WBA Newsroom
WMTV 15 News in Madison has named Bridget Fargen as News Director starting Sept. 8. Fargen has more than 15 years of experience in local broadcast journalism, with what the station describes as a proven track record of newsroom leadership, community engagement, and award-winning news coverage.
A Wisconsin native, Fargen began her career in Rhinelander before joining KOLN in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2010 as a weekend anchor and reporter. Over the next nine years, she became a trusted presence in the Lincoln community, anchoring the weekday evening news and actively supporting local initiatives through fundraising and public speaking engagements.
In 2020, Fargen returned to her home state to lead the newsroom at WSAW-TV in Wausau. The station said that as news director, she played a pivotal role in elevating the station’s journalistic standards and community impact. Under her leadership, WSAW earned the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association’s Small Market “Station of the Year” award for five consecutive years.
“Bridget brings a rare combination of leadership, integrity, and vision,” said Don Vesely, Regional Vice President and General Manager of WMTV. “She understands that impactful journalism begins with a connection to the people and stories that matter. As a Madison La Follette High School graduate, we’re thrilled to welcome someone who truly knows and values this community.”
“I am thrilled to be coming back to the community where I was raised and have my family experience all the Madison area has to offer,” Fargen said. “Leading the WMTV news, weather, and sports teams is an amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to work with all the talented people in the building.”
WMTV-TV News Director Jessica Laszewski was recently named general manager of WSAW-TV.