Broadcast Excellence Awards
Contest Info
Entries & Eligibility
Entries & Eligibility
- This competition is open to all commercial stations, public stations and statewide broadcasting networks based in Michigan.
- Public radio and television stations are defined as stations licensed to operate as a non-commercial broadcasting stations with primary studios and FCC authorized broadcast operations in Michigan and the applicable minimum qualifications for Community Service Grants, as adjusted from time to time.
- To qualify for entry in the Statewide Broadcasting Network division, entrants must be Michigan-based producers of network and syndicated programming. Entries must be aired on at least two MAB member stations in different markets. Entrants with AM stations using FM translators do not qualify as statewide broadcasting networks.
- Digital sub-stations must enter under their own separate digital sub-station call letters and cannot be combined with the primary station’s entries unless the entry aired on both stations. Please note all digital television sub-stations are
included in the list of stations in the online entry system. All primary station call letters will retain -TV at the end of their call letters. (i.e.: XXXX-TV, XXXX-DT2, XXXX-DT3 or XXXX-DT4). - To enter in the Statewide Broadcasting Networks divisions, entrants must be a Michigan-based producer of network and syndicated programming. Entry must be aired on Michigan licensed broadcast stations. Statewide broadcasting networks are not eligible for Station of the Year.
- Entries must have been created, produced, and aired by the entrant’s station (excluding Commercial Television and Commercial Radio Community Involvement, Digital Excellence, and OTT Content, and Commercial Radio Podcast Series, which do not need to be aired on traditional broadcast channels). Entries may not be produced with outside advertising or production agency equipment, assistance, or direction (excluding the Public Television, Independent Producer category). Stations must disclose if an entry has been created using non-station voiceover talent. Please include this disclosure in the written summary field of the submission form.
- Awards are given to an individual station, not to individual talent. All entrants must identify themselves by using one set of station call letters unless the group of call letters are COMPLETELY simulcast.
- Public radio and television entries must be at least 51% locally produced. Public programs distributed throughout the state may be entered by the originating station only.
- Entries are limited to three per station in each category except for
- Commercial Television & Radio Community Involvement (1 entry per station)
- Commercial Television & Radio Digital Excellence (1 entry per station)
- Public Radio & Television Station Excellence (1 entry per station)
- Commercial Television Meteorologist (5 entries per station)
- Commercial Television News Reporter (5 entries per station)
- Commercial Television News Anchor (5 entries per station)
- Commercial Television Photojournalist (5 entries per station)
- All entries must be submitted using the online entry system. Hard copies will not be accepted.
- All Entries must first be uploaded to an external hosting site before they can be submitted to the online entry system. Below are some suggested sites. It is the responsibility of the station to make certain the link is operational on Better BNC through the end of May 2026. No refunds will be issued for links that do not open. NOTE: Analytics from online hosting sites may not be accurate. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to outside sites, please see each site for details.
- Soundcloud
- Vimeo
- YouTube
- Google Drive
- All entry fees are non-refundable unless determined otherwise by the MAB Awards Committee.
- Entries may not include pre-roles or any advertisements and may not exceed more than one hour in length unless otherwise specified.
- All submissions must include required materials outlined in the category description (e.g., video/audio files, written summaries, supporting documents).
- Entries without payment, incomplete entry information, missing attachments, or links that are not operational by the due date will be disqualified from the competition.
- Entries that exceed time limits, or written comment word count limits, may be disqualified at the discretion of the judges.
- Entries must be created in whole by employees working at the entrant's station. Entries created in whole or in part with the use of generative artificial intelligence will not be accepted.
- Disputes, of any kind, about this program will be reviewed by the MAB Awards Committee.
Deadlines
Deadlines
All entries must have been produced and distributed during the 2024 calendar year from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
- Entries must be submitted online by Thursday, January 29, 2026 by 12:00 p.m. EST
- NEW! Winners and finalists will be notified by late March 2026. Stations of the Year will be announced during the Broadcast Excellence Awards Gala in Detroit on May 16, 2026. Winning stations will be given complimentary tickets to the Awards Gala based on the scale below
- 1-3 Best or Merit wins: 2 free tickets
- 4-10 Best or Merit wins: 4 free tickets
- 11+ Best or Merit wins: 6 free tickets
Payments
Payments
- Entry fees are $50 per entry for MAB and MAPB members; Non-member rate is $95 per entry. Online payments must be made before the close of the online entry system at 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST, January 29, 2026.
- If paying by check, please send an email indicating your intention to pay by check and the amount that will be paid to awards@michmab.com. Credit card payments must be made online before the system closes. Check payments must be received no later than the close of business on January 29, 2026 or the entries will not be submitted for judging. All fees for each station may be paid in one or multiple transactions.
- Points of Excellence Discount: Stations participating in the MAB’s Points of Excellence program may be eligible to receive discounts on their Broadcast Excellence Award entry fees. The MAB will contact contest administrators in early December 2025 to confirm the total points accumulated and provide instructions on how to apply any discounts earned. Please do not submit payment for entries until this discussion has taken place.
Judging & Stations of the Year
- Judging will be conducted by broadcasting peers outside the state of Michigan using the same online system the MAB uses for entry.
- An award will be given in each category unless, in the opinion of the judges, no award is deserved. Judges will be provided with each category description and time requirements. Points awarded, and final award placement, is completely at the judges’ discretion and their decision is final. Please note: all judges will be requested to view or listen to at least 50% of each entry before making any judgments.
- Commercial Station of the Year Awards:
Points for Station of the Year will be calculated as follows:- Best Award = 10 points
- Merit Award = 5 points
- 10 additional points per winning entry (both Best and Merit) will be awarded in the following weighted categories:
Commercial Radio
- Commercial
- Community Involvement
- Digital Excellence
- Newscast
- Personality*
*Stations may enter any of the listed Personality categories. If a station wins Best or Merit in more than one Personality category, the highest points won in any of the Personality categories will be applied to the Station of the Year competition.
Commercial Television
- Breaking News Story
- Community Involvement
- Digital Excellence
- Newscast
- Weathercast
- Public Radio & Television Station of the Year Awards: Points for Station of the Year will be calculated as follows:
- Best Award = 10 points
- Merit Award = 5 points
- Station Excellence = 60 points (both Best and Merit)
For a station to be eligible for Station of the Year they must have entered the Station Excellence category.
- Tie Breaker: In the event of a tie for both commercial and public stations, the station with the most Best awards will be awarded Station of the Year. If a tie remains, the station who placed highest in the Community Involvement category will be awarded Station of the Year.
Market Divisions
Commercial Radio
Market 1: Detroit Metro Area
Market 2: Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Flint, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, & Tri-Cities
Market 3: Adrian, Cadillac, Jackson, Port Huron, & Traverse City
Market 4: Alpena, Escanaba, Marquette, & Others
Commercial Television
Market 1: Detroit Metro Area
Market 2: Flint, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, & Tri-Cities
Market 3: Cadillac, Jackson, Lansing, & Traverse City
Market 4: Alpena, Escanaba, Marquette, & Others
Statewide Broadcasting Networks
Radio
Television
NEW! To qualify for entry in the Statewide Broadcasting Network division, entrants must be Michigan-based producers of network and syndicated programming. Entries must be aired on at least two MAB member stations in different markets. Entrants with AM stations using FM translators do not qualify as statewide broadcasting networks.
Public Radio
Group 1: Public radio stations with a $2 million budget or less.
Group 2: Public radio stations with more than a $2 million budget.
Public Television
All public television stations will compete in one public television division.
Categories
Commercial & Network Radio Categories
2024 Broadcast Excellence Awards, Commercial & Network Radio Categories
Please respect the time limits for each category. Judges will be asked to stop listening to entries at the time limit.
- BREAKING NEWS STORY
A series of reports on initial coverage of a breaking or “unplanned” news event (including storm coverage), branded as “Breaking News,” under immediate deadline, and within 24 hours of the breaking news event (Extended, in-depth coverage should be submitted in the Continuing Coverage Category). National or international stories must include a local/Michigan angle.
Entries should include a series of reports edited into a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word description.
Criteria: Manner in which the news organization responded, presentation of facts, delivery, follow-ups, and news elements uncovered. - COMMERCIAL
A single commercial or series of commercials for one client. May be any commercial announcement written and produced by station personnel. May not include announcements produced with outside advertising or production agency assistance or directions.
Entries should include a single commercial or series of commercials presented as a single compilation that is no more than 3 minutes in length.
Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production. - COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
A series of actions by a station that result in a positive impact on one's community.
Entries should include a single compilation showcasing the station's annual community involvement that is no more than 10 minutes in length and an up to 500-word explanation of the initiatives.
