Press Release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026

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Radio’s Biggest Night: NAB Celebrates 2026 Marconi Radio Award Winners in New York City

From Los Angeles to Boston, the 2026 Marconi winners showcase radio’s enduring power, excellence and connection to local communities

Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) tonight announced the winners of the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, celebrating the nation’s outstanding radio stations and on-air personalities during a memorable evening at the Edison Ballroom on the eve of NAB Show New York.

Presented by NAB with Xperi as title sponsor, the celebration was also supported by Quu, the Winners’ Scorecard sponsor, and ENCO, the closed-captioning sponsor. The evening was hosted by Deja Vu, the nationally syndicated radio personality with Compass Media Networks. Known for her infectious energy and connection with audiences, Deja Vu brought her signature personality to radio’s biggest night. Matt Cord, a veteran Philadelphia radio personality and longtime public address announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers, lent his distinctive voice to the evening’s prerecorded announcements.

The evening also paid tribute to Joel Oxley, president and general manager of Hubbard Radio Washington, D.C., who received the 2026 NAB National Radio Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the industry. A respected champion of local journalism and public service, Oxley has spent more than three decades helping shape WTOP and Federal News Network into trusted sources of news and information for the Washington region.

Established in 1989 and named for inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards honor radio stations and on-air personalities demonstrating outstanding achievement and service to their communities.

The ceremony brought together broadcasters, executives and industry leaders from across the country to celebrate the creativity, talent and community connections that continue to define radio.

This year’s NAB Marconi Radio Award winners are:

Legendary Station of the Year

WIVK-FM, Knoxville, Tenn

Legendary Radio Manager of the Year

Julie Koehn, WLEN-FM, Adrian, Mich.

Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year

The Bob & Sheri Show, WKQC-FM, Beasley Media Group, Charlotte, N.C.

Major Market Personality of the Year

Karson and Kennedy, WBMX-FM, Boston

Large Market Personality of the Year

Karen Dalessandro, KSLX-FM, Phoenix

Medium Market Personality of the Year

Ron Olson and Karen Perrin, WRVR-FM, Memphis, Tenn.

Small Market Personality of the Year

Chris Lawrence, WCHS-AM, Charleston, W.Va.

Major Market Station of the Year

WBMX-FM, Boston

Large Market Station of the Year

WYXB-FM, Indianapolis

Medium Market Station of the Year

WYCT-FM, Pensacola, Fla.

Small Market Station of the Year

KBHP-FM, Bemidji, Minn.

Best Radio Podcast of the Year

“Purple Daily,” KSTP-AM, Hubbard Broadcasting, St. Paul, Minn.

AC Station of the Year

KBIG-FM, Los Angeles

CHR Station of the Year

KRBE-FM, Houston

Classic Hits Station of the Year

WCBS-FM, New York

College Radio Station of the Year

WRRC-FM, Rider University, Lawrenceville, N.J.

Country Station of the Year

KKBQ-FM, Houston

News/Talk Station of the Year

WSB-AM, Atlanta

Religious Station of the Year

WGTS-FM, Washington, D.C.

Rock Station of the Year

WIYY-FM, Baltimore

Spanish Language Station of the Year

KOVE-FM, Houston

Sports Station of the Year

WEEI-FM, Boston

Urban Station of the Year

WHQT-FM, Miami

Marconi finalists were selected by a committee of broadcasters, and the winners were determined by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy.

Photos of the event are available for media and the public download.

Registration for NAB Show New York 2026 is open. Stay up to date on the latest show news by adding your name to the press list. Visit the press resources page for news releases, media kits, creative assets, style guides and more. Download select speaker headshots. (Qualified media must apply for accreditation separately from other attendee passes.)

About NAB Show New York

NAB Show New York, produced by the National Association of Broadcasters, is the premier East Coast marketplace for media innovation, bringing together the creators, producers, broadcasters, technologists and business leaders shaping the future of content and storytelling. Taking place Oct. 21-22, 2026, at the Javits Center in New York City, the event showcases the tools, technologies, insights and connections driving media creation, production and distribution. Learn more at NABShowNY.com.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters advocates for policies and technological innovations that empower America’s local television and radio stations to serve every community with trusted journalism, vital emergency information and the sports and entertainment that bring Americans together. Learn more at nab.org.

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