The landscape of local journalism was celebrated in grand fashion this past weekend as the 2026 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards gala took center stage at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton, Wisconsin. Recognizing the pinnacle of Broadcasting Excellence, the event gathered over 350 industry professionals to honor the stations that served as the eyes and ears of the state throughout 2025. With a staggering 1,322 entries submitted by 108 stations, the competition showcased the deep commitment Wisconsin broadcasters have to their local communities.
The night was defined by a mix of historic dynasties and repeat victories. Leading the charge was WISN 12 News, which secured its 11th "Station of the Year" title in 12 years within the Large Market category. Meanwhile, WMTV 15 News in Madison and WSAW in Wausau continued their respective streaks of dominance, proving that consistent investment in local news operations remains the gold standard for audience trust and critical acclaim.
Top Honors: 2026 Stations and News Operations of the Year
The "Station of the Year" designation is the WBA's most prestigious honor, calculated through a rigorous points system that rewards excellence across multiple categories, including news, weather, sports, and community service. To capture this title, a station must demonstrate a high level of performance throughout its entire programming slate, not just in a single newscast.
In the Large Market Television division, WISN 12 News (a Hearst Television station) once again proved why it is a powerhouse in Milwaukee. The station took home 40 total awards, including 14 first-place wins. In the Medium Market Television category—which pits Madison and Green Bay stations against one another—WMTV 15 News (Gray Television) secured Station of the Year and News Operation of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Who won the 2026 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Station of the Year?
| Category | Winner | Market Size |
|---|---|---|
| Television | WISN 12 News | Large Market |
| Television | WMTV 15 News | Medium Market |
| Television | WSAW-TV | Small Market |
| Radio | WTMJ-AM | Large Market |
| Radio | WGLR-FM | Small Market |
The News Operation of the Year Wisconsin honors were equally competitive. This category specifically evaluates the depth of a newsroom’s reporting, the quality of its writing, and its ability to handle breaking news. WISN 12 swept these honors in Milwaukee, while WMTV took the crown in the Madison/Green Bay region. In the northern and western reaches of the state, WSAW continued its remarkable 8-year streak as the dominant force in small-market broadcasting.
Full List of 2026 WBA Awards for Excellence Winners
The WBA Awards for Excellence 2026 spanned dozens of categories, from traditional evening newscasts to emerging digital platforms. The judging process is handled by out-of-state professional broadcasting organizations—such as those from Illinois, Indiana, or Michigan—to ensure complete impartiality. These judges look for technical precision, compelling storytelling, and the "community impact" of each entry.
- Best Evening Newscast: FOX6 News at 10 (Large Market); WMTV 15 News at 6 (Medium Market).
- Best Morning Newscast: WISN 12 News This Morning (Large Market); WEAU 13 News (Small Market).
- Best Investigative Reporting: The "Bred for the Lab" series by FOX6 News focused on ethical concerns in medical research.
- Best Live On-Scene Reporting: Bria Jones for her coverage of the Maxwell Anderson trial verdict.
- Best Weather Coverage: The First Alert Weather team at WMTV for their 2025 tornado season tracking.
- Best Sports Reporting: Brandon Cruz (FOX6) and the 2025 NFL Draft coverage by WISN 12.
One of the most notable wins of the night came in the Small Market Television category, where News 8 Now and WEAU were recognized for their coverage of the Blackhawk Bridge Demolition. This event, which impacted travel between Wisconsin and Iowa, required a sophisticated multi-platform approach to keep the public informed of safety protocols and transportation detours.
By the Numbers: The 2026 WBA Gala
The scale of the 2026 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards reflects a healthy and growing media ecosystem in the Badger State. Michelle Vetterkind, President and CEO of the WBA, noted that the sheer volume of entries—1,322 in total—represents a significant year-over-year growth in participation, particularly in digital categories.
Broadcasting in Wisconsin is categorized by market size, a distinction often dictated by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designations and Nielsen rankings. Large Market refers to Milwaukee; Medium Market covers Madison and Green Bay; Small Market encompasses cities like Wausau, La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Rhinelander. This structure ensures that a local station in a rural area isn't competing for the same resources or awards as a major network affiliate in a metro hub.
The breakdown of wins by parent companies also highlights the influence of major media groups. Gray Television and Hearst Television were the most decorated corporate entities of the night, with Gray-owned stations like WMTV, WSAW, and WEAU collecting over 60 awards combined. This concentration of talent suggests that corporate investment in local newsrooms—specifically in updated weather technology and digital infrastructure—is yielding high returns in journalistic quality.
Expert Commentary: Trends in Wisconsin Broadcast Journalism
A major trend emerging from the WBA Gala winners list is the pivot toward "Digital First" content. While linear television remains the primary driver of revenue, the Best Digital Creator and Best Website categories have become some of the most fiercely contested. FOX6Now.com took home the Large Market win for Best Website, while WMTV was lauded for its mobile app integration.
The role of the Best Digital Creator is a relatively new addition to the WBA lineup, reflecting the industry's need to reach younger audiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Winners in this category were praised by judges for moving beyond "repurposed" TV clips and instead creating original, vertically-formatted content that explains complex news stories in under 60 seconds.
Beyond the technology, the 2026 awards highlighted the impact of local broadcasting on community trust. In an era of national polarization, the WBA entries focused heavily on local accountability. Coverage of the Maxwell Anderson trial (the Maxwell Anderson murder of Sade Robinson) and the tragic death of Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder showed that local stations are the primary source for nuanced, respectful, and thorough reporting on the issues that hit closest to home.
Key Takeaways from the 2026 WBA Awards
- WISN 12 News continues its reign in Milwaukee, winning Large Market Station of the Year for the 11th time in 12 years.
- WMTV 15 News swept the Medium Market categories, winning both Station of the Year and News Operation of the Year for the second year running.
- WSAW-TV maintained its dominance in Wausau, highlighting the strength of Small Market broadcasting.
- Digital innovation is no longer optional; categories like Best Digital Creator and Best Breaking News Coverage (Digital) saw record entry numbers.
- The Madison Marriott West served as the hub for the gala, where Michelle Vetterkind emphasized the "outstanding service" broadcasters provide to their communities.
- Major news events of 2025—including the August Flooding, the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Maxwell Anderson Trial—were the primary drivers for winning entries.
Looking Ahead: The 2027 WBA Cycle
As the 2026 gala concludes, Wisconsin newsrooms are already looking toward the 2027 entry period. Typically, the WBA opens its call for entries in early January, covering work that aired between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year. For those looking to see the winning work, the WBA often hosts a "Winner's Gallery" on their official website, providing a blueprint for what Broadcasting Excellence looks like in the modern era.
The 2026 awards proved that whether it is a small radio station in the Northwoods or a major television affiliate in Milwaukee, the mission remains the same: to provide "meaningful programming and trusted local reporting." As Michelle Vetterkind aptly stated, there is much for Wisconsin broadcasters to be proud of, and the 2026 winners list is a testament to that enduring legacy.