Criteria: Station efforts, creativity, and community impact. - CONTINUING COVERAGE
Coverage of current events over an extended number of reports. Entries should include a single compilation of the station's best news coverage of a continuing current event that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word explanation of coverage.
Criteria: Presentation of facts, thoroughness, story advancement, significance, and delivery. - NEW! DIGITAL EXCELLENCE
Overall station use of social media platforms and website to connect with its audience and inform the public.
Entries should include links to relevant social media accounts and websites and an up to 200-word description of the station's social media and website strategy.
Criteria: Quality of updates, use of user-generated content, and use of audio and visuals. - FEATURE PROGRAMMING
A single report or series of reports on a single topic which may be a public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children’s programming, recreation, sports, special performances, parades, concerts, et.) at local and state levels.
Entries should include a single report or series of reports edited into a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may include an up to 200-word description.
Criteria: Production, relevancy, creativity. - NEW! FEATURE STORY
A single news report.
Entries should include a single news report that is no more than 10 minutes in length and may include an up to 200-word description.
Criteria: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, effective use of audio and video. - INVESTIGATIVE STORY
Coverage of a significant event or issue affecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story.
Entries should include a single investigative story or series of stories presented as a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length.
Criteria: Significance, presentation of facts, thoroughness, and delivery. - MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES
A series of reports on a single topic which may be included in regularly scheduled newscasts.
Entries should include a series of reports presented as a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length.
Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research, and production value. - MORNING SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM (6AM - 10AM)
Best local on-air morning broadcast personality or broadcast team. Syndicated programming is not eligible unless you are the flagship station.
Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
This category is for morning shows only. Entrants will be asked to submit the time of their show in the entry system.
Criteria: Production, effectiveness, and creativity. - NEWSCAST
A locally originated newscast.
Entries should include a single newscast that is no more than 20 minutes in length.
Criteria: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the newscast. - NEW! OTT CONTENT
Content produced exclusively for digital platforms, such as livestreams. Podcasts should be entered in the Podcast Series category.
Entries should include a single compilation of OTT content that is no more than 3 minutes in length and an up to 200-word explanation of content.
Criteria: Creativity, innovation, and production value. - PLAY-BY-PLAY SPORTS
Locally originated play-by-play live sports coverage of 1 game.
Entries should include up to 20 minutes of unedited continuous coverage of 1 game. Commercial breaks may be removed.
Criteria: Presentation and production value. - NEW! PODCAST SERIES
Best locally originated podcast series.
Entries should include a compilation of on-demand podcast content that is no more than 10 minutes in length and a link to the podcast feed that includes at least 10 episodes. Entries may also include station on-air promotion of the podcast.
Criteria: Creativity, innovation, and production value. - REGULARLY SCHEDULED BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM
Best regularly scheduled on-air weekday or weekend broadcast personality or broadcast team. Morning show broadcast personalities or teams should enter in the #10 Morning Show category.
Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
Criteria: Production, effectiveness, and creativity. - SPECIAL SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM
Best on-air special broadcast personality or broadcast team.
Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
Criteria: Production, effectiveness, and creativity. - NEW! SPORTSCAST
Best locally originated sportscast.
Entries should include a single sportscast that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
Criteria: Presentation, production value, and interest of stories presented. - NEW! SPORTS FEATURE OR SERIES
A series of reports on a single topic, or a single sports feature.
Entries should include a a series of reports presented as a single compilation, or a single sports feature that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
Criteria: Presentation, production value, and interest of stories presented. - NEW! STATION PROMOS
Audio promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced, and aired on your station.
Entries should include a single promotion or series of promotions presented as a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length. Additional supporting marketing materials welcome.
Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
Commercial & Network Television Categories
2024 Broadcast Excellence Awards, Commercial & Network Television Categories
Please respect the time limits for each category. Judges will be asked to stop watching entries at the time limit.
STATEWIDE BROADCASTING NETWORKS: Network Television categories are the same as the Commercial Television categories listed below, with the addition of the Independent Producer Category outlined in the Public Television Division.
- BREAKING NEWS STORY
A series of reports on initial coverage of a breaking or “unplanned” news event, branded as “Breaking News,” under immediate deadline, and within 24 hours of the breaking news event (Extended, in-depth coverage should be submitted in the Continuing Coverage category).
Entries should include a series of reports edited into a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word description.
Criteria: News organization’s response, presentation of facts, delivery, follow-ups, and news elements uncovered. - COMMERCIAL
A single commercial or series of commercials for 1 client. May be any commercial announcement written and produced by station personnel. May not include announcements produced with outside advertising or production agency assistance or directions.
Entries should include a single commercial or series of commercials edited into a single compilation that is no more than 3 minutes in length.
Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production. - COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
A series of actions by a station that result in a positive impact in one’s community.
Entries should include a single compilation showcasing the station’s annual community involvement initiatives that is no more than 10 minutes in length and an up to 200-word explanation of the initiatives.
Criteria: Station efforts, creativity, and community impact. - CONTINUING COVERAGE
Coverage of current events over an extended number of reports.
Entries should include a single compilation of the station’s best news coverage of a continuing current event that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word explanation of coverage.
Criteria: Presentation of facts, thoroughness, story advancement, significance, and delivery. - NEW! DIGITAL EXCELLENCE
Overall station use of social media platforms and website to connect with its audience and inform the public.
Entries should include links to relevant social media accounts and websites and an up to 200-word description of the station’s social media and website strategy.
Criteria: Quality of updates, use of user-generated content, and use of audio and visuals. - NEW! FEATURE STORY
A single report which aired in a newscast.
Entries should include a single report that is no more than 10 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word description.
Criteria: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, and effective use of audio and video. - INVESTIGATIVE STORY
Coverage of a significant event or issue affecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story.
Entries should include a single investigative story or series of stories presented as a single compilation that is no more than 30 minutes in length.
Criteria: Significance, presentation or facts, thoroughness, and delivery. - MARKETING MATERIALS AND PROMOS
Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced, and aired on your station.
Entries should include a single promotion or series of promotions presented as a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production. - NEW! METEOROLOGIST
A compilation clip highlighting the Meteorologist’s abilities. Each station is allowed to enter up to 5 candidates.
Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
Criteria: Clear presentation of facts, effective use of available technology, and delivery/communication skills. - NEW! NEWS SERIES
A series of reports on a single topic which may be included in regularly scheduled newscasts.
Entries should include a series of reports presented as a single compilation that is no more than 30 minutes in length.
Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensive, thoroughness of research and production values. - NEWSCAST
A locally originated newscast.
Entries should include a single newscast that is no more than 30 minutes in length.
Criteria: Presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the newscast. - NEWS ANCHOR
A compilation clip highlighting the news anchor’s abilities. Each station is allowed to enter up to five candidates. Entrants who submit in this category are not eligible to submit an entry in the #13 News Reporter category.
Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
Criteria: Story approach, on-air presence, and delivery. - NEWS REPORTER
A compilation of 3-5 events or stories highlighting an in the field news reporter, no montages will be accepted. Each station is allowed to enter up to 5 candidates. Entrants who submit in this category are not eligible to submit an entry in the #12 News Anchor category.
Entries should include a single compilation of 3-5 events or stories that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
Criteria: Writing, story approach, on-air presence, and delivery. - NEWS SPECIAL
A single program or documentary which aired separately from a regularly scheduled newscast.
Entries should include a single program that is no more than 60 minutes in length.
Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research and production values. - NEW! OTT CONTENT
Content produced exclusively for digital platforms, such as livestreams or podcasts.
Entries should include a compilation of OTT content edited into a single video that is no more than 30 minutes in length and an up to 200-word explanation of content.
Criteria: Creativity, innovation, and production value. - PHOTOJOURNALIST
A compilation of 3-5 events or stories showing the photojournalist’s best work, no montages will be accepted. Each station is allowed to enter up to 5 candidates.
Entries should include a single compilation of 3-5 events or stories that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
Criteria: Creativity, continuity, and technical production. - SPECIAL INTEREST PROGRAMMING
A full public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children’s programming, recreation, sports, special performances, parades, concerts, etc.) at local or state levels.
Entries should include a full public affairs program that is no more than 60 minutes in length.
Criteria: Locally produced, presentation, production, and comprehensiveness. - NEW! SPORTS FEATURE OR SERIES
A series of reports on a single sports topic or a single sports feature.
Entries should include a series of reports presented as a single compilation or a single sports feature that is no more than 15 minutes in length.
Criteria: Presentation, production values, and interest of stories presented. - NEW! SPORTSCAST
Best locally originated sportscast.
Entries should include a single sportscast that is no more than 15 minutes in length.
