Dave Edwards, WUWM’s General Manager, has been awarded the 2018 U:SA Madison Hodges Innovator Award for Public Media Advancement. This national award reflects the organizations mission to “strengthen the public media system through improving the relationship between broadcasters and their licensees to help the station/licensee transition to success”. The award recognizes the individual’s attempts to make a greater impact in their communities and their profession as a public media professional. In 2014, the first Innovator award was presented to the Madison Hodges family.
"I'm especially impressed with Dave's work in driving local news into a market where local news coverage by commercial media has been shrinking for decades. Dave's work in seeking out funding for specific journalism beats focusing on education and race are perfect examples of the type of public service that public media outlets can provide to a community, serving not only as a news source but as a convener supporting a public dialogue on tough issues,” said John Hess, U:SA Board President.
As General Manager, Edwards has expanded the station’s local programming efforts, community-based fundraising and partnerships with organizations in southeastern Wisconsin. Under his leadership, WUWM’s reporting efforts have grown, adding four new beat reporters in the past five years. In addition to his work at the station, Edwards has served as Chairman of the National Public Radio Board of Directors and has held board positions on the Station Resource Group, Public Radio in Mid-America and the University Station Alliance. He is currently the Chairman of the Radio Research Consortium Board of Directors and a member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Board of Directors.
Edwards said, "I am tremendously honored by this recognition. It is rewarding to be part of an industry that values innovation and service to our communities.”
