NAB Leadership Foundation Honors Broadcasters’ Public Service

The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) announced the recipients of the 2022 Celebration of Service to America Awards at a gala held Tuesday night 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 are:

• Radio, Broadcast Ownership Group- Beasley Media Group, 2021 Beasley Best Community of Caring Initiative
• Television, Broadcast Ownership Group - Cox Media Group, CMG Gets Real
• Radio – Large/Major Market - WTLC-FM, Indianapolis, Ind., Urban One, Inc., Feeding Families for 365 Days Plus
• Television – Large/Major Market - WFAA, Dallas, Texas, TEGNA, WFAA Adoption Awareness
• Radio – Medium Market - WJBR-FM, Beasley Media Group, Wilmington, Del., Mix 99.5 WJBR Help Our Kids Radiothon
• Television – Medium Market - WIS-TV, Gray Television, Columbia, S.C., Families Helping Families
• Radio – Small Market - WNRP-AM, WYCT, WNRP, WEBY Radio, Pensacola, Fla., Next Level Covid Charts
• 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.”

Former NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith was honored with the Service to America Samaritan Award during the event. 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 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.