WFHR from approximately Cliff Borden 1971-81. He also served as public information Board officer for the State Department of Veterans Affairs. Attorney James Friedman of Godfrey & Kahn has been Borden served in the Korean War and played a role in the appointed to the Wisconsin Public Records Board. creation of the Wisconsin Korean War Veterans Memorial in Plover. Friedman is an attorney for the WBA State Legal Hotline. He also sits on the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council Owner of WWIS Radio dies and recently served on the Study Committee on the Use of Police Body Cameras representing newspapers and The owner of WWIS Radio in Black River Falls, broadcasters. Robert “Bob” Smith, has died. The board is responsible for the preservation of state records. State agencies Smith died June 3 at Red Cedar Canyon Assisted must have written approval from the board to dispose of records. Living in Hudson. He was 90. The appointment was made by Gov. Tony Evers. Robert Smith Smith has owned WWIS since 1968. Wausau TV veteran dies Members in the Spotlight A retired Wausau TV veteran died unexpectedly in June. 2 Wisconsin stations win National Murrow Awards Mark Oliver, 65, died June 5 at his home. He Two Wisconsin broadcast newsrooms have won National Murrow worked for WAOW-TV for 40 years as the station’s Awards for their breaking news coverage. marketing director. He retired in September WTMJ-AM in Milwaukee won an award in the large market radio category for Mark Oliver 2017. its coverage of the fire at Trinity Lutheran Church. WISC-TV in Madison won “Mark was truly a friend to everyone he met and a wonderful an award in the small market television category for its coverage of the Sun example of how one person can quietly have such a profound Prairie explosion. impact on so many,” said WAOW-TV General Manager Curtis The awards were announced June 18. Award winners will be recognized Oct. Miles. No service will be held. 14 at the RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala at Gothan Hall in New York City.

Wisconsin Broadcaster | July / August 2019 11 Members in the Spotlight Bliss to sell Janesville radio stations to Ben Thompson Milwaukee morning sports talk show debuts Bliss Communications announced June 3 it will sell its A new morning sport talk radio show debuted in two Janesville radio stations (WCLO-AM and WJVL-FM) Milwaukee in May. to Ben Thompson, CEO of Big Radio in Monroe. “The Steve Czaban Show” first aired May 6 on 97.3 The The Janesville Gazette also reported that Bliss’ Game (WRNW). It’s on every weekday from 6-9 a.m. numerous newspapers, including the Gazette, are Starring Steve Czaban, the new morning show will being sold to Adams Publishing Group. feature the latest national and local sports headlines Terms of the agreements have not been disclosed. FCC consent for the as well a variety of topics and news of interest to the transfer of the radio licenses is still pending. Big Radio announced its Milwaukee community. intention to retain all Bliss employees. Czaban is a seasoned sports talk on-air radio personality with more than two decades of experience. He most recently served as an on-air Green Bay radio station rebrands talent with the “Bob & Brian” show on WHQG-FM. In addition, he has Woodward Radio Group’s KZ 104.3 (WKZG) is broadcast on several syndicated sports talk networks including rebranding itself as Green Bay’s Best Variety, Sporting News, ESPN Radio, Fox , Yahoo Sports Radio and with a music library of hit songs spanning SB Nation Radio. nearly four decades. With the launch of “The Steve Czaban Show” the “Drew & KB” show The station staged a soft relaunch in mid-April. It’s hoping to reach moved to afternoons from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. women who grew up listening to the radio in the 80s and 90s, and also enjoy today’s hit music. Radio show established to train high school students “The Green Bay radio landscape has shifted in recent years and we now Converge Radio in Eau Claire is have the opportunity to fulfill the market demand for a true teaching high school students how Mainstream Adult Contemporary music station,” said KZ 104.3 Brand to produce a radio show by giving Manager Joe Marroe. The station will also feature the John Tesh Radio them a radio show. Show - Music and Intelligence For Your Life, weekdays from 10 a.m. - 3 Rock And Roll Homeroom airs p.m., Throwback Nation weeknights from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Awesome 80s Weekends every weekend. Every Tuesday at 5 p.m., area high school students are invited to the KZ 104.3 will roll out rebranding marketing efforts this summer Converge Radio studio to work with producers to record an episode, through outdoor, digital, broadcast, and community-engagement learn the basics of radio production, and develop promos for their own campaigns. episode which will then air on Saturday. “My own passion for radio was built at a young age,” said Converge iHeartMedia Milwaukee opens performance lounge Radio station manager Scott Morfitt. “It’s unbelievably exciting to get iHeartMedia Milwaukee has opened to create this space for area high school students to learn more about a performance lounge to showcase the craft we all love so very much.” musical talent, live broadcasts, and Converge is currently seeking sponsors willing to partner with the viewing parties. station to help make the program sustainable as the recording and The Steinhafels Relax Lounge is at training sessions will be free of charge to students wishing to iHeartMedia Milwaukee participate. headquarters and will house To get involved with Rock and Roll Homeroom at Converge, students performances and events for the will simply need to apply. Parents will then be sent a release form. company’s brands and franchises, Students who live throughout Converge Radio’s seven-county both broadcast and digital, including 95.7 BIG FM, FM 106.1, 97.3 The broadcast region are encouraged to sign up. Game, V100.7, NewsTalk1130 WISN, and The Big 920. The show will run throughout summer, so students can continue working during the summer break. Madison stations raise $711K for Children’s Hospital To learn more about how to get involved and apply to host, go to: Two Madison radio stations raised ConvergeRadio.org/RockAndRollHomeroom. $711,278 during its 14th annual UW Health American Family Children’s Liberal talk radio back on the air in Madison Hospital Radiothon. Liberal talk radio station is adding an FM translator in Today’s Q106 (WWQM) and 93.1 Madison. Jamz (WJQM) broadcast live for 39 hours during May 8-10 in the Resistance Radio (WTTN-AM) in Columbus went on fundraising effort. Three other Mid- the air in Madison as “Talk 92.7.” Mike Crute is West Family radio stations programming the station and hosts the afternoon participated with continuous 13 hour broadcasts including Magic 98 show. The station will also air syndicated hosts (WMGN), La Movida (WLMV) and WJJO. Stephanie Miller and Thom Hartmann and other local hosts. The money will be used for programs that assist patients and families. Liberal talk radio was last on the air in Madison in 2016. During the Radiothon, patients and families told stories of inspiration, The programming also airs on WRRD-AM in Waukesha. survival, and the care they received at American Family Children’s Hospital which prides itself on patient-centered care.

