The NAB Leadership Foundation brought some of Capitol Hill’s most prominent AM radio compatriots to the stage Tuesday night as it hosted the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards in Washington, DC, honoring broadcasters for superlative community service.
Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) received the John D. Dingell, Jr. Award for Excellence for their bipartisan leadership in advancing the TAKE IT DOWN Act, signed into law in May 2025. The award, which honors members of Congress who exemplify the late congressman’s dedication to public service and bipartisan collaboration, was presented by his wife, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) was among the evening’s presenters. Other distinguished guests included House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC), Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID), and New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno.
The evening’s top individual honor, the Service to America Leadership Award, went to philanthropist and New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, recognized for her civic and humanitarian work across the Gulf South through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation. Kidde, the fire safety company, received the Corporate Leadership Award for its commitment to community safety.
On the radio side, Morgan Murphy Media took top honors in the Broadcast Ownership Group category for its “Honor Our Fallen” initiative, a fundraiser benefitting firefighters injured and killed in an ambush blaze in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Cox Media Group’s Atlanta news-Talk 95.5 WSB took the Large/Major Market radio award for its annual Care-a-Thon for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, which raised more than $2.3 million.
Saga Communications’ 100.5 WYMG in Springfield, Illinois, won the Medium Market award for its Christmas Wish program. The evening also marked the debut of a new Original Content Podcast category, with the Purple Daily Podcast from Hubbard Media That Connects in Minneapolis-St. Paul taking the inaugural honor.
NABLF President Michelle Duke said, “Celebration of Service to America honorees demonstrate the extraordinary impact broadcasters have in communities across the country every day. We are proud to recognize both the local stations serving their audiences in times of need and the public leaders whose bipartisan efforts are making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
