The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has unveiled the finalists for the 2026 NAB Crystal Radio Awards, recognizing 50 stations for their community service work over the past year. The long-running honor, established in 1987, highlights radio’s continued commitment to local impact at a time when broadcasters are balancing shifting audience habits and evolving digital demands.
Each year, the Crystal Awards celebrate stations that go beyond daily programming and demonstrate meaningful service in their markets. The finalists represent a cross-section of the country, from major-market leaders to small-community outlets, all of which have invested in initiatives ranging from radiothons and emergency relief efforts to support for veterans and food drives after severe weather.
A panel of judges made up of industry leaders, community service advocates and public relations professionals will select 10 winners. The awards will be presented March 3 during a special ceremony at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The event annually draws station owners, executives and policymakers, underscoring radio’s role in civic engagement and public service.
This year’s finalists include a blend of heritage brands, news/talk powerhouses and music stations known for deep community roots. Stations such as KFI-AM in Los Angeles, WCCO-AM in Minneapolis–St. Paul and WBAL-AM in Baltimore continue to appear on the list, reflecting their longstanding reputations for local service. Meanwhile, outlets like WDUV-FM in Tampa, KIKV-FM in Alexandria, Minnesota, and KNDE-HD3 in College Station, Texas, show how stations of varying formats and sizes are finding innovative ways to connect with listeners beyond the airwaves.
The full list of 2026 finalists is wide-ranging, covering nearly every region of the country. On the West Coast, stations like KIRO-AM and KIRO-FM in Seattle join KUPD-FM in Phoenix and KFGE-FM in Lincoln. In the Midwest, community-focused brands such as KBHP-FM in Bemidji, KSTP-FM in Minneapolis–St. Paul and KCLR-FM in Columbia, Missouri are recognized. Meanwhile, major Southern and Eastern markets are represented by WEEI-FM in Boston, WMMR-FM in Philadelphia, WS B-AM in Atlanta and WKIS-FM in Miami–Fort Lauderdale.
Additionally, several clusters stand out for having multiple stations nominated. Pittsburgh enters with WAMO-AM, WBZZ-FM and WDSY-FM. Denver’s presence is strong as well, with KKFN-FM, KOSI-FM and KYGO-FM all earning recognition. Minneapolis–St. Paul continues to demonstrate market depth, placing KSTP-FM, KTMY-FM and WCCO-AM on the finalist list.
For the NAB, the Crystal Awards remain one of the organization’s most visible reminders of radio’s public service legacy.
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