12 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Radio station brings attention to struggling farmers Carlson leaves Madison TV after more than 30 A radio station in years Durand is getting national Weekend Weather Anchor Amy Carlson has signed-off for the final attention for time after more than 30 years on the air at NBC15 (WMTV-TV). holding a town “Not many have the joy of performing a job they love for over 30 hall meeting that years. I have been honored to serve the residents of south central highlighted the Wisconsin and thank you for the opportunity,” Carlson said. stories of struggling farmers in rural Wisconsin. Carlson’s career started in her home market at WIFR in Rockford, WRDN General Manager Brian Winnekins said the stories Illinois. She joined NBC15 in May 1988 as a writer/producer in the from farmers were heartbreaking and included the story of creative services department. A year later she became a part of the Weather one farmer who struggles to feed his family. Authority team. The town hall meeting was highlighted by Radio Ink and in In 1991, Carlson was on the team that started The Morning Show weekdays, which the daily email from the National Association of Broadcasters. was a half-hour at the time. Since 1995, she has served as Weekend Weather It was also covered by local TV stations WEAU-TV and WQOW- Anchor, working both evenings and mornings. TV. “They say how you truly judge a person is how they treat others. That would mean Amy Carlson will go down as one of the finest people NBC15 has had working for Station raises $59K for Honor Flight us,” said Don Vesely, Vice President and General Manager of NBC15. “While she has provided weather to our viewers for 30 years, I will miss her most for how she treats Milwaukee TV station WISN- her co-workers. She mentored and helped new employees get acquainted to life TV raised $59,000 to send away from home, not because she was asked, but because it’s the right thing to do.” veterans on a trip to see their monuments in Carlson has represented the station at numerous community events, including the Washington D.C. station’s hallmark food drive and fundraiser, NBC15 Share Your Holidays for Second Harvest Foodbank. She’s also advocated for the arts and highlighted local The station hosted a businesses and events during her weekend guest segments. fundraising phone bank in conjunction with a one- “Amy has made a real impact on our community and our station through her work. hour primetime television special to honor veterans. The She’s that reassuring voice during disruptive and severe weather,” said Jessica donations collected for Honor Flight will help send 120 Laszewski, News Director of NBC15. “Her service and her decision both deserve to veterans to Washington D.C. be celebrated. We will miss the passion and care that she brings to the job every day.” “When you hear these compelling stories of service and Carlson earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in broadcasting and film production at sacrifice, it’s astonishing to learn about all that these brave the University of Iowa. Carlson’s last day was June 30. veterans have given for our nation,” said Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN 12. “We are so thankful to the O'Brien to retire from Janesville stations veterans for their service, and the viewers who demonstrated such generosity during the phone bank. Their donations The general manager of two Janesville radio stations is retiring. show their immense gratitude, and the money raised is more Mike O’Brien made the announcement after Bliss Communications than enough to fill an entire plane with veterans for another announced the sale of WCLO/WJVL on June 3. He said he had trip.” intended to announce the retirement earlier this year but was asked to wait until after the announcement of the sale. He told the During the WISN 12 television special titled “Honor Flight 50: Janesville Gazette his decision to retire was related to his family A Mission of Thanks,” WISN 12 News anchor Patrick and not the sale of the radio stations. Paolantonio provided viewers with an inside look at a recent “Stars and Stripes Honor Flight” where local veterans from O’Brien joined Bliss in 1988. He’s expected to retire in July. World War II, The Korean War and The Vietnam War travelled to Washington D.C. The special shared touching stories and Edwards celebrates retirement heartwarming receptions that they received throughout the WUWM-FM General Manager Dave Edwards celebrated day. During the “Stars and Stripes Honor Flight,” veterans visit his retirement May 21 at a party in Milwaukee. the War Memorials, Air Force Memorial, Marine Corps War Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett declared May 21 as “Dave Memorial, 9-11 Memorial and the most reverent Changing of Edwards Day.” Guests at the gathering included WUWM’s the Guard Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The founding manager Ruane Hill, previous GM George flight back home concludes with a surprise Mail Call and Bailey, and representatives from NPR. homecoming celebration featuring thousands of cheering Edwards joined the public radio station in Milwaukee in family and friends. 1979 to create a news department. He later served as program director before “It’s a deeply moving experience to witness these heroes in being named general manager in 1985. He was credited with expanding WUWM’s our nation’s capital, visiting the war memorials, being local programming efforts, community-based fundraising, and partnerships with commended for their service, and receiving recognition after organizations in southeastern Wisconsin. The station added four beat reporters returning home from the trip,” said Patrick Paolantonio, WISN over the last five years. 12 News anchor. “Their stories are all grounded in a selfless Edwards is a member of the WBA Board of Directors and served six years on the commitment to our country. We are lucky to have this Board of Directors for National Public Radio, including two years as its chair. opportunity to express our gratitude for their commitment.” Edwards was set to retire on May 30. He has agreed to delay his retirement as a search for his replacement continues.

