WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF)  announced the recipients of the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards, which recognize local television and radio stations for the essential role they play in communities across the country.

This year’s recipients will be honored at the awards ceremony on June 9, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, is part of the Foundation’s mission to bring national attention to the vital work being done by local broadcasters.

This year’s awards will include a new category for podcasting that will acknowledge broadcasters who are embracing digital platforms to reach their communities.

“They are the voices you come to trust and sources you turn to without hesitation,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “Our local TV and radio stations are fundamental to how communities stay informed, connected and safe. We are excited to shine a deserving light on the stations who excel at public service at the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards Gala.”

The following is the list of honorees and their exceptional programs. Finalists from each category are also noted.

Service to Community Award for Radio – Broadcast Ownership Group

Winner: Morgan Murphy Media

Honor Our Fallen was a fundraiser benefitting firefighters injured and killed in an ambush blaze in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Finalists: Cox Media Group, Help the Hill Country Flood Relief Drive; Hubbard Broadcasting, In the Eye of the Derecho

Service to Community Award for Radio – Large/Major Market

Winner: 95.5 WSB, Cox Media Group, Atlanta, Ga.

The annual Care-a-Thon for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta raised over $2.3 million for research, fellowship and family support services at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

Finalists: 102.3 KJLH, Taxi Productions, Altadena 7; WMMR, Beasley Media Group, Preston & Steve Camp Out for Hunger

Service to Community Award for Radio – Medium Market

Winner: Winner: 100.5 WYMG, Saga Communications, Springfield, Ill.

The Christmas Wish program made the holiday season brighter for families that have fallen on hard times.

Finalist: 93.3 WFLS, Connoisseur Media, Wet Nose Wednesday

Service to Community Award for Radio – Small Market

Winner: 104.1 WIKY, Midwest Communications, Evansville, Ind.

The annual Veterans Day Breakfast served more than 500 veterans and has become a significant tradition to honor those in the community who have served.

Finalists: KQRQ, Riverfront Broadcasting, Bears for the Brave; WVVR, Saga Communications, Camp Rainbow Radiothon; KTXY, Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri, Miracles for Kids Radiothon

Service to Community Award for Television – Broadcast Ownership Group

Winner: Hearst Television

From disaster relief to year-round food insecurity initiatives, Hearst stations mobilized audiences, partners and platforms to deliver critical support when it mattered most through their Local Stations, National Impact campaign.

Finalists: Sinclair Broadcast Group, Drive Out Cancer; Gray Media, Manipulated: A Misinformation Nation; Cox Media Group, disreGUARDed: Investigation Reveals School Crossing Guards in Danger

Service to Community Award for Television – Large/Major Market

Winner: WRAL-TV, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Raleigh, N.C.

Broken: Foster Care in North Carolina was an original investigative documentary and extended series of investigative reports that exposed critical failures and a lack of oversight in North Carolina’s foster care and adoption system.

Finalists: WSB-TV, Cox Media Group, Opioid Crisis; WFAA-TV, TEGNA, Community Impact Charitable Fund

Service to Community Award for Television – Medium Market

Winner: KFSN-TV, ABC-Owned Television Stations, Fresno, Calif.

From the loss of 18-year-old Olivia Patla to real stories of addiction and hope, the Killer High series sparked critical awareness and conversation about fentanyl abuse.

Finalists: KCCI-TV, Hearst Television, Iowa's State of Cancer; WKYT-TV, Gray Media, Rebuilding Kentucky

Service to Community Award for Television – Small Market

Winner: KOLN-TV, Gray Media, Lincoln, Neb.

Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence supports survivors, provides resources and encourages victims to seek help.

Finalists: KSBW-TV, Hearst Television, Mobilizing the Central Coast; WJHG-TV, Gray Media, Survivorship to Service: Closing the Breast Cancer Care Gap

Service to Community Award – First Informer

Winner: WCVB-TV, Hearst Television, Boston, Mass.

When they received word of a possible mass shooting at Brown University, the NewsCenter 5 team mobilized, calling in extensive resources and staying on air for hours to cover the multi-state manhunt.

Service to Community Award – Original Podcast

Winner: Purple Daily Podcast, Hubbard Radio, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.

The Purple Daily podcast about the Minnesota Vikings demonstrates how local content for dedicated fanbases builds a sense of community and connection between the hosts and audiences.

For more information about the awards and gala, visit servicetoamericaawards.org.

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) is now accepting entries for the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards. These prestigious awards honor the critical role local television and radio stations play in serving communities across the country.

