The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) tonight announced the winners of the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, celebrating the nation’s outstanding radio stations and on-air personalities during a memorable evening at the Edison Ballroom on the eve of NAB Show New York.
Presented by NAB with Xperi as title sponsor, the celebration was also supported by Quu, the Winners’ Scorecard sponsor, and ENCO, the closed-captioning sponsor. The evening was hosted by Deja Vu, the nationally syndicated radio personality with Compass Media Networks. Known for her infectious energy and connection with audiences, Deja Vu brought her signature personality to radio’s biggest night. Matt Cord, a veteran Philadelphia radio personality and longtime public address announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers, lent his distinctive voice to the evening’s prerecorded announcements.
The evening also paid tribute to Joel Oxley, president and general manager of Hubbard Radio Washington, D.C., who received the 2026 NAB National Radio Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the industry. A respected champion of local journalism and public service, Oxley has spent more than three decades helping shape WTOP and Federal News Network into trusted sources of news and information for the Washington region.
Established in 1989 and named for inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards honor radio stations and on-air personalities demonstrating outstanding achievement and service to their communities.
The ceremony brought together broadcasters, executives and industry leaders from across the country to celebrate the creativity, talent and community connections that continue to define radio.
This year’s NAB Marconi Radio Award winners are:
Legendary Station of the Year
WIVK-FM, Knoxville, Tenn.Legendary Radio Manager of the Year
Julie Koehn, WLEN-FM, Adrian, Mich.Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year
The Bob & Sheri Show, WKQC-FM, Beasley Media Group, Charlotte, N.C.Major Market Personality of the Year
Karson and Kennedy, WBMX-FM, BostonLarge Market Personality of the Year
Karen Dalessandro, KSLX-FM, PhoenixMedium Market Personality of the Year
Ron Olson and Karen Perrin, WRVR-FM, Memphis, Tenn.Small Market Personality of the Year
Chris Lawrence, WCHS-AM, Charleston, W.Va.Major Market Station of the Year
WBMX-FM, BostonLarge Market Station of the Year
WYXB-FM, IndianapolisMedium Market Station of the Year
WYCT-FM, Pensacola, Fla.Small Market Station of the Year
KBHP-FM, Bemidji, Minn.Best Radio Podcast of the Year
“Purple Daily,” KSTP-AM, Hubbard Broadcasting, St. Paul, Minn.AC Station of the Year
KBIG-FM, Los AngelesCHR Station of the Year
KRBE-FM, HoustonClassic Hits Station of the Year
WCBS-FM, New YorkCollege Radio Station of the Year
WRRC-FM, Rider University, Lawrenceville, N.J.Country Station of the Year
KKBQ-FM, HoustonNews/Talk Station of the Year
WSB-AM, AtlantaReligious Station of the Year
WGTS-FM, Washington, D.C.Rock Station of the Year
WIYY-FM, BaltimoreSpanish Language Station of the Year
KOVE-FM, HoustonSports Station of the Year
WEEI-FM, BostonUrban Station of the Year
WHQT-FM, MiamiMarconi finalists were selected by a committee of broadcasters, and the winners were determined by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy.