Wisconsin Broadcaster | July / August 2019 13 EDUCATORS’ COLUMN WBA’s 2019 Storytelling workshop with Doug Chickering international collaboration sends WIAA SPORTS WORKSHOP powerful messages Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds The act of collaboration or working with Wednesday, July 24, 2019 | Miller Park, Milwaukee others as a team applies to many aspects of life and certainly the work that we as 9:30 a.m. Registration Opens storytellers and educators do with our Continental Breakfast students and colleagues. 10 a.m. Opening Remarks The reasons for collaborating vary from using resources to sharing ideas, which can result in Michelle Vetterkind, WBA President wonderful and unexpected outcomes. Doug Chickering Erik L. Johnson, Associate & CEO, and Professor of Stage & Screen An international partnership that started in 2011 Doug Chickering, former WIAA Arts, University of Wisconsin- between the UW-River Falls Stage & Screen Arts River Falls Executive Director Department and the RheinMain University Media Conception & Production Program in Wiesbaden, Germany has 10:15–10:45 a.m. resulted in a variety of amazing opportunities for students and faculty What’s New At The WIAA over the years, including a live interactive television show, collaborative Jeff Levering video production projects, and travel abroad experiences in teaching and Dave Anderson, Executive Director, learning. WIAA; Wade Labecki, Deputy As part of the Erasmus Plus Director, WIAA; Todd Clark, Director of International Program Communications & Advanced Media 2018/2019, a series of workshops were offered on 10:45 –11:15 a.m. each campus led by faculty and Brewers Play-By-Play Mark Richards staff from the partner university that included a visual Jeff Levering Jeff is in his 5th season as a radio storytelling workshop last spring. Because scheduling is always a announcer on the Brewers Radio Network challenge, plans are made months in advance to coordinate travel, broadcasts. Jeff has the No. 2 slot on the Brewers facilities, and related logistics and conversations about content begin far Radio Network with Bob Uecker. before the actual event. The plans for this storytelling workshop offered ideas that complimented concepts many students 11:15 a.m.–Noon Meet the Brewers PA Announcer had learned previously in Mark Richards is a long time Milwaukee radio classes but with fresh personality and new PA announcer for the Brewers. international perspectives along with Noon - 12:45 p.m. Ballpark-style lunch newly introduced software and technical 1:10 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds skills, however prior to the workshop the project’s subject was still undecided. As the date for the storytelling workshop approached, by chance I found The WBA’s Doug Chickering WIAA Sports Workshop out about another campus storytelling event when I received an is underwritten by the invitation from UWRF Student Involvement to participate and promote Wisconsin Stations of Quincy Media, Inc. Mental Health Awareness week with the non-profit storytelling organization Dear World, who “connects creators and communities to Register online at wi-broadcasters.org help people learn important things about each other” which happened to be the same week of our workshop. Upon further investigation I discovered that the Dear World events use still photography to document stories shared by participants that are Registration: WBA Member $50; gathered and curated for keynote speaking presentations, which seemed to be a perfect compliment to our visual storytelling workshop. Dialogue Non-Member $100 was started in hopes of yet another collaborative endeavor. Includes sessions, continental breakfast, The result was our students were invited to participate and document visual Dear World stories that were edited into short documentary videos lunch, and game ticket and screened for the public event. The experience not only used the storytelling skills students learned in the workshop but offered an Because we have to guarantee a meal count and pay for all game amazing experience by gathering compelling stories of tragedy, turmoil tickets, the WBA will not refund any cancellations made after July 10. and triumph that couldn’t have been planned any better. We will also invoice for all no-shows. 14 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org Wisconsin Broadcaster | July / August 2019 15 HallWBA Foundation of Fame 4 inducted into Hall of Fame, scholarship announced Four new names were added to the WBA Hall of Fame on $30,000 donation from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund June 13 at the WBA Summer Conference and the creation of a within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region will be used to establish an endowment fund with the WBA will call the David L. new scholarship available through the WBA was announced Nelson Scholarship Fund.The new scholarship will be available along during the induction event at the Osthoff Resort. with four other previously created scholarships during the next cycle of The announcement of the David L. Nelson Scholarship came from his scholarships available through the WBA. family. Nelson was newly inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame. The

