Category Archives: News

Hicks leaves WITI-TV

Brad Hicks
Nighttime news anchor Brad Hicks has left WITI-TV in Milwaukee after more than 15 years at the station. A statement from the station said Hicks decided to “step away and focus on his family.” “As many people may know, Brad’s brother and parents in California all face difficult health challenges,”... - MORE -

Panel to discuss editorial process

The Madison chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is partnering with UW-Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication to host a panel discussion Wednesday, March 27 to answer all your questions about how the editorial process works. The event — which is free and open to the public —... - MORE -

Fellowship available for photographers

Photographers have a chance to get fellowship money to further their training. The Rick Jowett Fellowship was established in 2017 by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation to support educational opportunities for photographers and videographers who work in media in Wisconsin. Recipients of the fellowship can use the grant for professional... - MORE -

Young professionals invite you to The Toolbox

Terry Stevenson
If you consider yourself a young professional in your newsroom, you’ll want to mark June 13 on your calendar. The WBA’s Young Professionals are bringing back the popular “Toolbox” event at the WBA Summer Conference. This year it will be at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake. The day is... - MORE -

Broadcasters to host 2 State Supreme Court debates

Two televisions are involved in airing two different State Supreme Court elections ahead of the April 2 election. The debates will be between Wisconsin Court of Appeals Chief Judge Lisa Neubauer and Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Brian Hagedorn. The candidates are running to fill the seat of Justice Shirley... - MORE -

WISN-TV to debut 9 p.m. newscast

Dan Needles , Derrick Rose, and Mark Baden
WISN 12 News will launch “WISN 12 News at 9:00 p.m.” on April 1. The half-hour newscast will feature anchor Derrick Rose, Chief Meteorologist Mark Baden, and Sports Director Dan Needles and will air on WISN 12’s multicast channel “Justice Milwaukee.” “Justice Milwaukee” is available over the air on digital... - MORE -

Column: Opees honor good acts and bad

Bill Lueders
As part of Sunshine Week, an annual celebration of open government that runs from March 10-16, the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council is bestowing its 13th annual Openness Awards, or Opees. This year’s honorees reflect the range of people fighting for transparency in Wisconsin, from a citizens group to... - MORE -

Change up your countdown for better delivery

From middlewick on Morguefile
You could hardly be blamed for saying “3-2-1” before reading a script, but RTDNA contributor and news coach Joanne Stevens says it can reinforce bad habits. “Each time you use your countdown, your brain is thinking ‘Oh, I get it – we’re at work! You’re reminding me of how you... - MORE -

Tell your audience why you’re doing a live shot

Live shots are a powerful way for broadcasters to tell a story, but it’s important not to overuse them. RTDNA is offering advice for live shots, suggesting that those on live shot should tell their audiences why they’re reporting live. It’s an important exercise for the reporters and producers, and... - MORE -

MBJA sets schedule for April conference

The Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association is holding a conference on April 12-13 in the Twin Cities and is out with its agenda. Topics on the agenda include investigative journalism, story follow-ups, covering state politics, crisis coverage, Facebook, and many more. There will also be an awards luncheon, job fair,... - MORE -