WISN 12 Selected as Finalist in the National Association of Broadcasters ‘Celebration of Service to America Awards’

MILWAUKEE, WIS. (April 29, 2020) – The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation announced today that WISN 12 is a finalist in the Large Market Service to Community Award category for the 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards, recognizing outstanding community service by local broadcasters across the country.

The WISN-TV Feeds the Hungry  submission tells the story of the partnership between WISN 12 and Hunger Task Force that raised $1,031,361 in 2020.  During the month of April, the ‘Milk Rescue’ campaign brought in a total of $666,890, and in November, the ‘Virtual Food For Families Food Drive’ raised a record $364,471 for local families who need extra food support during the holiday season.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as a finalist for the NAB’s prestigious Celebration of Service to America Award,” says Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN 12.  “In 2020, with unprecedented need, the generosity of our viewers was more than impressive. A huge ‘thank you’ once again to all who donated and helped those who needed it most,” added Wade.

The April ‘Milk Rescue’ campaign bought back milk from area dairy farmers. 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 the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, to make the ‘Milk Rescue’ a part of WISN 12’s online food drive. The recovered Wisconsin milk was distributed to local families as part of ‘family food boxes’ that contain ingredients for healthy meals.

In November, WISN 12 and Hunger Task Force partnered for the ‘Food For Families’ campaign for the ninth consecutive year. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the

2020 fundraising event was conducted exclusively online. WISN 12 devoted coverage both on-air and online to promote donations through the campaign website, where donors could “shop” on the website and fill their virtual cart with specific items to help feed hungry families for the holiday season.

The 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards will once again be broadcast on television and radio stations across the country as a special one-hour awards ceremony featuring celebrity guests, past honorees and policymakers. The awards will premiere on July 10, 2021 and run through August 14, 2021.

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.

About NAB Foundation

The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (formerly the NAB Education Foundation) rebranded in 2018 in recognition of its role in developing broadcasting’s future leaders. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing the industry through leadership, diversity and community service. Learn more at www.nabfoundation.org.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

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.