Clif Groth Dean Maytag

On behalf of Fannie Mason Steve On behalf of David L. Nelson

Nelson was one of four inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame: Bios and videos about each Hall of Fame inductees are available on the Clif Groth’s engineering expertise has touched countless Wisconsin Broadcasting Museum website: radio stations throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. wisconsinbroadcastingmuseum.org Dean Maytag is passionate about broadcasting and has The Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame was created in 1989 to honor been dedicated to television, local programming, broadcasters that have devoted a minimum of 15 years to the mentoring, and community service in Wisconsin. broadcasting industry including a minimum of 10 years as a Wisconsin David L. Nelson (1921-2017) was a well-respected leader broadcaster. The award recognizes an individual’s history of exemplary whose dedication led to a long and influential career in leadership in community and statewide service as a broadcast broadcasting. professional. The Hall of Fame is housed at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and at the WBA Hall of Fame website. Fannie Mason Steve (1877-1969) was a teacher, musician, mentor, and tireless advocate for the joys of exercise and life. With this year’s inductees, the WBA Hall of Fame membership roll grows to 148 members.

16 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org WBA Foundation

WBA Foundation 2019-2020 Hall of Fame Supporters $5,000 Level $2,000 Level Gray Television Armada Media Koser, Lavin donate raffle Midwest Communications CBS58 Milwaukee winnings to WBA Foundation Mid-West Family Broadcasting Koser Radio Group Dick Record Scripps/WTMJ-TV The winners of the 50/50 raffles at the WBA Awards Gala Wisconsin Stations of Quincy Terry and Sandy Shockley and WBA Summer Conference both donated their winnings Media WTMJ & ESPN Milwaukee/ to the WBA Foundation. Good Karma Brands $3,500 Level WBA Board Chair Steve Lavin selected his own ticket number at the WBA Gala. His donation contributed toward a total $1,680 Hearst $1,000 Level raised for the WBA Foundation at the gala. WITI-TV, Milwaukee Bliss Communications Magnum Communications WBA Hall of Famer and Foundation Board member Tom Koser $2,500 Level Woodward Communications won the raffle during the exhibitors’ reception at the WBA Morgan Murphy Media Summer Conference and donated his winnings to the $500 Level Foundation. The raffle generated $1,690 for the Foundation. Bill Hurwitz Thank you, Steve and Tom! If you would like to contribute to the 2020-2021 Hall of Fame, please contact Michelle Vetterkind, [email protected]. Contribute to the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation

