WSB, Morgan Murphy Among NABLF Service to America Honorees

Why It Matters

The awards underscore how local broadcasters translate airtime into tangible public‑service outcomes, strengthening community trust and creating valuable platforms for advertisers and partners.

Key Takeaways

• Morgan Murphy Media raised funds for injured firefighters in Idaho
• WSB's Care‑a‑Thon generated over $2.3 million for children's healthcare
• Hubbard Radio won first podcast award for Minnesota Vikings coverage
• WYMG and WIKY recognized for holiday wish and veterans breakfast programs
• TV stations honored for fentanyl awareness series and local news excellence

Pulse Analysis

The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation’s 2026 Celebration of Service to America awards shine a spotlight on stations that turn airtime into community action. Held on June 9 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., the gala recognizes both radio and television outlets that have delivered measurable public‑service outcomes. By grouping honors into ownership, market size, and emerging formats such as podcasts, the NABLF underscores the evolving ways broadcasters can build trust while addressing local needs. The event also reinforces the industry’s commitment to civic responsibility amid a fragmented media landscape.

Radio winners this year illustrate how targeted fundraising can translate into tangible community benefits. Morgan Murphy Media’s ‘Honor Our Fallen’ campaign rallied support for firefighters wounded in the Coeur d’Alene blaze, while Atlanta’s WSB raised more than $2.3 million through its Care‑a‑Thon for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Smaller markets also shone: WYMG’s Christmas Wish program delivered holiday gifts to families in need, and WIKY’s Veterans Day Breakfast served over 500 veterans. The inaugural podcast award to Hubbard Radio’s Purple Daily Podcast shows that digital audio can foster fan engagement while supporting local sports culture.

Television stations were lauded for tackling hard‑hitting public‑health and safety topics, from Hearst Television’s ownership‑group award to WRAL‑TV’s local news excellence, and KFSN‑TV’s fentanyl awareness series in Fresno. Such programming not only educates viewers but also positions stations as essential partners in crisis communication, a valuable proposition for advertisers seeking brand safety. As audiences fragment across streaming platforms, the awards reinforce that traditional broadcasters still command trust when they deliver purpose‑driven content. This dynamic is likely to drive further investment in community‑focused initiatives across the media sector.