GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – It’s not often that you meet somebody as talented, hard-working, kind and dedicated as McKenna Rentmeester, but that’s who you’ll find when you walk into the newsroom here at WFRV.
Local 5 is ecstatic to announce that McKenna, our beloved and trusted Assistant News Director, has been named the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association’s (WBA) Young Professional of the Year, on a nomination from our News Director, Joe Radske.
From interning at WFRV to coming in as a news producer in 2020, McKenna quickly worked her way up to the role of an Executive News Producer and just a couple of years later, became the Assistant News Director, leading the station on a behemoth of a task—the 2025 NFL Draft.
Under her guidance, WFRV crushed it with Draft Day coverage in the months leading up to it and the days that followed, including seven hours of live, on-air coverage with our talented cast of reporters spread across Titletown.
McKenna hasn’t just helped lead coverage; she’s guided plenty of young journalists along the way, from the ones you see on your screens to the ones behind the scenes.
Along with all of that, Radske said, what the newsroom can collectively agree on—McKenna is the go-to.
“Every business has a go-to person. McKenna is that go-to person,” Radske said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s mandated news coverage or decorating the newsroom for a holiday, McKenna will be involved.”
And, the journalists and staff at Local 5 concur, from those you see on your screens to those behind the scenes. A group of Local 5’s staff, from those on your screens to behind the scenes, provided some quotes about McKenna as a surprise for her in this story:
From Local 5’s Cast to McKenna:
“McKenna has been one of the most important people in my career in terms of leadership in becoming the best reporter/anchor and overall best human being possible. Being able to cover March Madness 2025 in Milwaukee and seeing how she handled everything thrown her way is a true testament to her dedication to her work in bringing the best news coverage to Local 5 and Northeast Wisconsin. Congratulations McKenna, you deserve it!”
Local 5 Multimedia Journalist & Reporter Blake Borths
“I saw McKenna join our Local 5 news team as a wide-eyed intern (whose mother loved my suits and ties) and have watched her develop into a top-notch producer and news manager. Who’da thought that someday the kid would be my boss?!”
Local 5 News Anchor Tom Zalaski
“McKenna is bright, passionate and dedicated to our Local 5 viewers and news team. She prides herself in being balanced and ethical in her journalism. McKenna wears every hat in the newsroom and excels at it. She has earned the trust of her colleagues and viewers. I am delighted to see that McKenna has been honored with this prestigious and well-deserved award. I am honored to work alongside her and know that she’s just getting started!”
Local 5 News Anchor Stacy Engebretson
“McKenna has rock solid news judgement. When she sends me out on a story, I have confidence and trust that she will put me in a position to succeed. She manages the newsroom with patience and kindness, even when things get chaotic. She makes WFRV better everyday, and we’re lucky to have her as Assistant News Director.”
Local 5 Multimedia Journalist & Reporter Paul Steeno
“McKenna is one of the hardest working women I know who always wants me to perform my best and elevates me to heights I never thought were achievable. She’s a phenomenal leader and I wish every young journalist had the opportunity to work and learn from her as she’s been essential in my growth at WFRV.”
Local 5 Digital Content Producer Indiana Schilz
“For being as young as she is, McKenna works like what you’d expect from a news veteran or even more. It’s admirable, and incredible to watch for me being a recent college graduate in an unfamiliar area. She’s taught me so much about leadership, while also making sure others are doing well with their craft both mentally and emotionally. I’ll always appreciate McKenna’s willingness to guide, but also listen. To put it simply—she’s a superstar.”
Local 5 Digital Content Producer Adam Rosen
A heartfelt thank you for your patience, humor, wisdom, and humility. Your guidance has made all the difference… because of you, I can confidently say I not only know how to do my job, but I do it well. You are truly a vital piece of the puzzle that keeps our newsroom running smoothly, and your impact is felt every single day.
Local 5 News Producer Michelle Wenz
“McKenna took me under her wing when I started here – and helped shape the producer I am today. I’ll echo what others have said, she is a shining light in our newsroom and helps everyone get through the news day, breaking news, special projects, etc. She is a great leader and an even better human and friend!”
Executive News Producer Sam Ellyson
“McKenna is Wisconsin strong; she loves our community. She is professionally curious, a decisive decision maker and a natural leader. She also has a great sense of humor, which can never be underestimated in the newsroom. We are very fortunate to have her and the WBA made a great choice!”
Local 5 Vice President & General Manager Judson Beck
As mentioned, beyond all the work that goes on the air, McKenna teaches, guides, and humors plenty of her colleagues with witty professionalism.
McKenna was surprised with the news last month at a WBA event inside the Lambeau Field Atrium
