The Kansas Association of Broadcasters has named KMUW 89.1 FM the large market radio station of the year for the fifth year in a row.
KMUW earned a total of 14 awards in the contest, which includes both commercial and public broadcasters. The Kansas News Service, a statewide reporting collaboration that includes KMUW, KCUR, High Plains Public Radio and Kansas Public Radio, was also honored. The awards will be handed out at a banquet next month during KAB's annual convention, which this year will be held in Wichita.
In addition to Large Market Radio Station of the Year, KMUW received the following awards:
1st place:
- Hard News Feature: Valley Center, Kansas, Preparing For Future Without Independent Grocery Store, by Deborah Shaar
- Sports Feature: Hot Towels And Tapered Cuts: Local Barbershop Welcomes NCAA Tournament, by Carla Eckels
- Editorial/Commentary: A Musical Life: Erick Riedell, by Jedd Beaudoin
- DJ Personality Aircheck: Soulsations with Carla Eckels
- Station Promotion Announcement: Media Circus featuring Bill Kurtis, by Lu Anne Stephens
2nd place:
- News Feature: Local Nonprofit Uses Equine Therapy To Help People With Disabilities And Special Needs, by Deborah Shaar
- Spot News: Civil Rights Icon Linda Brown Remembered As Humble, by Carla Eckels
- Complete Severe Weather Coverage: Dangerous Fire Conditions Expected Through Wednesday, by Deborah Shaar
- Editorial/Commentary: Movie Review: 'The Beguiled,' by Fletcher Powell
- Public Service Announcement: Girls Rock Science Camp, by Jon Huber
- Station Website: KMUW.org
Honorable mention:
- Sports Feature: Final NCAA Tournament Prep Underway At Intrust Bank Arena, by Deborah Shaar
- Editorial/Commentary: Cooking With Fire: Pork Belly Burnt Ends, by Beth Golay, Josh Cary, and Tom Jackson