Criteria: Presentation, production values, and interest of stories presented. - WEATHERCAST
A locally originated regularly scheduled weather broadcast or breaking weather event.
Entries should include a full weather broadcast or compilation of weather reports from one breaking weather event that is no more than 20 minutes in length.
Criteria: Clear presentation of facts, delivery/communication skills, and effective use of available technology.
Public Radio Categories
2024 Broadcast Excellence Awards, Public Radio Categories
Entries, including those with multiple clips, may not exceed 60 minutes in total length unless otherwise specified. Please respect the time limits for each category. Judges will be asked to stop listening to entries at the time limit.
- COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
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 which is a public service of the station to serve its local community. Submit file and any substantiating material. Entry must include an explanation of events.
Criteria: Production, creativity, and community impact. - FEATURE/USE OF MEDIUM
A single report which may have aired in a newscast as relief or contrast to serious reporting or a long form program.
Criteria: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, entertainment value, effective use of audio, video and editing medium. - HARD NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS STORY
Coverage of a significant event effecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story.
Criteria: Significance, preservation of facts, thoroughness, and delivery. - MARKETING MATERIALS & PROMOS
Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced, and aired on your station. May be single announcement or series.
Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production. - MEMBERSHIP APPEAL
A live or pre-produced pitch or spot which is engaging and moves listeners to action.
Criteria: Should be unique, entertaining, and creative. - MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES
Series of reports on a single topic which may be included in a regularly scheduled newscast.
Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensive, thoroughness of research, and production values. - MUSIC FEATURE OR SPECIAL
A music-focused special program, feature, interview, or feature story. Entries should include programming that is not aired as part of a regular newscast or music programming block.
Criteria: Presentation, entertainment value, creativity, and enrichment. - MUSICAL PROGRAMMING
Best locally originated, regularly produced musical programming.
Criteria: Presentation, entertainment value, creativity, and enrichment. - NEWSCAST
Best locally originated newscast.
Criteria: Presentation, production values, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the newscast. - NEWS SPECIAL OR PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
A single, self-contained report or program which aired separately from a regularly scheduled news program and is at least 30 minutes in length.
Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research, and production values. - SPECIAL INTEREST & CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
Public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children's programming, recreation, sports, special performances, parades, concerts, etc.) at local and state levels.
Criteria: Locally produced, presentation, production, and comprehensiveness. - SPOT NEWS
A report on any topic that aired during a station’s regular newscast. Maximum length of entry – two minutes.
Criteria: Clarity, conciseness, quality of writing, and quality of sound. - STATION EXCELLENCE
A 1,000-word maximum essay explaining why the station is deserving of the overall Station of the Year title. Must include as least three testimonials or letters of support from station partners, sponsors and/or affiliates. A station MUST enter this category to be considered for station of the year. - USE OF MULTIPLATFORM MEDIA, PROMOTIONAL/MEMBERSHIP MATERIALS
Stations should showcase their use of digital media content for promotional materials and membership appeal. Content placement examples include, but are not limited to, Reels, Instagram posts, and TikToks. Compile content into a linear submission up to ten minutes long. Criteria to be judged – innovation, creativity, presentation. - USE OF MULTIPLATFORM MEDIA, PROGRAMMING MATERIALS
Stations should showcase their use of digital media content for programming. Content placement examples include podcasts and online-specific programming. Compile content into a linear submission up to 30 minutes in length. Option to include a one-paragraph narrative of submission.
Criteria to be judged – innovation, creativity, presentation.
Public Television Categories
2024 Broadcast Excellence Awards, Public Television Categories
Entries, including those with multiple clips, may not exceed 60 minutes in total length unless otherwise specified. Please respect the time limits for each category. Judges will be asked to stop listening to entries at the time limit.
- COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
A compilation clip with 3-5 events. 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 which is a public service of the station to serve its local community. Entry must include a maximum 200-word explanation of events. Stations may include video/audio reel summarizing events that is no longer than five minutes in length. One entry will be allowed per station.
Criteria: Production, creativity, and community impact. - CONTINUING COVERAGE
Coverage of current events over an extended number of reports. Entries should include an up to 30 minute composite of your best coverage of a continuing current event. The entry may include a maximum 200-word explanation of coverage.
Criteria: Presentation of facts, thoroughness, story advancement, significance, and delivery. - CULTURAL & PERFORMING ARTS
A single program or series primarily featuring performances. May include no more than three excerpts from a series.
Criteria: Subject portrayal, entertainment value, and effective use of audio, video and editing medium. - CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
A cultural documentary or series that presents the arts or cultures of a community.
Criteria: Enrichment, thoroughness, production, and presentation. - INDEPENDENT PRODUCER
An independently produced program or series that must have aired on the sponsoring public station. May only be entered by a Public Television Station.
Criteria: Presentation, production, thoroughness, and enrichment. - MARKETING MATERIALS & PROMOTIONS
Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces. Must be written, produced by your station. May be single announcement, series, or digital campaign.
Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production. - MEMBERSHIP APPEAL
A live or pre-produced pitch, digital campaign, or spot which is engaging and moves listeners to action.
Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production. - MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES
Series of reports on a single topic which may be included in a regularly scheduled newscast.
Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensive, thoroughness of research, and production values. - NEWS OR PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIAL
Best locally originated news or public affairs program or series.
Criteria: Presentation, production values, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the program. - NEWS SPECIAL OR DOCUMENTARY
A single, self-contained report or program which is a least 30 minutes in length.
Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research, and production value. - SPECIAL INTEREST
Public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children's programming, parades, etc.) at local and state levels.
Criteria: Presentation, production, comprehensiveness, and enrichment. - SPORTS, OUTDOOR OR RECREATION
Best locally originated outdoor or recreation program, series, or live sports coverage.
Criteria: Presentation, production values, and interest of stories presented. - STATION EXCELLENCE
A 1,000-word maximum essay explaining why the station is deserving of the overall Station of the Year award. Must include as least three testimonials or letters of support from station partners, sponsors and/or affiliates. A station MUST enter this category to be considered for Station of the Year. - USE OF MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA, SHORT FORM
Stations should showcase their use of short form digital media content. Content placement examples include, but are not limited to, Reels, Instagram posts, and Tik-Toks. Compile content into a single video up to ten minutes in length. Entry content must have been published on a digital platform.
Criteria: Innovation, creativity, and journalistic excellence. - USE OF MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA, LONG FORM
Stations should showcase their use of long form digital media content. Content placement examples include podcasts and online-specific programming. Compile content into a single video more than ten minutes in length. Entry content must have been published on a digital platform.
Criteria: Innovation, creativity, and journalistic excellence.
Last Year's Broadcast Excellence Award Winners
Commercial Television Market 1
Commercial Television Market 1
Commercial
- Merit: WDIV-TV - Herman Moore Unlocked (Nathan McAlpine, Hans Ihlenfeldt)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Kitch Law, Light Up The Season (Alissa Lincoln, Andrzej Milosz)
Continuing Coverage
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Crumbley Parents on Trial (WXYZ News Team)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - 2024 NFL Draft (WXYZ News Team)
Feature Story
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Caroline House (Sarah Michals, Johnny Sartin Jr., Mike Glover)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Family continues to heal after splash pad shooting (Simon Shaykhet, Mike Glover)
Investigative Story
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Shielded: How Troubled Cops Keep Their Badges (Ross Jones, Randy Lundquist, Johnny Sartin Jr., Ronnie Love)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Against Their Will: For-Profit Psych Wards (Heather Catallo, Johnny Sartin Jr., Randy Lundquist)
Marketing Materials & Promos
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Splash Pad Shooting Survivors Speak Out (Phil Wrobel, Katie Chupailo, Jeff Blevins, Joe Orban)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - 7 News Detroit - Where Your Voice Matters (Phil Wrobel, Katie Chupailo, Jeff Blevins, Joe Orban)
Meteorologist
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Mike Taylor
- Best: WDIV-TV - Brett Collar
News Anchor
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Carolyn Clifford
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Mike Duffy
News Reporter
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Sarah Michals
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Heather Catallo
News Series
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Problems in Probate: Guardianship Reform Bills (Heather Catallo, Johnny Sartin Jr., Randy Lundquist)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Law and Disorder: Inside the Wayne County Sheriff's Office (Ross Jones, Randy Lundquist, Johnny Sartin, Jr., Ronnie Love)
News Special
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Detroit on the Clock: A WXYZ NFL Draft Special (Brad Galli, Marie Gould, Matt Bellehumeur, Carolyn Clifford)
- Best: WDIV-TV - Saving Our Sturgeon (Sarah Mayberry, Ben Bell, Paul Synder.)
