The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation has announced that nominations for 2026 Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame class are due no later than Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.
Created in 2001 to honor visionaries and innovators in the Wisconsin newspaper industry, the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame has inducted 74 individuals.
Nominations are open to anyone, living or deceased, who has contributed above and beyond the call of duty to the newspaper industry in Wisconsin. This includes publishers, editors, reporters, photographers or any other newspaper personnel who made significant contributions to the newspaper industry. Nominees for the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame should have dedicated at least 15 years of service to newspapering.
With the approval of the nomination committee, Hall of Fame induction may be extended to someone outside the working industry, such as an educator, jurist, attorney or legislator. The primary criterion is exceptional service on behalf of Wisconsin newspapers. Other criteria may be established or considered by the Hall of Fame selection committee or the WNAF Board as deemed appropriate or necessary.
View the entire list of Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame inductees here.
To learn more about the nomination process, click here.
Save the Date!
The induction banquet for the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Madison Concourse Hotel during the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Convention; individual registration is $100 per person.
To learn more about the banquet registration process, click here. Individual and table banquet reservations are due no later than Thursday, Feb. 12.
Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities
Can we count on you to donate to the WNA Foundation to support ongoing activities such as this event, scholastic journalism and the Wisconsin Civics Games?
Your Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame sponsorship helps to celebrate the inductees and support the WNA Foundation. For more information about sponsorships and advertising at the event or in the event program click here.
Ads and sponsorship gifts should be reserved by Feb. 5, 2026, for inclusion in the Hall of Fame event program. A list of donors, regardless of the donation amount, will appear in the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame program.
Thank you for your generous support!
