Awards for Excellence

Program Overview: The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards for Excellence recognizes outstanding radio and television broadcast achievements by member stations and college/high school broadcasting students.

Purpose: This competition was established to encourage the highest standards of reporting, community service and production creativity, bringing peer recognition to members of the broadcast industry in Wisconsin.

Eligibility:

• Member Wisconsin radio and television broadcasters
• College and high school broadcasting students (separate Student Awards for Excellence)

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin

Award Categories: Multiple divisions and categories covering various broadcast achievements

Contact Information:

• Funder: Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
• Address: 44 E Mifflin Street, Suite 900, Madison, WI 53703
• Phone: (608) 255-2600 or Toll Free: (800) 236-1922
• Website: wi-broadcasters.org

Background: Annual competition sponsored by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association to recognize outstanding achievement by member Wisconsin radio and television broadcasters.

Application Process

Submission Platform: BetterBNC (web-based program at betterbnc.com)

Key Dates:

• Entry Period Opens: December 1, 2025
• Entry Deadline: January 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CST
• Browser Requirement: Google Chrome (recent version) for PC and Macintosh for optimal experience

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Access the Platform:
   • Go to www.betterbnc.com
   • Click "Contestant Login" (upper left)
   • Select the appropriate Contest
2. Account Setup:
   • Select appropriate contestant type:
   • Contestant Manager: Single point of contact for organization (stations should select one)
   • Authorized Entrant: If you received an email authorization
   • Select appropriate Organization
   • Enter Email address
   • For first-time login, enter temporary password: "bnc"
   • Create secure password when prompted
3. Submit Entries:
   • Click "My Contest" at top of page
   • Click "Submit Entry" on "Manage Entries" page
   • Select Division (larger grouping of categories)
   • Select Category
   • Read Category Note describing expected entry content
   • Complete Headline/Title field
4. Add Content:
   • Copy and paste content's web address into Web URL field (use SHARE link)
   • Preferred platforms:
   • Audio: www.soundcloud.com
   • Video: www.vimeo.com or www.youtube.com
   • Important: Items must NOT be behind paywall or password-protected. If they are, provide username/password in Comments section
   • Must allow embeds for WBA to feature entries on wibroadcasters.org
   • Optional: Select 00:15 second snippet for video/audio montage if entry receives 1st place
5. Payment:
   • Log into "Manage Entries" page
   • Click "Calculate Entry Fee" (middle right)
   • Review list of entries for accuracy
   • View Entry Fee Subtotal (lower right)
   • Payment options:
   • Check
   • Credit card (online)
   • Phone with credit card: (608) 255-2600 or (800) 236-1922
   • Payment must be made BEFORE DEADLINE

Required Materials

• Headline/Title for entry
• Web URL of content (audio, video, or web-based)
• Entry fees (varies by entry)

Important Notes

• Judges may disqualify entries if work samples are inaccessible
• WBA will feature first place winners on wibroadcasters.org using embed code
• Contestant Manager must submit two entries first to validate account setup