“The Young Broadcasters Development Fund.”
The name has a nice ring in an industry that competes with so many other media and now often struggles to identify future talent.
The fund is new and is managed by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Foundation. It has kicked off with a founding grant from Terry and Sandy Shockley.
“Our mission with this fund is to inspire and motivate young people to pursue a career in broadcasting,” the Shockeys were quoted in the announcement.
“The rewards are many, and like our WBA members, serving the broadcast license has provided a lifestyle filled with exciting experiences.”
Terry and Sandy Shockley are both inductees into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. You can learn about Terry Schockley’s career here and Sandy Shockley’s here.
The fund is accepting donations.
Michelle Vetterkind, president/CEO of the WBA, called the Shockleys’ donation “a generous and inspiring contribution to the future of broadcasting in Wisconsin.” She said the WBA board of directors had prioritized the creation of a fund in its strategic planning.
According to the announcement, the fund will initially provide support to the WBA campus ambassador program, which includes the University of Wisconsi-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater.
“Two students on each campus represent broadcasters in student organizations and promote WBA resources and events.”
The foundation expects that the fund will expand to support other initiatives aimed at student broadcasters and those starting their careers in the field.
[Read Radio World’s series of profiles of next-gen engineers.]