All stations and broadcast groups are encouraged to submit their most impactful community service campaigns that took place in 2025. The entry window will close on March 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

This year, the Foundation is introducing an Original Content Podcast category to recognize local stations that are leveraging their digital expertise to deliver accessible, creative and trusted content to their communities and beyond via podcast app or station website.

Additionally, the First Informers Award will recognize one radio and one television station as exemplary sources of immediate information during emergencies, crises or natural disasters.

“No other media platform matches the power of local television and radio to reach people in real time where they live and work,” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “Audiences trust their local stations because broadcasters are deeply rooted in their communities — championing local causes, investigating consumer issues, and delivering timely, trusted reporting. We are proud to honor their extraordinary public service.”

Winners will be notified in early April 2026, and awards will be presented at the Celebration of Service to America Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on June 9, 2026. The event will gather the broadcasting community with members of Congress and other policymakers to salute the exemplary work of local stations.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards is presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television and honors the exceptional community service provided by local radio and television stations. Additional information about the awards, including eligibility and rules, is available at servicetoamericaawards.org.

WASHINGTON—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. last night

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, 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), Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr, 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.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) announced the recipients of the 2022 Celebration of Service to America Awards at a gala held on June 7 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. 

The awards were announced live and presented to recipients in eight categories recognizing local broadcasters’ outstanding service to their communities. The 2022 Celebration of Service to America Award winners were: 

Service to Community Award for Radio, Broadcast Ownership Group

Beasley Media Group, 2021 Beasley Best Community of Caring Initiative

Service to Community Award for Television, Broadcast Ownership Group

Cox Media Group, CMG Gets Real

Service to Community Award for Radio – Large/Major Market

WTLC-FM, Indianapolis, Ind., Urban One, Inc., Feeding Families for 365 Days Plus

Service to Community Award for Television – Large/Major Market

WFAA, Dallas, Texas, TEGNA, WFAA Adoption Awareness

Service to Community Award for Radio – Medium Market

WJBR-FM, Beasley Media Group, Wilmington, Del., Mix 99.5 WJBR Help Our Kids Radiothon

Service to Community Award for Television – Medium Market

WIS-TV, Gray Television, Columbia, S.C., Families Helping Families

Service to Community Award for Radio – Small Market

WNRP-AM, WYCT, WNRP, WEBY Radio, Pensacola, Fla., Next Level Covid Charts

Service to Community Award for Television – Small Market

KOBI-TV, California Oregon Broadcasting, Medford, Ore., In this Together

“Every day, America’s local broadcasters devote their airwaves, resources and manpower to serve the needs of their audiences and provide critical support to our communities,” said NABLF president Michelle Duke. “These awards winners embody the best of broadcasting’s public service and shine a light on how radio and television stations are changing lives for the better. We congratulate all of these fine broadcasters and stations everywhere that are working to improve their local communities.” 

During the gala, former NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith was honored with the Service to America Samaritan Award. The award, which is given to a broadcaster or organization exemplifying the industry’s commitment to using the airwaves efficiently to promote the public interest, was given in recognition of his leadership of community service projects undertaken by NAB during his tenure. 

As NAB president and CEO, Smith spearheaded a number of public service initiatives to help keep America’s local communities safe, informed and connected. In 2013, Sen. Smith oversaw the launch of the OK2Talk campaign, an unprecedented effort to educate millions of Americans on the importance of ending the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Smith also led a nationwide effort by local radio and television stations in 2016 to address heroin and prescription drug abuse that is impacting communities across America. 

In the aftermath of Hurricane Marie in 2017, Smith led a coalition of broadcast ownership groups and organizations to distribute 10,000 battery-operated radios to residents of Puerto Rico impacted by the storm’s damage. In 2020, under Smith’s leadership, NAB created and provided public service announcements to radio and TV stations to educate Americans on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

As previously announced, renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés and award-winning entertainer, author and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle received Service to America Leadership Awards, NABLF’s highest individual honor, during the ceremony. GEICO was honored with the Corporate Leadership Award in recognition of its decades of work supporting initiatives and building partnerships within the communities the company serves. 

Actor and television host Mario Lopez emceed the event. Featured celebrity presenters included CBS Sports’ James Brown, a three-time Emmy Award Winner and Hall of Fame Sportscaster; Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline” Juju Chang; actor Asher Grodman, star of CBS’ series “Ghosts;” culinary visionary and celebrity lifestyle chef Chef Huda; American rock and soul artist Maggie Rose, who performed the National Anthem; and Angela Yee, co-host of nationally syndicated radio show “The Breakfast Club.” Presenting awards virtually were actress, producer, talk show host and author Drew Barrymore and comedian, actor and television host Drew Carey. 

A special one-hour production of the awards ceremony will air nationally on broadcast stations across the country July 9 - August 13.

