University of Wisconsin - Extension

Lynne Blinkenberg, director of community outreach for Wisconsin Public Television (WPT), received the Outreach Professional of the Year Award at a recent national meeting.

A respected member of the public television community for many years, Blinkenberg joined the WPT staff in 1996. She jump-started WPT's children's outreach program, garnered national attention for her work with the Sesame Street pre-school education program in communities around Wisconsin, promoted national organ donations, and has worked toward cultural understanding in local towns and cities.

Overall, Blinkenberg has contributed to WPT's mission of sparking community discussion and action through the powerful medium of television. Her award was presented by the National Center for Outreach.

In 2004, WPT celebrates 50 years of service to Wisconsin individuals and families. WHA-TV, Madison, signed on the air on May 3, 1954.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/DT, Madison; WPNE-TV/DT, Green Bay; WHRM-TV/DT, Wausau; WLEF-TV/DT, Park Falls; WHLA-TV/DT, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV/DT, Menomonie-Eau Claire.