OTT Content
- Merit: WDIV-TV - What's In That Garage? (Christy McDonald, Ben Bell, Hans Ihlenfeldt)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Against Their Will (Heather Catallo, Johnny Sartin Jr., Randy Lundquist)
Photojournalist
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Mike Glover
- Best: WDIV-TV - Jake Nagel
Special Interest Programming
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Countdown to the Draft: A WXYZ NFL Draft Special (Marie-Terese Gould, Brad Galli, Andrzej Milosz, Pravin Sitaraman)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Woodward Dream Cruise (Marie-Terese Gould, Matt Bellehumeur, Andrzej Milosz, Pravin Sitaraman)
Sports Feature or Series
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Brad Galli one-on-one with J.J. McCarthy (Brad Galli, Chad Britton)
- Best: WDIV-TV - Visiting birthplace of Detroit Lions in Portsmouth (Jason Colthorp, Justin DePrekel)
Sportscast
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Aug 9, 2024 Sportscast Taylor Decker Make a Wish (Brad Galli, Chad Britton)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - January 10, 2024 Michigan Wins the National Championship (Brad Galli, Chad Britton)
Breaking News Story
- Merit: WDIV-TV - Explosion in Clinton Township
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Jennifer Crumbley Verdict (WXYZ News Team)
Digital Excellence
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - 2024 WXYZ Digital Execution
- Best: WDIV-TV - Historic Trial Goes Cross-Platform (Derick Hutchinson, Cassidy Johncox, Erin Fleming, Christy McDonald)
Weathercast
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Dave Rexroth August 27, 2024 (Dave Rexroth)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - Mike Taylor February 28, 2024 (Mike Taylor)
Newscast
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - Clinton Twp. Business Explosions (Rosemary Wlodarczyk, Jarrod Stoddard, Glenda Lewis, Mike Duffy)
- Best: WXYZ-TV - NFL Draft Round 1 (Tony Chiudioni, Mike Clous, Carolyn Clifford, Mike Duffy)
Community Involvement
- Merit: WXYZ-TV - WXYZ (Mike Murri)
- Best: WDIV-TV - Go 4 It
Commercial Television Market 2
Commercial Television Market 2
Commercial
- Merit: WXMI-TV - Eastbrook Homes | "Picture Perfect" (Nate Ritter)
- Best: WOOD-TV - Furry Land Pet Grooming (Ian Bobinac)
Continuing Coverage
- Merit: WZZM-TV - Michigan's Opioid Settlement Money Spending (Julie Koharik, Doug Grevious, Alex Poehlman)
- Best: WNEM-TV - Midland Church Crimes (Blake Keller)
Feature Story
- Merit: WJRT-TV - Father Time fights through blindness, serious health conditions (Matt Barbour, Brian Goldsmith)
- Best: WZZM-TV - Wartime pen pals write handwritten hope (Riley Mack, Erik Howard)
Investigative Story
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Artman Deathbed Confession (Susan Samples, Carter Gent)
- Best: WOOD-TV - Private Sin - December 10, 2024 (Ken Kolker, Carter Gent)
Marketing Materials & Promos
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Daybreak Holiday Light Tour (Chrystaline Decker)
- Best: WXMI-TV - Severe Weather (Jacob de la Rosa)
Meteorologist
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Blake Harms
- Best: WOOD-TV - Ellen Bacca
News Anchor
- Merit: WZZM-TV - Lauren Baker
- Best: WOOD-TV - Brittany Flowers
News Reporter
- Merit: WZZM-TV - Julia Gorman
- Best: WOOD-TV - Meghan Bunchman
News Series
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Totality (Sara Flynn)
- Best: WOOD-TV - Spartan Stronger - February 13, 2024 (WOOD TV8 Newsroom)
News Special
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Lake Effect - May 20, 2024 (Ellen Bacca, Ron Swanson)
- Best: WJRT-TV - When Minutes Matter: A Storm Tracker 12 Severe Weather Special (Ryan Cole, David Diffenderffer, JR Kirtek, Kevin Goff, Christina Burkhart, Isaac Cleland, Chad Brown, Jason Jerke)
OTT Content
- Merit: WOOD-TV - The Octathlon (Jason Woods)
- Best: WOOD-TV - Daily 8 (Phil Pinarski, Charlsie Dewey)
Photojournalist
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Dan Nichols
- Best: WOOD-TV - Jeff Blakeman
Special Interest Programming
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Where You Live - In the Netherlands (Lori Cook, Wade Cutler)
- Best: WNEM-TV - Sounds of the Season (Brian Donaldson, Nicholas Hampton, Tricia Lewis, Katelyn Burr, Kasey Posa)
Sports Feature or Series
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Lexi and Dawn Plitzuweit (Lainey Gerber, Alec Giannakopoulos)
- Best: WOOD-TV - Olympic Project with Dan and Donovan (Jack Doles)
Sportscast
- Merit: WZZM-TV - 13 On Your Sidelines (Matt Gard, Jacob Seus)
- Best: WOOD-TV - Football Frenzy (Jack Doles, Lainey Gerber, Alec Giannakopoulos)
Breaking News Story
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Portage Tornado Coverage - May 7th & 8th, 2024 (WOOD TV8 Newsroom)
- Best: WXMI-TV - Portage Tornado
Digital Excellence
- Merit: WOOD-TV - Portage Tornado Web (WOODTV.com Staff)
- Best: WOOD-TV - Totality on woodtv.com (Phil Pinarski, Blake Harms, Christine Kelso, WOODTV.com Staff)
Weathercast
- Merit: WNEM-TV - WNEM First Alert Chief Meteorologist Chris Easlick (Chris Easlick)
- Best: WOOD-TV - December 4, 2024 Weathercast (Blake Harms)
Newscast
- Merit: WXMI-TV - MSU Tragedy: One Year Later (Ilene Gould, Sarah Kolker, Matt Lesniak)
- Best: WOOD-TV - News 8 @ 6pm - May 8, 2024 (Michael Stebing)
Community Involvement
- Merit: WOOD-TV - WOOD TV8 (WOOD TV8 Staff)
- Best: WXMI-TV - A Path Forward Initiative (Kim Krause, Janice Allen)
Commercial Television Market 3
Commercial Television Market 3
Commercial
- Merit: WLNS-TV - Foodie Friday (WLNS Commercial Production Team, Lansing Foodies)
- Best: WSYM-TV - Impression 5-Scooby Doo Exhibit 2024 (Andrew Tebeau, Kristi Tabor)
Continuing Coverage
- Merit: WSYM-TV - Eaton Aerospace Strike
- Best: WILX-TV - Fallen Hillsdale Deputy (News 10 Team)
Feature Story
- Merit: WWTV-TV/WWUP-TV - Fat Albert Ride with Blue Angels (Rachel Rademacher, Jeremy Erickson)
- Best: WSYM-TV - Holt Picture Lady (Sarah Poulos)
Investigative Story
- Merit: WILX-TV - Flipping the Script on Guns (Ann Emmerich, David Jones)
- Best: WILX-TV - From Mental Health Crisis to Murder (Ann Emmerich, David Jones)
Marketing Materials & Promos
- Merit: WSYM-TV - 'Twas The Week Before Lions and Bears (Phil Wrobel, Mason Allen, Noah Frankforter)
