The Kentucky Broadcasters Association has narrowed the field for its 2026 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards, naming finalists in professional and collegiate radio categories ahead of an October 25 ceremony at Louisville’s Galt House.
Finalists were selected by independent panels of professional broadcasters, with the highest average scores determining each category. Television finalists are available via the KBA site.
Radio Finalists
Rookie of the Year
- Brian Basham, WBIO
- Macy Garrett, Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation
- William Battle, The Edge Media Group
Overall Digital Presence
- WKMS
- The Edge Media Group – YourSportsEdge.com
- Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation – GlasgowNews1
Behind the Scenes
- Dime Pierson, WXCM
- Shelby Ashley, WKMS
- Maria Belcher, Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation
Special Program or Feature
- WEKU – Stable Recovery
- WXCM – Pink Mic Project
- The Edge Media Group – Edward Marlowe Homeless Veterans Series
Sports Announcer of the Year
- Joe Wilson, WHOP
- Sam Gormley, Heritage Media Of Kentucky
- Nathan Lyttle, WSGS
Use of Streaming Video
- WLME – “102.7 The Game”
- Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation – WCLU Barren Inc. Red Carpet
- Heritage Media Of Kentucky – K105 Digital Productions
Talk Show
- WEKU – Eastern Standard, Oct. 16, 2025
- WLME – Beyond the Bench
- WRUS-AM – “Church With No Walls”
News Reporter of the Year
- John McGary, WEKU
- Hannah Saad, WKMS
- Lisa Autry, WKYU
On-Air Personality of the Year
- Brian Burkhart, WEKU
- Brian Basham, WBIO
- Laura Shine, WFPL
Uniquely Kentucky (public service award)
- WEKU
- WBRT-AM
- WUKY
Morning Show
- WHOP – WHOP Radio Morning Show
- Mountain Top Media – The Day Break Morning Show
- Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation – WCLU Mornings with Todd Steenbergen
Broadcast Leadership Award
- Asia Burnett, WKMS
- Traci Mason-Perry, WHOP
- Chris Houchens, Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation
Overall Newscast/News Coverage
- WEKU – London Tornado coverage
- WEKU – Lexington Church Shooting coverage
- WMKY – WMKY Midday News with Samantha Morrill
Account Executive of the Year
- Brian Basham, WBIO
- Traci Mason-Perry, WHOP
Podcast of the Year
- WEKU – Democracy Optimist, Luisa Sanchez and Rachel Belin
- WFPL – Music Box Podcast, Season 8
- WUKY – Saving Stories
Locally Produced Commercial
- WLME – “Cruz Poop Squad”
- Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation – “Ace Construction: Leaky Roof”
- Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation – “T’s Country Kitchen: Homestyle Southern Cooking”
Radio Station of the Year
- WLME
- WHOP
- WKYU
College Radio Finalists
News Reporter of the Year
- Will Darnall, Murray State University
- Shelby Bloomer, Murray State University
- Braeden Trent, Morehead State University
Newscast/Coverage
- Brayden Wilson, Morehead State University
- Will Darnall, Murray State University
- Annabelle Massa, Murray State University
Special Program or Feature
- Morehead State University – Rowan County Fish Hatchery Prepares to Stock Waters Across the Commonwealth
- Morehead State University – Poor Harvest Yield and Uncertain Market Leaves Local Farmers Wondering If There Is Any Room For Growth
- Morehead State University – MSU Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences Program Benefits From Updated Facilities
Overall Digital Presence
- Murray State University – WKMS
- Western Kentucky University – WWHR
College Program of the Year
- Murray State University – WKMS
- Western Kentucky University – WWHR
Student Broadcaster of the Year
- Alex Standifer, Morehead State University
- Ella Teuscher, Morehead State University
- Will Darnall, Murray State University
