The Colorado Broadcasters Association brought together approximately 400 industry professionals this past weekend for its Awards of Excellence Gala.
President and CEO Justin Sasso said the event, held at the Ritz Carlton Denver, highlighted the strongest work in Colorado radio and television.
The 2026 competition set a new high-water mark with 1,013 entries, including 546 from radio.
The program recognized standout performances across the state’s broadcast markets, with “Station of the Year” honors awarded based on cumulative points for first-place awards of excellence and second-place certificates of merit.
For radio, the state’s winners were:
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Small Market: KBVC(FM) in Buena Vista
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Medium Market: KYSL(FM) in Frisco
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Major Market: KKMG(FM) in Colorado Springs
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Metro Market: KCFR(FM) in Denver
In his remarks, Sasso said that trust is the industry’s defining asset, while pointing to recent advocacy outcomes, including blocking legislation that would have limited open records access in Colorado and the bipartisan support for the still-pending AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
The event also highlighted the next generation of broadcasters, recognizing students from Rampart High School and Colorado State University with future broadcaster awards.
[Related: “Future in Focus: Justin Sasso of the Colorado Broadcasters Association”]