- Best: WSYM-TV - Back-to-School Neighborhood Roll Call (Phil Wrobel, Andrew Tebeau, Noah Frankforter, Mason Allen)
Meteorologist
- Merit: WLNS-TV - David Young
- Best: WILX-TV - Colton Cichoracki
News Anchor
- Merit: WWTV-TV/WWUP-TV - David Lyden
- Best: WILX-TV - Seth Wells
News Reporter
- Merit: WILX-TV - Riley Connell (Riley Connell)
- Best: WILX-TV - Ann Emmerich (Ann Emmerich)
News Series
- Merit: WILX-TV - Schools Rule (Taylor Gattoni, David Jones)
- Best: WWTV-TV/WWUP-TV - Unsolved (Josh Monroe, David Lyden)
News Special
- Merit: WILX-TV - Juneteenth: Unity in Our Community (Jasmine Boyd, DeAnna Giles, Rachelle Legrand, News 10 Team)
- Best: WILX-TV - Spartans Remember (David Andrews, Ann Emmerich, Nathan Stearns, News 10 Team)
OTT Content
- Merit: WILX-TV - News 10+ Streaming Desk (Krystle Holleman, News 10 Team)
- Best: WWTV-TV/WWUP-TV - One Up XP Show, Episode 113 (Michael Stevens)
Photojournalist
- Merit: WWTV-TV/WWUP-TV - Jeremy Erickson
- Best: WILX-TV - David C Jones
Special Interest Programming
- Merit: WILX-TV - Studio 10 Black History in the Arts Special (Shane Brooks, Nicole Buchmann, Rachelle Legrand, Studio Team)
- Best: WLNS-TV - Remarkable Women (WLNS News Team)
Sports Feature or Series
- Merit: WLNS-TV - Lansing Eastern's Martell Murchison Overcomes The Odds (Ian Kress)
- Best: WLNS-TV - Jake Boss, Sr.: A Lasting Legacy (Tyler Driesenga)
Sportscast
- Merit: WLNS-TV - The 5th Quarter: District Championship Night (Ian Kress, Haley Schoengart, Tyler Driesenga)
- Best: WLNS-TV - The 5th Quarter: High School Football Playoff Edition (Ian Kress, Haley Schoengart, Tyler Driesenga)
Breaking News Story
- Merit: WLNS-TV - A Violent Day in Lansing (WLNS News Team)
- Best: WILX-TV - Fallen Hillsdale Deputy (News 10 Team)
Digital Excellence
- Merit: WLNS-TV - WLNS.com is Here For You (WLNS Digital Team)
- Best: WWTV-TV/WWUP-TV - 9&10 News Digital Excellence (9&10 News)
Weathercast
- Merit: WLNS-TV - Katie Nickolaou
- Best: WWTV-TV/WWUP-TV - Doppler 9&10 Weather August 27th, 2024 (Michael Stevens)
Newscast
- Merit: WWTV-TV/WWUP-TV - 9&10 News at 6 p.m. 03-19-2024 (Adam Bartelmay, Tad Fifer, Ben Scripps, Dan Firnbach)
- Best: WLNS-TV - Still Spartan Strong: Anniversary of the Tragedy at MSU (WLNS News Team)
Community Involvement
- Merit: WLNS-TV - Here For You (WLNS News Team)
- Best: WILX-TV - News 10 Makes an Impact
Commercial Television Market 4
Commercial Television Market 4
Commercial
- Merit: WBKB-TV - Michigan State Police CST (Matthew Fitzpatrick)
- Best: WBKB-TV - Northland Area Federal Credit Union (Matthew Fitzpatrick)
Continuing Coverage
- Merit: WLUC-TV - A Winter Without Snow
- Best: WLUC-TV - Sextortion Sentencing
Feature Story
- Merit: WJMN-TV - Racing with faith: Mushers share their passion for the sport (Ben Raymond)
- Best: WLUC-TV - Ethical Farming (Elizabeth Peterson)
Investigative Story
- Merit: WZMQ-TV - 19 News Investigation - The Wonderland Motel (Scott Minshall)
- Best: WLUC-TV - Drunk Driving in Upper Michigan
Marketing Materials & Promos
- Merit: WBKB-TV - WBKB's 49th Year (Matthew Fitzpatrick)
- Best: WZMQ-TV - Festival of the Sled Dog 2024 (Kenn Baynard, Sarah Blakely, Ariane Stassek)
Meteorologist
- Merit: WJMN-TV - Tom Kippen
- Best: WLUC-TV - Noel Navarro
News Anchor
- Merit: WLUC-TV - Tia Trudgeon
- Best: WLUC-TV - Elizabeth Peterson
News Reporter
- Merit: WLUC-TV - Brady Meyer
- Best: WLUC-TV - Barbara Bellinger
News Series
- Merit: WJMN-TV - Roads to Recovery (Andrew Lorinser)
- Best: WLUC-TV - Protecting Kids from Sextortion
News Special
- Merit: WLUC-TV - Your First Alert to Winter's Return (Jennifer Perez)
- Best: WJMN-TV - Stormy Kromer: A Common Thread (Rebecca Bartelme, Burns Severson, Jake Durant, Ben Raymond)
OTT Content
- Merit: WLUC-TV - TV6 Digital Desk
- Best: WLUC-TV - Eagle Harbor Lighthouse (Robert Rosiak)
Photojournalist
- Merit: WLUC-TV - Robert Rosiak
- Best: WLUC-TV - Terese Ledy
Special Interest Programming
- Merit: WLUC-TV - Upper Michigan Today tries the Wim Hof Method
- Best: WZMQ-TV - Marquette @ 175 (Kenn Baynard, Jim Koski, John Truitt)
Sports Feature or Series
- Merit: WLUC-TV - Dave Shyiak Introduced
- Best: WLUC-TV - Paige Yoho Coaches the Boys
Sportscast
- Merit: WLUC-TV - Friday Night Fever
- Best: WLUC-TV - TV6 Sports with Keegan Cooper
Breaking News Story
- Merit: WLUC-TV - Iron River Home Explosion
- Best: WLUC-TV - Ludington Street Fire
Digital Excellence
- Merit: WLUC-TV - WLUC Digital (MK DiVirgilio)
- Best: WJMN-TV - My UP Now Digital (Schyler Perkins)
Weathercast
- Merit: WLUC-TV - TV6 Meteorologist Ben Kouchnerkavich – December 2, 2024
- Best: WLUC-TV - TV6 Chief Meteorologist Jennifer Perez – April 3, 2024
Newscast
- Merit: WLUC-TV - TV6 Morning News – July 31, 2024
- Best: WLUC-TV - TV6 Early News – Dec. 11, 2024
Community Involvement
- Merit: WZMQ-TV - Community Minded (Kenn Baynard)
- Best: WJMN-TV - My UP News in the Community
Network Television
Network Television
News Anchor
- Best: NEWSnet – Bill Harris
News Special
- Best: Ferris State University Television & Digital Media – Ferris State University: Legacy of Opportunity (Chad Andres, Kelsey Meyers, Nolan Harris, Alex Valentini)
Commercial Radio Market 1
Commercial Radio Market 1
Breaking News Story
- Merit: WWJ-AM – Livonia Tornado Death (Ryan Wrecker, Luke Sloan, Tony Ortiz, Ingrid Kelley)
- Best: WWJ-AM – Macomb County Explosion (Miranda Richardson, Ryan Wrecker, Kyle Kimball)
Continuing Coverage
- Merit: WJR-AM – New Beginning Michigan Central Train Station (WJR Staff)
- Best: WJR-AM – School Shooter's Parents Face Justice (WJR Staff)
Feature Programming
- Merit: WJR-AM – Grief Monster: A Daughter's Story (Kevin Dietz, Marie Osborne, Laura Hessen, Danielle Mason)
- Best: WWJ-AM – WWJ's Difference Maker with Tony Ortiz (Tony Ortiz)
Feature Story
- Merit: WWJ-AM – Lions Fans (Tim Pamplin)
- Best: WJR-AM – Taps The Final Honor (Marie Osborne)
Investigative Story
- Best: WJR-AM – Dying to Give Birth (Marie Osborne)
Mini-Documentary or Series
- Merit: WJR-AM – Detroit's 2024 NFL Draft (WJR Staff)
- Best: WJR-AM – Healthwatch with Dick Haefner (Dick Haefner)
Morning Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WWJ-AM – WWJ's AM Drive (Jackie Paige, Jonathan Carlson, Chris Fillar, Michelle Pena)
- Best: WJR-AM – 'JR Morning with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie (Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, Nick Roddy)
OTT Content
