WMSS 91.1 FM General Manager John Wilsbach was named the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters 2026 Radio Broadcaster of the Year. He was honored at the organization’s award luncheon in April, and the Middletown Area School District Board of Directors recently recognized the achievement.
John’s broadcasting career dates back to 1978 at Feaser Junior High School, when Middletown Area School District began its radio program, with a station called WMSS 91.1 FM. A decade after graduating from Middletown Area High School in 1983, John would take the reins as WMSS General Manager, a position he still holds today, and where he inspires the next generation of broadcasters.
WMSS is one of the few high school-operated broadcast stations in the country.
John is known as the voice of Blue Raider athletics, with his exciting play-by-play of high school volleyball, football, and basketball games. He also serves as chairman of the Middletown Athletic Hall of Fame.
He has also covered collegiate athletics for two decades, as well as professional soccer and hockey. He is known in Central Pennsylvania for his role as the region's traffic reporter, the ‘eye in the sky,’ on eight different radio stations.
John’s honor of Radio Broadcaster of the Year is one of the many accolades received throughout his career. He has been inducted as a sportscaster into the Capital Area Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame and inducted into the Harrisburg Heat Hall of Fame.
Congratulations, John, on this well-deserved honor!
WMSS student broadcasters, friends, and Middletown Area School District colleagues were on hand to celebrate John’s recognition from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. Pictured above are students Brody Keating and Sam Kostoff, Steve Leedy, MAHS teacher and WMSS broadcaster Brian Keyser, honoree John Wilsbach, Sweeny Murti, Maureen Denis, Middletown Area School District Superintendent Dr. Chelton Hunter, Middletown Area School District Assistant to the Superintendent Dr. Alexis Wertz, Tim Starliper, and Ali Moyer.