More than 350 entries. The best work from radio and television stations across Indiana. And this year, a Spectrum Awards celebration unlike any we’ve held before.
The Indiana Broadcasters Association’s 2026 Spectrum Awards will recognize outstanding achievement in broadcasting while also marking a historic moment for our country — America’s 250th anniversary. That patriotic spirit will carry throughout this year’s awards, celebrating not only the incredible work being done by Indiana broadcasters today, but the role broadcasting has played for generations in informing, connecting, and serving our communities.
At the center of that celebration is the new Signal of Freedom Award, with separate honors for Radio and Television. Broadcasters were challenged to tell the stories of freedom, democracy, service, and the people and places that have helped shape our state and nation. And because this is no ordinary category, its winners will receive no ordinary award. In place of the traditional Spectrum trophy, the Radio and Television winners will each receive a special commemorative glass trophy created exclusively for the Signal of Freedom Award.
Also new for 2026 is Radio Play-by-Play Video Streaming, recognizing the ways broadcasters continue to take their work beyond the traditional airwaves and reach audiences wherever they are.
The winners will be revealed on Tuesday, October 27, at The Cabaret in downtown Indianapolis, as Indiana broadcasters come together for an evening reception, dinner, and awards presentation. This year’s event will feature a special patriotic theme in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, culminating in the presentation of the Spectrum Awards, the IBA’s signature blue tower trophies, and the first-ever Signal of Freedom glass trophies.
With judging of more than 350 entries now complete, the results are in. Finalists have been selected in each category, and as in previous years, performance across the competition will also determine the 2026 Radio and Television Stations of the Year.
Now, it’s time to see who rose to the top.
The 2026 Spectrum Awards finalists are…
Multimedia Journalist of the Year
Recognizes the hard work of an individual who produces much of his or her own work. A compilation clip of 3-5 events showing applicant’s best work should be submitted. Criteria include creativity, continuity, and technical production. Entries should not be the work of the station’s investigative journalism unit.
TV Market 1
Samantha Johnson – WTHR-TV
Rich Nye – WTHR-TV
Jenna Webster – WTHR – TV
TV Market 2
Cody Bailey – WEHT-TV
John Bailey – WNDU-TV
Eloise Lushina – WSBT-TV
Best Radio Broadcast Personality or Team
Audio samples of on-air work from an individual or a group of people for news, entertainment, or sports – but not sports play-by-play.
Radio Market 1
Andy & Kat in the Morning – WAJI-FM
Brooks O’Brian In the Afternoon – WFMS-FM
Greg Browning In the Morning – WJJK-FM
Radio Market 2
Start Your Day With Jay – WERK-FM
Mac & Annie in the Morning – WKOA-FM
Kicks Morning Crew with Sean and Dave – WQLK-FM
Best Radio and TV Newscast
To be eligible for consideration in this category, submissions must have aired on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Locally originated newscasts will be judged on presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the full newscast. Submissions must have previously aired over broadcast radio or television.
Radio Market 1
WBCL-FM – WBCL Morning News with CJ Steager
WIKY-FM – WIKY Morning Drive Newscast
WTRC-FM – WTRC Morning News
Radio Market 2
WMUN-AM – WMUN News
WQLK-FM – Kicks 96 News
WVUB-FM – WVUB News
TV Market 1
WTHR-TV – 13News at 5
WTTV-TV – CBS4 News at 5
WXIN-TV – FOX59 News at 4
TV Market 2
WEHT-TV – Eyewitness News at 6PM
WNDU-TV – 16 Morning News Now
WTWO-TV – Your Local News Leader
Best TV News Feature
A single report that aired in a newscast as relief or contrast to other news reporting, or a long form program. Criteria: Shot in Indiana on an Indiana subject; human interest subject portrayal, creative writing, entertainment value, effective use of medium with audio, video, and editing.
TV Market 1
WTHR-TV – Bob Kevoian’s Final Chapter
WTHR-TV – Bringing Bison Back to Indiana
WXIN-TV – Legacy at IMS
TV Market 2
WBND-TV – Restoring Memories
WNDU-TV – A Sense of Service
WPTA-TV – Reflection Run
Best Radio General News Story
Designed to honor the work of a general assignment reporter, this includes coverage of a single news story, gathered and aired in the same day. This category does not include spot news, investigative, or feature stories. Submissions must have previously aired on AM/FM radio.
Radio Market 1
WIKY-FM – Circle K Shooting Coverage
Radio Market 2
WITZ-FM – 2026 Ferdinand Heimatfest
WJOB-AM – Storm Damage in Merrillville
WQLK-FM – Popular Online Streamer Struck by Car
Best Radio and TV Election Coverage (May 2026)
Entries may include a single story or collection of stories related to coverage of local, state or national political races or issues during the campaign cycle. Content must have been generated to inform about the May 2026 primary.
