2025 Spectrum Awards Winners – TV Market 2Indianapolis Metro Area
1. TV Station of the Year WNDU-TV (South Bend)
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-Television” Industry Imaging AwardWNDU-TV (South Bend) – NEXTGEN TV
Entries celebrate a television station that embodies the values of promoting television as a powerful and effective marketing medium. This award recognizes the station’s commitment to crafting original and impactful “pro-TV” messages that highlight the unique advantages of television advertising. The recipient of this award demonstrates a dedication to advancing the industry and advocating for the continued relevance and success of television as a crucial platform for marketing and communication.
3. Best TV NewscastWSBT-TV (South Bend) – News at Midday
Locally originated newscasts judged on presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the full newscast. Beginning with the 2025 Spectrum Awards, the IBA communicated a specified “Contest Day” so that all newscast submissions will be drawn from the same day during the week of June 1-7, 2025.
4. Best TV News Feature WTWO-TV (Terre Haute) – Hope After Horror
Best locally originated newscast. Criteria: presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the full newscast.
5. Non-Commercial Television Program of the Year WIPB-TV (South Bend) – Now Entering Downtown Muncie
Best locally originated newscast. Criteria: presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the full newscast.
6. Best TV Investigative Reporting WBND-TV (South Bend) – Access to Justice
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.
7. Multimedia Journalist of the YearWBND-TV (South Bend) – Annie Kate
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.
8. Best TV Weather Coverage WTWO-TV (Terre Haute) – May 16 Weather
A locally originated, regularly scheduled weather broadcast. Criteria includes: clear presentation of facts, delivery/communication skills, and effective use of available technology to enhance audience understanding.
9. Television Weathercaster of the YearWTWO-TV (Terre Haute) – Jesse Walker
A composite of live work by a TV weather anchor, which demonstrates the weathercaster’s ability to present weather and give a clear, concise, on-the-air report.
10. Best TV Sports Show WANE-TV (Fort Wayne) – Mama Mastadon
Best locally-originated regularly scheduled sports show or sports story segment. Criteria: presentation, production values, and variety of stories presented.
11. Best TV Local Community ImpactWNDU-TV (South Bend) – Wednesday’s Child
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.
12. Best TV Station Digital Media PresenceWNDU-TV (South Bend) – WNDU.com
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
13. Best Individual TV CommercialWNDU-TV (South Bend) – True Legend Redamaks
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.
14. Best TV Advertising Promotional Campaign WNDU-TV (South Bend) – Shipshewana
Best promotional campaign created for a local client
15. Best TV Election Coverage (November 2024)WBND-TV (South Bend) – Your Voice, Your Vote
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.