WBA Launches Young Broadcasters Development Fund

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 2:20pm CT

Terry and Sandy Shockley

Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Hall of Famers Terry and Sandy Shockley (pictured) have established the Young Broadcasters Development Fund to encourage students and young professionals to pursue careers in broadcasting.

The fund, managed by the WBA Foundation, was launched with a donation from the Shockleys and is accepting additional contributions. Donors will be recognized as member grantors.

"Our mission with this fund is to inspire and motivate young people to pursue a career in broadcasting," said Terry and Sandy Shockley. "The rewards are many, and like our WBA members, serving the broadcast license has provided a lifestyle filled with exciting experiences."

The fund will initially support the WBA's campus ambassador program, which has expanded to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Two students on each campus represent broadcasters within student organizations and promote WBA resources and events.

"We are so grateful to Terry and Sandy for their generous and inspiring contribution to the future of broadcasting in Wisconsin," said WBA President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind. She said developing the next generation of broadcasters has become a high priority in the association's strategic planning.

WBA Foundation Chair Chris Bernier also credited the Shockleys with providing the initial funding to launch the program.

Among the student ambassadors for the coming year is UW-Oshkosh's Chloe DeBois, who attended the WBA Summer Conference in Lake Geneva and had an opportunity to meet the Shockleys.

The WBA expects the fund to eventually expand its support to additional programs for student broadcasters and people beginning their broadcasting careers, including initiatives developed by the WBA Young Professionals Committee.