The National Association of Broadcasters announced the winners of the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, honoring top stations and on-air personalities during an evening ceremony at the Edison Ballroom in New York.
The NAB also presented the 2026 National Radio Award to Joel Oxley, retiring president and general manager of Hubbard Radio Washington, recognizing his leadership and lasting service to the industry.
[Related: “Joel Oxley Goes Out on ’TOP”]
Held on the eve of NAB Show New York, nationally syndicated personality Deja Vu of Compass Media Networks hosted the festivities, while Philadelphia radio veteran and 76ers public address announcer Matt Cord voiced prerecorded announcements.
2026 NAB Marconi Radio Award Winners
- 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
- 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
Established in 1989 and named for inventor and Nobel laureate Guglielmo Marconi, the awards recognize stations and personalities for excellence in broadcasting and community service. Finalists were selected by an industry committee, with winners determined by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy.
[Do you receive the Radio World SmartBrief newsletter each weekday morning? We invite you to sign up here.]
