Former Shawano radio broadcaster Norm Habeck has been selected to receive the first Wisconsin Broadcasters Local Broadcast Legend Award.
Habeck worked at WTCH, WOWN, WOTE and WJMQ radio for nearly 60 years as a sales representative but is best known as the original host of the WTCH Breakfast Club. He passed way in October 2010.
Habeck’s selection was announced by Bruce Grassman, president of Results Broadcasting and a member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Foundation board of directors. Grassman serves on the selection committee for the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame Awards.
Because many well-deserving broadcasters in both radio and television are not selected for the hall of fame, Grassman suggested creating the local legends award.
The award recognizes individuals for exceptional service not only on the job but also in the community.
Habeck will be the only person honored with the award this year. In future years a broadcaster from each of Wisconsin’s four districts will be honored.
This year’s awards ceremony will be held June 18 during the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association’s summer conference in Wisconsin Dells. Habeck’s widow, Delores, and daughter, Shelley, will accept the award on his behalf.
Habeck was named Citizen of the Year by the Shawano Area Chamber of Commerce in 1989 and received a “Living Treasure Award” from Shawano County’s Aging Unit in 2009.
Habeck also served on the Shawano Park and Recreation Commission for 24 years and on many other committees, including senior citizens and St. James Lutheran Church groups. He was especially well-known for his dedication to veterans organizations. He was master of ceremonies for the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day services for many years.
The city declared Feb. 1, 2007, Norm Habeck Day, in celebration of his 55-plus years of dedication to radio and his community. More than 300 people attended a dinner in his honor. He was showered with certificates of appreciation from state, county and city agencies, businesses, veterans organizations, Results Broadcasting and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