Radio Market 1
WFYI-FM – Trump Promises Republican Defeat
WOWO-AM – Primary Election Chaos
WTRC-FM – Primary Night Updates
Radio Market 2
WITZ-FM – Primary Election Coverage
WJOB-AM – Election Night in the Region
WMUN-AM – Meet The Candidates
TV Market 1
WTHR-TV – Decision 2026
WXIN-TV – Your Local Election Headquarters
TV Market 2
WANE-TV – Contentious Council Race
WNDU-TV – Congressional District Nomination
WSBT-TV – Election Night
Best Radio and TV News Investigative Reporting
Coverage of a single story or series of stories that required in-depth, original research and discovers new findings to enhance the public’s understanding of an issue or event.
Radio Market 1
WFYI-FM – Indiana Charter School Suspending Students
WFYI-FM – Child Care Vouchers for Indiana Foster Families
Radio Market 2
WITZ-FM – Fallout of Sheriff Kleinhelter
WQLK-FM – Adult Online Predator
TV Market 1
WRTV-TV – Paradise Lost: Pool Contractor Leaves Customers High and Dry
WRTV-TV – Concrete Cracking
WTHR-TV – Burned Alive
TV Market 2
WANE-TV – Elevator Down
WNDU-TV – Who’s Driving The Bus
WNDU-TV – Running Cold Once Again
Best Individual Radio and TV Commercial
A single commercial that persuades the viewer to do or believe something about the client or product. This may be any commercial announcement written and produced by station personnel. May not include announcements produced with outside advertising or production agency assistance or direction.
Radio Market 1
WLDE-FM – Carbaugh Jewelers
WLDE-FM – The Glass Man
WTTS-FM – Moontown Beer Garden
Radio Market 2
WBDC-FM – The Saloon Showdown
WFMG-FM – Smiley’s Pub St. Patty’s Day Weekend
WWZN-AM – Porthole Inn
TV Market 2
WBND-TV – Holy Smokes Pizza
WNDU-TV – Grease Monkey
WNDU-TV – Ivy Alley Social House
Best Radio and TV Advertising Campaign
Stations may submit edited audio (and video, if relevant) depicting a station-produced advertising campaign for a local client. Explanatory narratives should be no more than 150 words. Produced spots, live reads, digital media, remotes, and other supporting elements will be considered.
Radio Market 1
WBCL-FM – Name the Nom Contest
WIKY-FM – The Bath Renovators
WOWO-AM – Great American Flag Giveaway
Radio Market 2
WQLK-FM – We Thank You Veterans
TV Market 2
WNDU-TV – South Bend Clinic
WNDU-TV – Big C Lumber
WNDU-TV – South Bend Medical Foundation
Best Radio Sports Show or Sports Story
This award recognizes excellence in sports broadcasting on terrestrial radio, focusing on presentation, production values, and the variety of stories presented. Submissions must have previously aired on AM/FM radio and showcase outstanding local sports coverage.
Radio Market 1
WIKY-FM – Indiana University Basketball to Play in Evansville
WOWO-AM – WOWO Carb Day Broadcast
Radio Market 2
WITZ-FM – Two Little League Champs Take a Victory Lap
WITZ-FM – Grand Slam on Dogg Night
WQLK-FM – Kicks 96 Sports Break
Best TV Sports Show
Recognizes excellence in a regularly scheduled local sports program, including Friday night high school broadcasts or Sunday night weekly wrap-ups. Entries are judged on presentation, production quality, and the range and variety of stories covered.
Best Sports Show: TV Market 1
WISH-TV – The Zone
WTHR-TV – Operation Football
WXIN-TV – Blue Zone: Road to Germany
Best Sports Show: TV Market 2
WANE-TV – Highlight Zone
WEHT-TV – Home Team Friday
WNDU-TV – Notre Dame vs. USC
Best Radio Local Sports Play-by-Play Coverage
Honoring outstanding locally produced play-by-play coverage of sporting events, this award celebrates broadcasters who provide engaging, accurate, and compelling live game narration. Eligible entries must have previously aired on AM/FM radio.
Radio Market 1
WAOR-FM – Froggy Night Lights
WNDE-AM – Irish Win at the End
WNHE-AM – State Finals 3A Boys Basketball
Radio Market 2
WITZ-FM – Jasper Volleyball Earns 1st
WMUN-AM – Delta vs. Wapahani Basketball
WWZN-AM – Terre Haute North vs. Bloomington South
(NEW) Best Radio Local Sports Play-by-Play Video Stream
Honoring outstanding locally produced video streaming of play-by-play coverage of sporting events, this award recognizes excellence in delivering engaging play-by-play with high-quality visual presentation. This award celebrates broadcasters who effectively extend their coverage beyond traditional radio by integrating live streaming video. Eligible entries may have been simulcasted with radio or produced specifically for video streaming and distributed via digital or video streaming platforms.
