
Source: Chali PIttman / Civic Media
Hayward welcomes Maddie Schaffer
Schaffer adds to our capacity to cover local news in Hayward and surrounding communities.
HAYWARD, Wis. (WHSM) – Civic Media is excited to welcome Maddie Schaffer as our newest reporter in Hayward, strengthening our growing statewide newsroom and commitment to local communities.
Schaffer is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Superior with a degree in multimedia journalism and an emphasis on photography. Maddie will be covering news and events across Hayward and the surrounding area, helping our listeners an inside look at the stories that matter most.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to my roots and reporting in an area that I’ve known my whole life,” says Schaffer. There’s a lot to learn about this community and my goal is to strengthen the community by giving it a voice and keeping the people who live here informed.”
Before joining Civic Media, Schaffer served as Editor-in-Chief of The Promethean, UW–Superior’s student publication, gaining hands-on experience in leadership and reporting. She brings strong skills in reporting, writing, and visual storytelling.
Mark Lundeen, Market Manager in Hayward, says, “Maddie’s joining the team is great news for the Hayward Lakes Area and our listeners on WHSM and WBZH. She knows this community well and brings a fresh, local perspective to the stories that matter most. With her background in journalism and photography, she’ll help shine a light on the people, places, and events that make this area special. We’re excited for the deeper coverage and local insight she’ll bring to our listeners across the Northwoods.”
Beyond journalism, Schaffer enjoys photography, design, and cooking, and looks forward to using her skills to bring depth to local news coverage.
Have a story idea or tip for Maddie? Email [email protected] or call (715) 939-3040, ext. 2. You can find her reporting at whsm.com and wbzh.fm

Chali Pittman is Civic Media’s News Director. She’s worked for over a decade in community and nonprofit news, most recently leading news and talk programming at community radio WORT in Madison. Reach her at [email protected] or (608) 616-2240.
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