WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) honored the recipients of the 2023 Celebration of Service to America Awards tonight during a gala held at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. The awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, honor the impact and excellence in community service and philanthropy by local radio and television stations.
The 2023 Celebration of Service to America Award winners are:
Service to Community Award for Radio, Broadcast Ownership Group
Guaranty, Future DJ Radio Day
Service to Community Award for Television, Broadcast Ownership Group
Gray Television, The Sixth Investigative Series
Service to Community Award for Radio, Large/Major Market
KSTP-FM, Hubbard Broadcasting, St. Paul, Minn., KS95 FM Buck$ for Babe
Service to Community Award for Television – Large/Major Market
WBNS-TV, TEGNA Inc., Columbus, Ohio, Maria’s Message: Education on distracted driving
Service to Community Award for Radio – Medium Market
WHKO-FM, COX Media Group, Dayton, Ohio, 99.1FM Care for Kids Radiothon for Dayton Children’s Hospital
Service to Community Award for Television – Medium Market
KCCI-TV, Hearst Television, Des Moines, Iowa, Essential: Iowa’s EMS Emergency
Service to Community Award for Radio – Small Market
WLEN-FM, Lenawee Broadcasting, Lenawee County, Associated Charities Back to School Fire
Service to Community Award for Television – Small Market
KTTC-TV, Gray Television, Rochester, Minn., Fifth District Eagles Cancer Telethon
“The Celebration of Service to America Awards recognizes the radio and television stations that exemplify broadcasters’ commitment to educating, uplifting and enriching audiences and communities across the country,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “The incredible and irreplaceable work by tonight’s honorees is a testament to broadcasting’s 100-year legacy of philanthropy and public service. We congratulate our station winners and all of our nominees for their outstanding work to better the lives of their listeners and viewers.”
As previously announced, multihyphenate entertainer Wayne Brady was presented with the Service to American Leadership Award, NABLF’s highest individual honor. In addition, JP Morgan Chase was honored with the Corporate Leadership Award for the company’s commitment to philanthropy and community service.
Bonneville International President Darrell Brown, who recently announced he will retire at the end of August, was presented with a special recognition honoring his service to NABLF, including his tenure as chair of the NABLF Board since January 2019.
The event was hosted by “GMA” Saturday and Sunday co-anchor and ABC News correspondent Gio Benitez. Nelson Cade III, a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice,” performed during the ceremony. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Reps. Garret Graves (R-LA-06) and Tim Walberg (R-MI-5), WUSA (TEGNA) weeknight anchor Lesli Foster and WRC (NBCU) anchor Jummy Olabanji presented the awards to station winners.
A special production of the awards ceremony will air nationally on broadcast stations later this year.
The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (formerly the NAB Education Foundation) rebranded in 2018 in recognition of its role in developing broadcasting’s future leaders. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing the industry through leadership, diversity and community service. Learn more at www.nabfoundation.org.
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.