Radio Market 1
WAOR-FM – Froggy Night Lights
Radio Market 2
WHBU-AM – Frankton vs. Lapel Basketball
WMUN-AM – Delta vs. Wapahani Basketball
Best TV Weather Coverage
A locally originated, regularly scheduled weather broadcast. Criteria includes: clear presentation of facts, delivery/communication skills, and effective use of available technology to enhance audience understanding.
TV Market 1
WISH-TV – Tracking Severe Storms
WTTV-TV – CBS4 Weather Coverage
WXIN-TV – FOX59 Weather Coverage
TV Market 2
WANE-TV – Smoky Weather
WBND-TV – Three Rivers Tornado
WSBT-TV – Winter Storm Alert
TV Weathercaster of the Year
A composite of live work by a TV weather anchor. Entries should demonstrate the weathercaster’s ability to present weather and give a clear, concise, on-the-air report. Judges will consider writing and language skills as well as production ability.
TV Market 1
Keith Gibson – WISH-TV
Brian Wilkes – WXIN-TV
Chris Wright – WTTV-TV
TV Market 2
Matt Engelbrecht – WNDU-TV
Nicholas Ferreri – WANE-TV
Andrew Whitmyer – WNDU-TV
Non-Commercial Public Radio Station of the Year
A stand-alone radio program, or a show produced by a non-commercial public radio station as part of an ongoing series. Evaluation will be based on creativity, imagination, substance, and production quality. Regularly scheduled newscasts are not eligible in this category. Submissions must have previously aired on AM/FM radio.
Radio Market 1
WFYI-FM – Cultural Manifesto
Radio Market 2
WBST-FM – The Facing Project
WECI-FM – Richmond Radio Works: Hamlet
WECI-FM – Richmond Radio Works: The Hitchhiker
Non-Commercial Public TV Station of the Year
A stand-alone TV program, or one produced by a non-commercial station as part of an ongoing series. Evaluation will be based on creativity, imagination, substance, and production quality. Regularly scheduled newscasts or newscast series are not eligible in this category.
TV Market 1
WFYI-TV – Indiana Week in Review
TV Market 2
WNIT-TV – Experience Michiana
WNIT-TV – Built by Baseball
WVUT-TV – History Vault
Best Radio and TV Digital Media Presence
Social media and station websites can be excellent ways for a station to further amplify its daily broadcasts, to strengthen connections with viewers and listeners. Entrants in this category should provide a video explaining how the station uses digital media. Submission should also include a summary of analytics and results, links to to successful posts and videos, and other elements that demonstrate how the station best uses digital media tools. Judges will evaluate audience engagement and station creativity on digital platforms. Content must be maintained by station personnel.
Radio Market 1
WAOR-FM
WFMS-FM
WTTS-FM
Radio Market 2
WBDC-FM – Honoring the Past While Tuned to the Future
WLQI-FM – Touhyville Small & Mighty
WQLK-FM – It’s a Community
TV Market 2
WNDU-TV
WSBT-TV
Best Radio and TV Local Community Impact
The category involves only one subject and may be any public service announcement locally produced by the station, a public service activity coordinated by the station, or any form of gratis community outreach that is a public service of the station to serve its local community. Submit recordings of any promos along with any supporting promotional materials such as photos of events or website to highlight the station’s involvement.
Radio Market 1
WGBF-FM – River City Pride Community Partnership
WIKY-FM – Peanut Butter Jam
WUBS-FM – Annual Sweet Potato Pie Contest
Radio Market 2
WLQI-FM – Kelly Asbell Needs a Kidney
WMXQ-FM – All-American Christmas
WQLK-FM – We Thank You Veterans
TV Market 1
WXIN-TV – Pack the Pantries
TV Market 2
WBND-TV – Project Blizzard
WBND-TV – Jennifer Copeland Memorial Scholarship
WNDU-TV – Cultivate Food Rescue
Signal of Freedom
Recognizing outstanding locally produced television content that celebrates, reflects on, and honors the 250th anniversary of the United States through compelling storytelling, meaningful community engagement, and thoughtful historical perspective. Entries in this category should highlight creative approaches to commemorating America’s semiquincentennial, including special programming, campaigns, or initiatives that connect audiences to the nation’s history, values, and shared experiences while inspiring reflection on its future.
Radio Market 1
WAOR-FM – 250 Minutes of The Best Variety
WKJG-AM – The Fan Celebrates America
WOWO-AM – Kayla Blakeslee Goes to DC
Radio Market 2
WJOB-AM – Celebrating the USA: Continuing the Journey Forward
WLQI-FM – Local, Community Radio How Revolutionary
WQLK-FM – Red White and 250
TV Market 1
WFYI-TV – The American Revolution
WTHR-TV – The Long Journey Home
WTHR-TV – Red, White & You: The Heroes
TV Market 2
WBND-TV – Indivisible 250
WNDU-TV – The Meaning of Flags and We the People
WSBT-TV – Amazing America 250: The Heston Steam Museum