- Best: WJR-AM – MSU Student Journalism Program (Curtis Paul, Dominic Carroll, Nicholas Lundberg)
Play-By-Play Sports
- Merit: WJR-AM – Drive to The Game: De La Salle vs Davison (Chris Renwick, Nick Roddy, Ray Templin, Dave Riger)
- Best: WDTK-AM – Motor City Rockers Playoff Hockey (Brady Beedon, Brian Belesky, Shelley Mabel)
Podcast Series
- Merit: WJR-AM – 'JR Morning 5 Things First Thing (Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, Nick Roddy)
- Best: WJR-AM – Ken Brown and Mike O'Hara Podcast (Ken Brown, Nick Roddy, Mike O'Hara)
Special Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WJR-AM – Michigan Voices with Marie Osborne (Marie Osborne)
- Best: WJR-AM – SportsWrap NFL Draft Special (Anthony Bellino, Lomas Brown, WJR Staff)
Sports Feature or Series
- Merit: WJR-AM – Tigers Magical Playoff Run (WJR Staff)
- Best: WJR-AM – SportsWrap Lions Coverage: Road to the One Seed (Anthony Bellino, Lomas Brown, WJR Staff)
Sportscast
- Merit: WJR-AM – Tigers Clinch Wildcard Spot (Dave Riger, Jim Harper, Kam Carmen)
- Best: WWJ-AM – WWJ Morning Sports - Chris Fillar (Chris Fillar)
Station Promos
- Merit: WWJ-AM – WWJ Station Promos 2024
- Best: WJR-AM – Election Night Series (Mark Blackwell, WJR Staff)
Commercial
- Merit: WJR-AM – Puppy Gram (Sefe Puente, Mark Blackwell)
- Best: WJR-AM – Missy and Mel's (Mark Blackwell, Mike Wheeler, Blake Majchrzak, McCoy Kelly)
Digital Excellence
- Merit: WWJ-AM – WWJ Digital (Marisa Jenkins, Annie Scaramuzzino)
- Best: WJR-AM – Detroit's Top 5 Stories (Curtis Paul, Andrew Mullin, Nicholas Lundberg)
Regularly Scheduled Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WWJ-AM – WWJ Midday 10am-Noon (Jackie Paige, Scott Ryan, Chris Fillar)
- Best: WJR-AM – ‘JR Afternoon with Chris Renwick (Chris Renwick, Brian Morton, Danielle Mason, Rich Luzenski)
Newscast
- Merit: WJR-AM – 'JR Morning Five Things First Thing Day After Election (Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, Nick Roddy)
- Best: WWJ-AM – WWJ Morning Drive Cyber Incident (Pat Vitale, Jonathan Carlson, Jackie Paige, Taylor Dietz)
Community Involvement
- Merit: WJR-AM – WJR Community Involvement (Mark Blackwell, Ron Smerigan, WJR Staff)
- Best: WDTK-AM – Community Involvement WDTK (Shelley Mabel)
Commercial Radio Market 2
Commercial Radio Market 2
Breaking News Story
- Merit: WOOD-AM/WOOD-FM – Slotkin Wins 2024 (Emma Olson)
- Best: WSGW-AM – Remains Found In Bay City (Jonathan Dent)
Continuing Coverage
- Merit: WOOD-AM/WOOD-FM – WOOD Slotkin Rogers Race (Emma Olson)
- Best: WSGW-AM – Midland Church Officials Charged (Michael Percha, Jonathan Dent)
Feature Programming
- Merit: WOOD-AM/WOOD-FM – WOOD West Michigan Weekend, Aurora Chaser (Phil Tower)
- Best: WHMI-FM – The Listening Room with Dan Martin (Dan Martin)
Feature Story
- Best: WSGW-AM – Ben VanSumeran Gives Back (Christiana Malacara)
Mini-Documentary or Series
- Best: WSGW-AM – Off the Ice (Jonathan Dent)
Morning Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WOOD-AM/WOOD-FM – West Michigan's Morning News (Steve Kelly, Lauren Smith, Bret Bakita, Adam Arocho)
- Best: WITL-FM – The WITL Wake-Up Show with JR & Kristen (Jonathan Ruppel, Kristen Matthews)
Play-By-Play Sports
- Merit: WHMI-FM – WHMI Sports (Howell vs. Belleville KLAA Championship) High School Football Game (Dan Leach, Ryan Wooley, Lawton Lunce, Rich Renko)
- Best: WOOD-AM/WOOD-FM – WOOD Grand Rapids Griffins at Chicago Overtime Winner (Bob Kaser, Shelbie Petrongelli, John Illk)
Podcast Series
- Merit: WSGW-AM – Generating Gratitude with Joe Volk (Joe Volk, Jonathan Dent)
- Best: WSGW-AM – That's What She Said (Christiana Malacara, Jonathan Dent)
Special Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WJIM-AM – The Adam Nightingale Show 12/4/24 (Scott Moore, Rob Woodward, Adam Nightingale, Tommi Mannisto)
- Best: WOOD-AM/WOOD-FM – WOOD Radio 100th Birthday Broadcast (Steve Kelly, Lauren Smith, Bret Bakita, Adam Arocho)
Sports Feature or Series
- Merit: WSGW-AM – Detroit Lions - Is This the Year (Charlie Rood)
- Best: WSGW-AM – Memorial Cup Pregame (Jonathan Dent, Dillon Clark)
Sportscast
- Merit: WSGW-AM – WSGW Morning Sports (Charlie Rood)
- Best: WOOD-AM/WOOD-FM – WOOD Sports Report 1-22-2024 (Bret Bakita)
Station Promos
- Merit: WHMI-FM – Pick Your Present- 2024 Station Promo (Dion Clark)
- Best: WJXQ-FM – Don't Pick Up (Terry Stevens, Kevin Conrad)
Commercial
- Best: WJXQ-FM – Precision Roofing - Big Bad Wolf (Terry Stevens)
- Merit: WITL-FM – Sparky's Electric Commercial Series (Steve Goff)
Digital Excellence
- Merit: WJXQ-FM – Pet of the Week (Span Bennet)
- Best: WHMI-FM – The Morning Drive with Chuck & Madison (Chuck Edwards, Madison June)
Regularly Scheduled Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WOOD-AM/WOOD-FM – WOOD Gardening Simplified Plants on Trial (Adriana Robinson, Stacey Hirvela, Rick Vuyst)
- Best: WSGW-AM – The Art Lewis Show (Art Lewis, Jonathan Dent)
Newscast
- Merit: WILS-AM – 9-9-24 Rich Herl WILS Newscast (Rich Herl, Mike Austin)
- Best: WHMI-FM – WHMI News with Nik Rajkovic (Nik Rajkovic)
Community Involvement
- Merit: WJXQ-FM – All-Request Food Drives (Terry Stevens, Span Bennet, Chris Tyler)
- Best: WHMI-FM – Radiothon To Benefit Hurricane Helene Relief (Chuck Edwards, Madison June)
Commercial Radio Market 3
Commercial Radio Market 3
Breaking News Story
- Merit: WLEN-FM – Officer Involved Shooting (Ian Wendt, Laura Rutkowski)
- Best: WLEN-FM – Crash At Sutton & M-52 (Ian Wendt, Laura Rutkowski)
Continuing Coverage
- Merit: WLEN-FM – Faster Horses (Ian Wendt)
- Best: WPHM-AM – WPHM 2024 Election Coverage (Steve Green, Paul Miller, Caleb Gordon)
Feature Programming
- Merit: WLEN-FM – Phone Calls to Santa 2024 (Joe Johns, David Lupone)
- Best: WJZQ-FM – Z Morning Zoo (William Bertschinger, Laura Ciccone, Tim Sampson)
Feature Story
- Merit: WLEN-FM – Evans Street Corridor (Ian Wendt)
- Best: WLEN-FM – Administrator Murphy Evaluation (Ian Wendt)
Investigative Story
- Merit: WLEN-FM – Adrian Police - Flock Cameras (Ian Wendt)
- Best: WLEN-FM – Adrian Water (Ian Wendt)
Mini-Documentary or Series
- Merit: WLEN-FM – Sam Beauford (Ian Wendt)
- Best: WLEN-FM – Maurice Spear Renovation (Ian Wendt)
Morning Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WLEN-HD2 – Jeff Bowman & John Roberts - Inside The Cave (Jeff Bowman, John Roberts)
- Best: WGFM-FM – "Cartman In The Morning" on Rock 105 & 95.5 (Brian Pfeifer)
OTT Content
- Merit: WLEN-FM – NAACP Candidate Forum (Ian Wendt)
