NAB Crystal Awards Finalists Announced
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has revealed the 50 finalists for the 2026 NAB Crystal Radio Awards, highlighting the contributions of 14 country stations recognized for their community service initiatives.
Since their inception in 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have celebrated stations that engage in impactful community work, ranging from children’s hospital radiothons to veteran support and disaster relief efforts. Judges from various sectors, including the broadcast industry, community service organizations, and public relations firms, will select ten award winners.
Among the country format finalists are:
Hubbard Broadcasting’s KB101 (KBHP-FM) in Bemidji, Minnesota, and B93.3 (KBLB-FM) in Brainerd, Minnesota. Other finalists include Clear 99 (KCLR-FM) from Columbia, Missouri, and Froggy 98 (KFGE-FM) in Lincoln, Nebraska. Additionally, K-FROG 95.1 (KFRG-FM) from Riverside, California, and KIKV-FM in Alexandria, Minnesota, are also in the running.
Other notable entries include 93Q (KKBQ-FM) in Houston, Kat 103.7 (KXKT-FM) in Omaha, Nebraska, and KYGO-FM in Denver. Audacy’s Y108 (WDSY) in Pittsburgh and WFLS-FM from Fredericksburg, Virginia, round out the list, along with Cumulus Media’s WFMS-FM in Indianapolis and Kiss Country 99.9 (WKIS) in Miami. Finally, Rochelle Broadcasting’s 102.3 The Coyote (WYOT-FM) in Rockford, Illinois, is among those honored.
The awards ceremony will take place on March 3, 2026, during the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. This event not only showcases the achievements of radio stations but also emphasizes the vital role they play in their communities, making a significant impact through various outreach efforts. To learn more about the NAB and its initiatives, visit their official site here.
These recognitions highlight the importance of community engagement within the radio industry, reinforcing the idea that local stations can be a powerful force for good.