2025 Spectrum Awards Winners – Radio Market 2All Other Markets
1. Radio Station of the Year WQLK-FM (Richmond) – Richmond, Indiana
Station of the Year goes to stations who earn points by submitting entries, by reaching the level of a category finalist, and also by winning categories. In the event of a tie, the station with the most highest-placing awards will be awarded Station of the Year. And if there’s still a tie – then the station who placed highest in Local Community Impact will be declared the victor.
2. Best “Pro-Radio” Industry Imaging AwardWMUN-AM/FM (Muncie) – Radio Real Time Help
Entries effectively promote and highlight the power of radio as a valuable and impactful marketing medium. Entries should showcase the unique “pro-radio” advantages and strengths of radio advertising, emphasizing its ability to reach and engage audiences in a meaningful and effective way. This accolade recognizes the outstanding efforts of radio stations in reinforcing the vital role of radio as a potent tool for driving marketing success and connecting businesses with their target audiences.
3. Best Radio Broadcast Personality or Team WERK-FM (Muncie) – Start Your Day with Jay
Audio samples of on-air work from an individual or a group of people for news, entertainment, or sports – but not sports play-by-play.
4. Best Radio NewscastWMUN-AM/FM (Muncie) -The Talk of Muncie
Best locally originated newscast. Criteria: presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the full newscast.
5. Best Radio General News StoryWQLK-FM (Richmond) – House Explosion
Designed to honor the work of a general assignment reporter, this includes coverage of a single news story, gathered and aired in the same day. This category does not include spot news, investigative, or feature stories.
6. Non-Commercial Radio Program of the YearWBST-FM (Muncie) – Pop of Culture
A stand-alone radio program, or a show produced by a non-commercial radio station as part of an ongoing series.
7. Best Radio Investigative ReportingWQLK-FM (Richmond) – Council Member Traffic Stop
Coverage of a single story or series of stories that required in-depth, original research and discovers new findings to enhance the public’s understanding of an issue or event.
8. Best Radio Sports Show or Sports StoryWJOB-AM (Hammond) – Remembering Coach Gene Hackman
Best locally-originated regularly scheduled sports show or sports story segment. Criteria: presentation, production values, and variety of stories presented.
9. Best Local Radio Sports Play-by-Play CoverageWJOB-AM (Hammond) – A Sectional Championship Upset
Best locally originated play-by-play coverage of high school sports broadcast.
10. Best Radio Local Community ImpactWXXC-FM (Marion) – Turkey Day Giveaway
This category involves only one subject and 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 that is a public service of the station to serve its local community. Submit any recorded promos along with any supporting promotional materials such as photos of events or website link to highlight the station’s involvement.
11. Best Radio Station Digital Media PresenceWBDC-FM (Huntingburg)
Evaluation of audience engagement and creativity in relation to station-related social media and websites, which must be managed by station personnel, to allow a station to further amplify its daily broadcasts and strengthen connections with viewers and listeners.
12. Best Individual Radio CommercialWLQI-FM (Rensselaer) – Your Wife is HOT
A single commercial that persuades the listener/viewer to do or believe something about the client or product. This may be any commercial announcement written and produced by station personnel. May not include announcements produced with outside advertising or production agency assistance or direction.
13. Best Radio Advertising Promotional CampaignWQLK-FM (Richmond) – Mow Your Grass Off
Best promotional campaigns created by Indiana radio and TV stations.
14. Best Radio Election Coverage (November 2024)WBDC-FM (Huntingburg) – Trimulcast Covereage
Entries may include a single story or collection of stories related to coverage of local, state or national political races or issues during the campaign cycle. Content must have been generated to inform about the November 2024 election.