COMPANY NAME ADDRESS My contribution is ❏ Personal ❏ Corporate The WBA Foundation’s broad goal is to build a sound general ❏ $5,000 ❏ $2,500 ❏ $1,000 ❏ $500 ❏ $250 ❏ $100 endowment for the future while at the same time spend a significant amount of contributions and earnings in the general functional areas ❏ Other______of public affairs, historic preservation, and education. Please take a Pay by Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express or moment to indicate where you would recommend your contribution check be spent. Within the Board’s annual goals, every effort will be made to honor your recommendation for allocation of your funds. Credit card Within the Board’s annual goals please allocate my contribution to: ❏ ______% General Fund Endowment CARD NUMBER ❏ ______% Public Affairs Activities ❏ EXPIRATION DATE CARD SECURITY CODE ______% Education ❏ ______% Scholarship Fund NAME AS SHOWN ON CARD (PLEASE PRINT) ❏ ______% Historic Preservation Special Donations DAY PHONE ❏______Wisconsin Museum of Broadcasting ❏______Hall of Fame Video Project BILLING ADDRESS OF CREDIT CARD The WBA Foundation’s Legacy Club honors those who make SIGNATURE bequests to the Foundation in their wills. Make checks payable to: ❏ I would like more information on the WBA Foundation’s Legacy Club Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation All contributions are fully tax deductible. 44 E. Mifflin Street, Suite 900, Madison, Wisconsin 53703

Wisconsin Broadcaster | July / August 2019 17 Nelson joins 2 photographers awarded Legacy Club Jowett Fellowship Recent WBA Hall of Fame Two television photographers working in Madison are the 2019 inductee David L. Nelson recipients of the Rick Jowett Fellowship. (1921-2017) is joining the Wisconsin Ethan Freel works at WKOW-TV in Curt Lenz works at Broadcasters Association Madison. He was awarded $500 to WMTV-TV in Madison. He Foundation’s Legacy join the National Press was awarded $150 to Club. Photographers Association (NPPA) enroll in a webinar series Nelson’s family and attend the NPPA’s week-long from the Poynter announced the video workshop in Norman, Institute about drone creation of the Oklahoma. Freel said he has a photography. Lenz said David L. Nelson passion and drive for storytelling and using he wants to stay up-to-date with the Scholarship storytelling to help others. He would like to someday latest technology and to grow his during his make feature length documentaries. influence as a teacher. posthumous induction to the WBA Hall of The Rick Jowett Fellowship was established in 2017 by the WBA Foundation to support educational Fame on June 13. The $1,000 opportunities for photographers and videographers who work in media in Wisconsin. Recipients of scholarship will be added to the the fellowship can use the grant for professional development in the areas of photography and four other scholarships the WBA videography. Foundation awards annually. The Legacy Club was formed in Applicants can learn more and apply at: 1998 to provide a formal wbafoundation.org/scholarships-grants/rick-jowett-fellowship/ procedure and recognition for The annual submission deadline is June 1. those who make bequests or agree to make bequests to the Jowett grew up in a media family and spent his career in photography working for the WBA Foundation in their wills. Wausau Herald and WMTV-TV in Madison. Rick began working with the Wisconsin For more information on how to Broadcasters Association in 1985 as the Association’s event photographer. He served join the Legacy Club, please graciously and unconditionally until his passing. contact Foundation President Michelle Vetterkind.

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

2020 ELECTION WINDOWS FOR Join NCSA/PEP social campaigns LOWEST UNIT CHARGE If your stations aren't currently participating in WINDOW FOR NCSA/PEP Social Media campaigns, please LOWEST UNIT 2020 ELECTIONS ELECTION DATES CHARGE BEGINS consider joining. Spring Primary February 18, 2020 January 4, 2020 Participating stations will be asked to share and retweet Facebook and Twitter posts from state agencies and non-profits. The simple shares Spring Election April 7, 2020 Before the end and retweets are in support of your WBA and all the services it of primary provides. To join or if you have questions, email Kyle Geissler at: window [email protected].

