Carter Waelchli, a Communication – BA major from Whitewater, at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is one of 16 Warhawks to claim a Wisconsin Community Media Best of the Midwest award for their work on UWW-TV during the 2025-26 academic year in Onalaska, WI, from April 30 – May 1, 2026.

Waelchli earned the following award for their work: 3rd place, Creative Student Media.

Award winners were recognized at the Midwest Media Fest Conference and Banquet on Thursday, April 30. Attendees had the opportunity to network and celebrate during the exhibitors’ reception and banquet.

The 2026 Midwest Media Fest Conference and Banquet celebrates local Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Access programming and Low-Power Community Radio programming. The event recognizes local programming produced by both professionals and amateurs and provides producers with feedback on their work from a slate of four judges.

The nine-state Alliance for Community Media Midwest Region includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

UWW-TV provides students with hands-on experience in producing high-quality content both behind the scenes and on camera.

To learn more about UWW-TV, visit uwwtv.org.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.