More information is available at www.nabfoundation.org. 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Award-winning entertainer, author and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle will receive the Service to America Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) during the Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 7 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. 

LaBelle joins chef and humanitarian José Andrés as a recipient of this year’s Service to America Leadership Award, NABLF’s highest individual citation that is presented in recognition of honorees’ commitment to advocacy and public service.

“Patti LaBelle has entertained countless audiences with her music, on the screen and on the stage,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “Her exquisite talents are equaled by her generous heart and decades of support for philanthropic causes. NABLF and America’s broadcasters are excited to celebrate her lifelong commitment to good works and community service.”

LaBelle began her career as the lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, whose hits include the GRAMMY Hall of Fame inducted song, "Lady Marmalade." After launching a solo career, she achieved success with several best-selling and critically acclaimed albums, and won Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1992 GRAMMY Awards and the GRAMMY Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album in 1999. 

During her career, she has sold more than 50 million records worldwide, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and been inducted into the Apollo Theater Legends Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

LaBelle's humanitarian work includes advocacy for adoption, foster care, Big Sisters, the United Negro College Fund and many other causes and non-profit initiatives. After losing her mother, three sisters and best friend to cancer and diabetes, LaBelle channeled her personal strife into promoting awareness of these diseases, including becoming a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association following her diagnosis in 1994.

LaBelle was honored by GLAAD in 2007 with an Excellence in Media Award for her longtime support of gay and lesbian rights and participation in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

In her acting career, LaBelle starred in the NBC television sitcom “Out All Night” and hosted her own lifestyle and cooking shows, “Living It Up with Patti LaBelle” and “Patti LaBelle's Place.” She has starred in a number of popular films and television programs and was a contestant on hit shows “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Masked Singer.” She also starred in Broadway productions of “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God,” “Fela” and “After Midnight.”

In 2007, she introduced Patti’s Good Life, a successful food and lifestyle brand. LaBelle has authored six books and recently released a 20th anniversary edition of her New York Times bestseller, "LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About."

Previous recipients of the Service to America Leadership Award include “Hamilton” creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, award-winning-artist John Legend, multi-platform country music star Sara Evans and Grammy-winning musician Jon Bon Jovi. Esteemed chef and humanitarian José Andrés will also receive a Service to America Leadership Award at this year’s Celebration of Service to America Awards ceremony.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards will also honor local television and radio stations and broadcast groups across the country for their public service and philanthropic efforts to help their communities throughout the year. NABLF will also honor GEICO with the Corporate Leadership Award in recognition of its decades of work supporting initiatives and building partnerships within the communities the company serves.

A special one-hour production of the awards ceremony will once again be broadcast nationally on television and radio stations and digital platforms in summer 2022 

More information about the awards and event is available at servicetoamericaawards.org.  

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) has announced that it will present esteemed chef and humanitarian José Andrés with the Service to America Leadership Award, the Foundation’s highest individual honor. 

The award, which honors an individual’s commitment to advocacy and public service, will be presented during the Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 7 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

Andrés is highly acclaimed globally for his avant-garde cuisine served through his restaurant collective, ThinkFoodGroup. Twice honored in Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and a New York Times best-selling author, Andrés was awarded by President Barack Obama in 2015 the National Humanities Medal, which honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities. In 2021 Andrés launched José Andrés Media, which will produce unscripted and scripted television series, books, podcasts, and digital content with a focus on stories about the power of food.

Through his non-profit, World Central Kitchen (WCK), Andrés leads humanitarian efforts to feed communities in need and reduce food insecurity during times of crisis. Andrés and his team have served fresh meals to those affected by man-made and natural disasters across six continents, including serving over 3.6 million meals to those affected in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Most recently, WCK partnered with local leaders, farmers and restaurants to help those experiencing food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and laying the foundation for smarter national food policy. Andrés and WCK have been on the ground in Ukraine cooking nonstop since late February, where they have served nearly 30 million meals.

Andrés’ groundbreaking work with WCK is the focus of the upcoming documentary film “We Feed People.” Produced by National Geographic and directed by Academy Award-winner Ron Howard, the film will premiere on Disney+ on May 27, 2022.

“José Andrés is a culinary trailblazer, not only in the kitchen but through his dedication to feeding people and communities in need around the world,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “When disaster strikes, the World Central Kitchen has stepped in to ensure communities have the strength to rebuild and that no one goes hungry. NABLF is honored to celebrate Andrés’ devotion to combatting food insecurity with the Service to America Leadership Award.”

Previous recipients of the Service to America Leadership Award include “Hamilton” creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, award-winning-artist John Legend, multi-platform country music star Sara Evans and Grammy-winning musician Jon Bon Jovi.