- Best: WLEN-FM – Gregg Hardy Press Conference (Ian Wendt)
Play-By-Play Sports
- Merit: WLEN-HD2 – Jeff Bowman & Fred Smith - Lenawee HS Football (Jeff Bowman, Fred Smith)
- Best: WLEN-FM – Ian Wendt - AC Football (Ian Wendt)
Podcast Series
- Best: WLEN-FM – Community Conversation (Dale Gaertner)
Special Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WLEN-FM – Phone Calls to Santa 2024 (Joe Johns, David Lupone)
- Best: WKLT-FM – Live/On-Air Colonoscopy - Eliminating the Stigma of Men's Healthcare (Derek Geisser, Kristal Flateau)
Sports Feature or Series
- Merit: WLEN-HD2 – Athlete Of The Week - Cassidy Hawken (Ian Wendt, Mark Comstock)
- Best: WLEN-FM – Friday Night Scoreboard (Laura Rutkowski)
Sportscast
- Merit: WLEN-FM – WLEN Sports 12-13-24 - Larry Hall (Larry Hall)
- Best: WLEN-FM – WLEN Sports 11-6-24 - Dale Gaertner (Dale Gaertner)
Station Promos
- Merit: WPHM-AM – WPHM 2024 News Promos (Caleb Gordon)
- Best: WLEN-FM – Thank-A-Vet 2024 Promo (Joe Johns)
Commercial
- Merit: WLEN-HD2 – Hoagie Man - Home (Joe Johns, Stacey Mitchell)
- Best: WKHM-FM – A-1 Waste Removal (Connor Dockery)
Digital Excellence
- Merit: WLEN-FM – WLEN 2024 Digital Excellence (WLEN Crew)
- Best: WGFM-FM – Rock 105 & 95.5 (Sarah Dorow, Sheree McKee)
Regularly Scheduled Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WKLT-FM – The WEEKEND SHOW (Derek Geisser, Kristal Flateau)
- Best: WKLT-FM – Celebrating 40 years of Lunch at the Leetsville Cafe with Terri Ray (Terri Ray)
Newscast
- Merit: WLEN-FM – Ian Wendt 8-23-24 Noon Newscast (Ian Wendt)
- Best: WLEN-FM – Dale Gaertner 1-12-24 8AM Newscast (Dale Gaertner)
Community Involvement
- Merit: WMKC-FM – Susan Melton & Big Country 102.9 (Susan Melton)
- Best: WLEN-FM – WLEN Report to the Community 2024 (WLEN Crew)
Commercial Radio Market 4
Commercial Radio Market 4
Breaking News Story
- Merit: WUPF-FM – Great Day to be a Brave (Jack Hall)
- Best: WKQS-FM – Election Night 2024 10pm Single Report (Walt Lindala)
Continuing Coverage
- Merit: WKQS-FM – Lawmakers on U.P. Postal Changes (Walt Lindala)
- Best: WKQS-FM – U.P. 200 Cancellation and Recovery (Walt Lindala)
Feature Programming
- Merit: WGLQ-FM – Behind the Badge (TJ Ryan)
- Best: WGHN-AM/WGHN-FM – Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" Radio Play (Jesse Bruce)
Feature Story
- Merit: WGLQ-FM – Jordan DeMay Story (Jack Hall)
- Best: WKQS-FM – CaRMA Quartet Comes To Marquette (Walt Lindala)
Investigative Story
- Merit: WKQS-FM – NMU Campus War Protest Update (Walt Lindala)
- Best: WKQS-FM – Negaunee School Bomb Threat (Walt Lindala)
Mini-Documentary or Series
- Merit: WKQS-FM – Senator Ed McBroom Updates (Walt Lindala)
- Best: WGLQ-FM – Jordan DeMay Story (Jack Hall)
Morning Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WGHN-AM/WGHN-FM – Good Morning Grand Haven - Mary Ellen's "Whitman's Sampler" (Mary Ellen Murphy)
- Best: WKQS-FM – Mark & Walt In The Morning (Mark Evans, Walt Lindala)
OTT Content
- Merit: WGLQ-FM – Out of Nowhere: Meyer Takes 2nd at States (Jack Hall)
- Best: WGLQ-FM – Escanaba Volleyball (Jack Hall, Jayger Quinn)
Play-By-Play Sports
- Merit: WRUP-FM – Ishpeming State Championship Final Quarter 03-23-2024 (Tyler Young)
- Best: WGHN-AM/WGHN-FM – Spring Lake vs Fruitport High School Football (Nick Vlietstra, Dan Start)
Podcast Series
- Merit: WBRN-AM – The Rundown (Brandon Wirth, JT Scarpelli)
- Best: WCZY-FM – Kyle Sandel - Buck92 Sports Show (Kyle Sandel)
Special Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WKQS-FM – Marquette Fourth of July Fireworks Music (Eric Tasson)
- Best: WZNL-FM – Weekend Gold Holiday Hits with Mike Daniels (Mike Daniels)
Sports Feature or Series
- Merit: WFXD-HD2 – Jenna Maki Interview (Tyler Young)
- Best: WKQS-FM – NMU Volleyball in Vandament (Walt Lindala, Mark Evans)
Sportscast
- Merit: WGLQ-FM – Sportscast - Jack Hall 1 (Jack Hall, Casey Ford)
- Best: WGLQ-FM – Sportscast - Jack Hall 2 (Jack Hall, Casey Ford)
Station Promos
- Merit: WCZY-FM – Buck92.3 Backyard Brawl Promo (DJ Roberts, Remington Hernandez, Kyle Sandel)
- Best: WUPZ-FM – 94.9 the Bay Station Imaging (Jay Fisher, Mike Daniels)
Commercial
- Merit: WWBR-FM – Advanced Drain Line Solutions (Erik Etchison, Steve Gove)
- Best: WKQS-FM – Westwood Mall Flea Market - Marquette Mickey (Mark Evans, Dawn Evans, Cheri Sanderson)
Digital Excellence
- Merit: WUPS-FM – 98.5 UPS (Sarah Dorow, Sheree McKee)
- Best: WGHN-AM/WGHN-FM – WGHN Digital Excellence 2024 (Team WGHN)
Regularly Scheduled Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: WCBY-AM – Mike Grisdale & WCBY-AM (Mike Grisdale)
- Best: WFXD-FM – Adam Carpenter's Outdoor Show (Adam Carpenter)
Newscast
- Merit: WGHN-AM/WGHN-FM – WGHN Newscast December 4, 2024 (Mary Ellen Murphy)
- Best: WKQS-FM – Noon Newscast 05-17-2024 (Walt Lindala)
Community Involvement
- Merit: WUPT-FM – Community Heroes (Jesse Huff, Jay Fisher, Jessica Larsen)
- Best: WCZY-FM – Rotary Auction 2024: A Community United for Success (DJ Roberts, Remington Hernandez)
Network Radio
Network Radio
Feature Programming
- Best: Spartan Sports Network – Inside The Huddle 2024 (Will Tieman)
Morning Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Best: Michigan's Big Show – Michigan's Big Show starring Michael Patrick Shiels (Michael Patrick Shiels, Tony Cuthbert)
Play-By-Play Sports
- Merit: Spartan Sports Network – Michigan State Basketball vs Michigan 2/17/24 (Will Tieman)
- Best: University of Detroit Mercy – Detroit Mercy's Furious Robert Morris Rally (Dan Hasty)
Podcast Series
- Best: Spartan Sports Network – The Sports Life - Big Ten Football Media Days Coverage (Dalton Shetler, Will Tieman, Wendy Hart)
Special Show Broadcast Personality or Team
- Best: Spartan Sports Network – The Tom Izzo Show - Christmas Special 12/18/24
Sports Feature or Series
- Merit: Spartan Sports Network – The Sports Life - Women's College Basketball Roundtable (Dalton Shetler, Will Tieman, Wendy Hart)
- Best: West Michigan Whitecaps – Max Gordon: Baseball's Rally for Life (Dan Hasty)
Digital Excellence
- Best: Spartan Sports Network – Spartan Sports Network Digital Media
Regularly Scheduled Broadcast Personality or Team
- Merit: Michigan Talk Network – Steve Gruber & Donald Trump (Steve Gruber)
- Best: Michigan Talk Network – Steve Gruber Interviewing Robert Kennedy Jr.
Public Radio Group 1
Public Radio Group 1
Feature/Use of Medium
- Merit: WNMU-FM - Bigfoot is on the Loose...
