Andrew Spheeris

Certainly one of the first FM broadcasters in the state of Wisconsin, Spheeris was a native of Milwaukee who actually began a law career only to have it interrupted twice: once by a World War II Army stint, and then again in 1948, by his appointment as a managing general partner for Milwaukee radio’s WEMP. The second interruption turned into a 37-year career in Milwaukee radio and television that has seen him commence, in 1953 when the Braves baseball franchise moved to Milwaukee, the first major league baseball radio network in Wisconsin. He was a pioneer FM broadcaster, putting WEMP-FM on the air in 1962. He was instrumental in putting Milwaukee’s second television station, WISN-TV, on the air in 1954 and served as its general manager until his retirement from broadcasting in 1985. Spheeris was one of the founding members of the WBA in 1951, and he served as its president for two years. In addition to his broadcasting endeavors, he was deeply involved in Milwaukee civic affairs throughout the years: President of the Milwaukee March of Dimes, President of Easter Seals, and Chief Barker of the Variety Club. In 1973, the Graphics Arts Club of Milwaukee honored him as Communicator of the Year.

Andrew Spheeris passed away on November 30, 2007.