WISN 12 Honored with National Celebration of Service to America Award

MILWAUKEE, WIS. (July 12, 2021) – WISN 12 has been presented with the Celebration Of Service To America Award in the Television – Large Market category by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Leadership Foundation for its entry WISN Feeds the Hungry. This prestigious program recognizes local broadcasters for their dedication to innovative initiatives that inform and bolster communities in the face of unprecedented challenges. Through its fundraising campaigns, WISN 12 and Hunger Task Force provided hunger relief by collecting more than $1 million to feed local families and support area businesses and farmers.

“This past year and a half has been extremely difficult for so many people who continue to struggle with unemployment, hunger, and financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN 12. “Our community stepped up in a big way with tremendous generosity to help our neighbors in need. We are deeply grateful for their support, and truly thankful for our long-standing partnership with Hunger Task Force through this project, and many others over the years.”

Following the closures of schools, restaurants, and stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin farmers had been told to dump milk in response to a surplus. After seeing coverage of the milk dumping on WISN 12 News, Hunger Task Force joined forces with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and WISN 12 to rescue the milk and distribute to local families in need.

The partnership between WISN 12 and Hunger Task Force raised $1,031,361 in 2020. The Milk Rescue campaign in April 2020 collected $666,890 and the November 2020 Virtual Food For Families Food Drive helped provide more than $300,000 in extra food support for local families during the holidays.

“The outpouring of kindness and compassion throughout Southeastern Wisconsin was extraordinary”, adds Wade. This Celebration of Service to America award is not only an amazing honor for WISN TV, it’s also a testament to an extremely generous community that always comes together when it matters most.”

Hearst Television, WISN 12’s parent company, was recognized with a nomination for Television – Broadcast Ownership Group with its entry Hearst Project Takes on Systemic Racism. Other Hearst nominations included WCVB Boston’s Television – Large Market entry WCVB Responds to Two Pandemics,  and WBAL-AM Baltimore’s Radio – Major Market entry WBAL Kids Campaign.

The 23^rd Annual Celebration of Service to America Awards were televised on WISN 12 on July 11, 2021, hosted by Emmy award-winner Tamron Hall and featured other celebrity guests. As stated by the National Association of Broadcasters, the award recipients “have proven their excellence and commitment to community service through their dedication and initiatives put forth in 2020.”

Viewers will have another opportunity to watch the awards ceremony Sunday, July 18^th at 6:00 PM on WISN 12.

About WISN 12 and Hearst Television

WISN 12, the ABC station in Milwaukee, is owned by Hearst Television, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hearst Corporation.  Hearst Television owns and operates 33 television and two radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all of the major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over nearly 70 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more. The radio stations are leaders in Baltimore news/talk and rock music listenership. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry’s premier companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.