- Best: WGVU-FM - Near Total Solar Eclipse (Patrick Center)
Hard News & Current Events Story
- Merit: WGVU-FM - Free Laptops at Alger Middle School (David Limbaugh)
- Best: WMUK-FM - Meet the urban Republicans of Southwest Michigan (Michael Symonds)
Marketing Materials & Promos
- Merit: WGVU-FM - State and West Michigan News Promo (Joe Bielecki)
- Best: WEMU-FM - Jazz Appreciation Month - Why Jazz? (John Bommarito, Molly Motherwell, Guillermo Flores)
Mini-Documentary or Series
- Merit: WMUK-FM - Meet the rural Democrats of Southwest Michigan; Meet the urban Republicans of Southwest Michigan (Michael Symonds)
- Best: WEMU-FM - Issues of the Environment (David Fair)
Music Feature or Special
- Merit: WGVU-FM - The Blue Note All-Stars (Scott Vander Werf)
- Best: WEMU-FM - The In Crowd's Food Feature (Jessica Webster)
Musical Programming
- Merit: WEMU-FM - Bluestime with Michael Jewett (Michael Jewett)
- Best: WNMU-FM - Michigan In Song (Daniel Truckey)
News Special or Public Affairs Program
- Merit: WGVU-FM - The Impact of Ottawa Impact (Patrick Center)
- Best: WMUK-FM - Nowhere to Go: How the system failed a trafficking survivor (Leona Larson, Sehvilla Mann, Jessi Phillips, Gordon Evans)
Newscast
- Merit: WEMU-FM - David Fair News - Dec 20 2024 (David Fair)
- Best: WGVU-FM - February 9 Newscast (Phil Dawson, Dee Morrison)
Special Interest & Cultural Programming
- Merit: WGVU-FM - Kids Christmas shopping for family (Shelley Irwin)
- Best: WEMU-FM - creative:impact (Deb Polich, Mat Hopson)
Spot News
- Merit: WMUK-FM - Kalamazoo Metro is still looking for more bus drivers (Leona Larson)
- Best: WGVU-FM - Immigration advocacy group responds to Trump's Grand Rapids visit (Patrick Center)
Use of Multiplatform Media- Programming Materials
- Merit: WEMU-FM - New at 2:00 (Michael Jewett, John Bommarito)
- Best: WGVU-FM - WGVU Podcasts (Rick Bierling, Joe Bielecki)
Use of Multiplatform Media- Promotional/Membership Materials
- Best: WEMU-FM - Leap of Faith (Michael Jewett, Jeremy Baldwin, Molly Motherwell, Nik Thompson)
Membership Appeal
- Merit: WEMU-FM - Top of the Park Party (Nik Thompson)
- Best: WEMU-FM - WEMU Coasters (Josh Hakala)
Station Excellence
- Merit: WGVU-FM - WGVU Station Excellence (Rick Bierling, James Rademaker)
- Best: WEMU-FM - WEMU Station Excellence (Molly Motherwell)
Community Involvement
- Merit: WGVU-FM - One Small Step West Michigan (Phil Lane, Joe Bielecki, Patrick Center)
- Best: WEMU-FM - Black History Month Moments (Molly Motherwell, John Bommarito)
Public Radio Group 2
Public Radio Group 2
Feature/Use of Medium
- Merit: WDET-FM - Detroit Students Follow the Path of the Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite (Sascha Raiyn)
- Best: Michigan Public - Can Hailey Lynch-Bastion play their way to winning the election for Grand Rapids mayor? (Dustin Dwyer)
Hard News & Current Events Story
- Merit: WKAR-FM - BWL's natural gas-fired plant proposal sparks concerns about utility's climate goals (Melorie Begay)
- Best: WKAR-FM - 'We are Christian Latinos, not Latinos Cristianos', behind Latino evangelicals' support for Trump in Michigan (Michelle Jokisch-Polo)
Marketing Materials & Promos
- Merit: WKAR-FM - Choral Week (Jody Knol, Linda Kernohan, Jamie Paisley)
- Best: Michigan Public - Michigan Public Rebrand (Michigan Public)
Mini-Documentary or Series
- Merit: Michigan Public - What the Vote? (Stateside Interns)
- Best: Michigan Public - It's Just Politics (Zoe Clark, Rick Pluta)
Music Feature or Special
- Merit: Michigan Public - A reporter's journey into what makes the "Motown sound" special -- and enduringly relevant (Sarah Cwiek)
- Best: Michigan Public - Frontier Ruckus performs live on Stateside (Stateside)
Musical Programming
- Merit: WDET-FM - Modern Music Holiday Special (Jon Moshier)
- Best: WDET-FM - In The Groove - Jack White World Premiere (Ryan Patrick Hooper)
News Special or Public Affairs Program
- Merit: WKAR-FM - One year later, MSU community reflects on tragedy (Sophia Saliby, Amy Robinson, Arjun Thakkar, Michelle Jokisch-Polo)
- Best: Michigan Public - The Bird Connection (Lester Graham, Rebecca Williams)
Newscast
- Merit: Michigan Public - Newscast: 11.06.24 – 5:04 a.m. (Michigan Public)
- Best: WDET-FM - WDET News 504 am 072224 (Pat Batcheller)
Special Interest & Cultural Programming
- Merit: WDET-FM - MichMash - Mackinac (Cheyna Roth, Alethia Kasben, Hernz Laguerre)
- Best: Michigan Public - The Dish (Mercedes Mejia, Ronia Cabansag)
Spot News
- Merit: Michigan Public - Commencement at Michigan Stadium continues without pause despite protest (Tracy Samilton)
- Best: WKAR-FM - Lansing venue throws flash weddings for LGBTQ+ couples ahead of new presidential administration (Sophia Saliby)
Use of Multiplatform Media- Programming Materials
- Merit: WKAR-FM - Classical Golden Girls? (Jamie Paisley)
- Best: Michigan Public - Voter Voices (Jodi Westrick, Mia Goldstein, Michigan Public)
Use of Multiplatform Media- Promotional/Membership Materials
- Merit: WDET-FM - Jack White surprise album reveal promotional materials (Ryan Patrick Hooper, Jenny Sherman, Dave Kim)
- Best: Michigan Public - What the Vote? (Stateside, Digital Team)
Membership Appeal
- Merit: WDET-FM - WDET Farms (WDET Production Staff)
- Best: Michigan Public - Humanist Vibe (Michigan Public)
Station Excellence
- Merit: WKAR-FM - WKAR-FM Station Excellence (WKAR-FM)
- Best: WDET-FM - Bold Moves - 75 Years of Detroit Radio (WDET Staff)
Community Involvement
- Merit: Michigan Public - Issues & Ale: It's Just Politics (Michigan Public)
- Best: WDET-FM - MichMash Live (Hernz Laguerre, Cheyna Roth, Zach Gorchow, Alethia Kasben)
Public Television
Public Television
Cultural & Performing Arts
- Merit: WKAR-TV - Michigan in Verse: Masaki Takahashi (Steven Boughton, Dan Wogan)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Complex Dreams (Steven Boughton)
Cultural Programming
- Merit: WKAR-TV - ArtPath Profiles (Steven Boughton, Sophia Saliby)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Detroit Institute of Art, Diego Rivera (Steven Boughton)
Independent Producer
- Merit: WKAR-TV - Air Mail (Mike Castellucci)
- Best: WGVU-TV - Stinney: An American Execution (Emilee Syrewicze, Cody Colvin, Phil Lane)
Marketing Materials & Promos
- Merit: WTVS-TV - Detroit PBS Brand Announcement (Multiplatform Marketing Department)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Beyond the Score Episode 2 Promo (Al Martin, Elena Sheperd, Dan Wogan)
Mini-Documentary or Series
- Merit: WCMU-TV - Total Eclipse Exploration (Adam Miedema, Stefanie Mills, Chris Ogozaly)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Pixels and Perspectives (Steve Boughton)
News or Public Affairs Special
- Merit: WTVS-TV - Detroit Concrete Crushing segments (Bill Kubota, Nicole MacDonald, Joe Dzenowagis)
- Best: WTVS-TV - Great Lakes Now
News Special or Documentary
- Merit: WKAR-TV - Binary Minds: AI in Art (Steven Boughton, Jason Vlahos)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Support Line: America and the Track to Ukraine (Nicole Zaremba, Scott Schoessel)
Special Interest
- Merit: WKAR-TV - Curious Crew: Color Guard Science (Rob Stephenson, Carol Yancho, Scott Schoessel)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Beyond the Score (Al Martin, Elena Sheperd, Dan Wogan, Jason Vlahos)
Sports, Outdoor, or Recreation
- Merit: WTVS-TV - Can This Historic Sailboat Handle Lake Huron? (Great Lakes Now)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Beyond the Score (Al Martin, Elena Sheperd, Dan Wogan)
Use of Multi-Platform Media- Short Form
- Merit: WTVS-TV - A Christmas tree's trek to Campus Martius: How it's scouted, harvested and decorated for the holidays (Bill Kubota, Elisha Anderson, Jonathan Shead)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Curious About Careers (Elena Sheperd, Bobby Taylor)
Use of Multi-Platform Media- Long Form
- Merit: WDCQ-TV - HIDDEN HISTORY (Robert Przybylski)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Serving Up Science (Nicole Zaremba, Jason Vlahos, Dan Wogan)
Membership Appeal
- Merit: WKAR-TV - Development Spot (Carol Yancho, Jason Vlahos)
- Best: WKAR-TV - Public Media Giving Days (Carol Yancho, Bobby Taylor)
Station Excellence
- Merit: WTVS-TV - Detroit PBS Station Excellence (Detroit PBS)
- Best: WKAR-TV - WKAR-TV Station Excellence
Community Involvement
- Best: WKAR-TV - WKAR-TV Community Involvement
Reigning Commercial Radio Stations of the Year
Market 1
WJR-AM (Detroit)
Market 2
WSGW-AM (Saginaw)
Market 3
WLEN-FM (Adrian)
Market 4
WKQS-FM (Negaunee)
Reigning Public Media Stations of the Year
Public Radio Group 1
WEMU-FM (Ypsilanti_)
Public Radio Group 2
WDET-FM (Detroit)
Public Television
WKAR-TV (East Lansing)
Reigning Commercial Television Stations of the Year
Market 1
WXYZ-TV (Detroit)
Market 2
WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids)
Market 3
SWAG Bags
Market 4
SWAG Bags