18 Wisconsin Broadcaster | wi-broadcasters.org WBA Foundation

FOUNDATION COLUMN Support WBA Foundation’s new celebrity golf outing

The WBA Foundation is planning its ounda “Hopefully your station(s) can F tio first ever WBA Celebrity Golf A n participate as a sponsor of the B event,” said WBA Golf Chair W Outing. Chris Bernier. “The Mark your calendars for Aug. 4, 2020 and plan sponsorships start at just a few to join us at SentryWorld Golf Course in Stevens hundred dollars and go to $20,000. Please include Chris Bernier, Point. SentryWorld was recently ranked the Radio Plus, number 34 best public course in America! something in your budgets for Marinette/Fond du Lac lf Outin next year.” A committee of WBA members has been working Go g the past few months on planning this event, which All sponsorships include includes seeking sponsors. The following sponsors have already Fore Our Communities confirmed their support (as of June 18): golf and attendance at the banquet. All proceeds will go to • 4imprint • Marketron the benefit of the WBA Foundation. • Armada Media • Nielsen The committee is also seeking stations that will commit to running • Good Karma Brands • Sentry Insurance spots in support of the event. If you’re interested in a sponsorship or • Gray Television • Shockley Foundation running the spots, or are looking for other ways to help, contact WBA • Koser Radio Group • WISN-TV President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind: mvetterkind@wi- • Lake Broadcasting • Woodward Radio Group broadcasters.org.

Thank you, WBA Foundation! Michelle, Thank you so much for providing me the to me. I took away so much from this Thank you for sponsoring the Wisconsin opportunity to attend the Ethics in Journalism conference and I cannot wait to apply what I Association of County Agriculture Agents #MeToo Conference in Madison. This has been learned to my role as co-editor-in-chief next communication awards program. We an eye-opening experience for me and I am semester. appreciate your support and look forward to eager to use the ideas I’ve learned at the Cam Cieszki our annual banquet to hear about who has conference in my own career. UW-Stevens Point been doing some great jobs communicating. Breanna Schmitt Lyssa Seefeldt UW-Stevens Point Michelle, WACAA Past President Thank you for your support of the WACAA Marquette County Agriculture Agent Thank you from the bottom of my heart for Communication Awards program! I value this granting the opportunity to attend the Ethics program due to the feedback and insight on Michelle, in Journalism Conference. I took away so many the different types of fact sheets, fliers, papers, details to become a better writer and how to As one of the recent recipients of a WACAA articles, and newsletters I write for my clientele. engage with professional interactions. Communications Award, thank you for helping I use the information hopefully to improve my sponsor the award and supporting our Malik Jackson, communication skills and writing! Again, thank Extension work. UW-Stevens Point you for your generous support and the incentive you provide for the program. It is Greg Blonde Thank you for allowing me to the opportunity greatly appreciated. Waupaca County Extension to attend this conference! The subject of Agriculture Agent Tina Kohlman #MeToo within the confines of ethical Extension Dairy and Livestock Agent journalism is something incredibly important Fond du Lac County

Wisconsin Broadcaster | July / August 2019 19 Jeff Welton Nautel Regional Sales Manager Central US

Tel: 1 902 823 5127 [email protected] Making Digital Radio Work. Calendar of Events July 18, 2019 WEBINAR: Chief Operator Rules July 24, 2019 WBA’s Doug Chickering WIAA Sports Workshop Brewers vs. Reds Miller Park Aug. 15, 2019 WEBINAR: aren't supposed to be exciting, but saving money is! Aug. 15, 2019 WEBINAR: License Renewal Sept. 19, 2019 WEBINAR: What the future sales team looks like and how you can you prepare? Oct. 15–17, 2019 Broadcasters Clinic Madison Marriott West Oct. 17, 2019 WEBINAR: Recruiting and hiring better salespeople Jan. 29, 2020 Winter Conference and State Legislative Day Madison Concourse Hotel March 7, 2020 Student Seminar Madison Marriott West April 14–16, 2020 Walker Broadcast Management Institute May 2, 2020 WBA Awards Gala Madison Marriott West June 17–18, 2020 WBA Summer Conference Radisson Hotel, La Crosse Wisconsin broadcasters continue to face opportunities Call us with and challenges navigating digital, social, and mobile space. any questions The Jacobs Media/WBA Digital Partnership is here for you. relating to digital, All WBA members will receive the following: social media, or • The weekly “Connect the Dots” Monday mobile memo from Seth Resler • In 2019, station consultations at WBA conferences • Access to the Digital Hotline Jacobs Media is as your disposal at (248) 353-9030 or [email protected].