Joe Schmit, an 18-time Emmy Award winner and longtime sports director at 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, has been announced as the recipient of this year’s Sid Hartman Media Award by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. The award honors Schmit for his contributions to the sports market in the area and recognizes his passion, insight, and excitement that captivates a statewide audience when they tune in to Channel 5.
Todd Fultz, president of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation, praised Schmit for his genuine personality and relationship-building skills that have earned him respect among those he covers on a daily basis. Fultz also highlighted Schmit’s commitment to community work, youth mentorship, and charitable causes that have earned him multiple honors and accolades.
Schmit has been an integral part of KSTP-TV and the community since joining the station in 1985. He has raised over $3 million for charities through his celebrity golf tournament and has been involved in various charitable organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, MG Charities, Fairway Foundation, and VEAP. In addition to his television work, Schmit is a keynote speaker, a member of the Minnesota Speakers Hall of Fame, and an author. His book “The Right Thing to Do: The Joe Mauer Story,” inspired by Minnesota Twins great Joe Mauer benefits local charities.
Schmit will be honored during the upcoming Minnesota Football Honors television broadcast.