Finalists, celebrity guests, senior broadcast executives, members of Congress and policymakers will gather at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, for the in-person, black-tie Celebration of Service to America Awards ceremony. Actor and television host Mario Lopez will emcee the event, with awards presented by musical artists, journalists and radio personalities.

A special one-hour production of the awards ceremony will once again be broadcast nationally on television and radio stations and digital platforms in summer 2022.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards will also honor local television and radio stations and broadcast groups across the country for their public service and philanthropic efforts to help their communities throughout the year. NABLF will also honor GEICO with the Corporate Leadership Award in recognition of its decades of work supporting initiatives and building partnerships within the communities the company serves.

For more information about the awards and event, visit servicetoamericaawards.org.

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation’s Celebration of Service to America Awards, scheduled for July 10, will ultimately air on over 500 TV stations according to a release. Over 200 stations aired the program immediately with others airing it through Aug. 14.

The awards honor local radio and television stations from across the country for local community public service.

[Read: NAB Foundation Will Honor Lin-Manuel Miranda]

This is a list of finalist radio and TV stations. Tamron Hall hosted the ceremonies.

In addition to the public service awards there was also the first John D. Dingell, Jr. Award for Excellence, for a Congressmen.

Broadway writer/actor Lin-Manuel Miranda received the 2021 Service to Leadership Award, the NAB Leadership Foundation’s highest individual honor. And Procter & Gamble received the 2021 Corporate Leadership Award.

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation presented the winners of the 2020 Service to America Awards over the weekend, honoring the outstanding community service work of local broadcasters across the country. Winners were announced during the televised Celebration of Service to America Awards program.

“Over the past year, America’s local radio and television stations have demonstrated unparalleled devotion to helping families and communities in need,” said Michelle Duke, NABLF president. “We are pleased to honor these exceptional stations and celebrate this year’s winners with viewers and listeners during the first ever broadcast of the Celebration of Service to America Awards.”

Here is the list of Service to America Award winners:

• Service to Community Award for Television—Ownership Group: Gray Television, “Measure of Hate”
• Service to Community Award for Radio—Ownership Group: Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri, “Miracles for Kids Radiothon” 
• Service to Community Award for Television—Large Market: WKMG-TV, Orlando, Fla., “Driving Change: Florida’s Texting and Driving Law” 
• Service to Community Award for Radio—Major Market: KIRO-AM, Seattle, “710 ESPN Seattle and Coaching Boys Into Men” 
• Service to Community Award for Television—Medium Market: WNDU-TV, South Bend, Ind., “Never Again: Preventing Bus Stop Tragedies” 
• Service to Community Award for Radio—Medium Market: WSGW, Saginaw, Mich., “WSGW’s Sharing Hope Radiothon” 
• Service to Community Award for Television—Small Market: WJHG-TV, Panama City, Fla., “Remembering the Forgotten” 
• Service to Community Award for Radio—Small Market: WKXW-FM, Trenton, N.J., “New Jersey Judges” 

For more information, visit the Service to America Awards website. 

WASHINGTON—John Legend will have to clear a spot on his already over-crowded mantle for another honor, as the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation is recognizing his work to promote social justice and equality with the 2019 Service to America Leadership Award.

Considered NABLF’s highest honor, the Service to America Leadership Award honors individuals and organizations who improve the lives of others through extraordinary public service.

The multi-platinum singer-songwriter and EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards)—among many others—has given back to his community through various philanthropic initiatives. In 2007 he launched the Show Me Campaign designed to provide children with equal access to education and address systemic issues in the criminal justice system that disproportionately impact poor and minority communities. He started LRNG Innovators in 2014, in partnership with the National Writing Project and the MacArthur Foundation, to empower teachers and inspire innovation in education. He also founded FREEAMERICA, a campaign to raise awareness and work to end mass incareration.

In addition, Legend serves on the Board of Directors of Harlem Village Academies and Management Leadership for Tomorrow, and on the advisory board for The Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Teach for All.

NABLF will present the Service to America Leadership Award to Legend at the Celebration of Service to America Awards at the Anthem in Washington, D.C., on June 11. He will be joined by fellow winners, listed here.

WASHINGTON--The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation is accepting entries for this year’s round of Service to America Awards now through March 8.

Television and relevision winners will be chosen in categories, subdivided in broadcast ownership groups, large/major market, medium market and small market stations.

Honorees will be recognized for outstanding community service on June 11 at the Celebration of Service to America Awards gala at The Anthem in Washington. The event and awards program are sponsored and produced by NABEF with major support from the National Association of Broadcasters, Bonneville International and Hearst Television.