NAB Awards
Join us in honoring this year’s industry, service, radio, television and technology award-winners!
The winners for awards will be posted to this page as they are announced.
Awards will be presented at:
BEIT Conference Welcome and Introduction: April 19 | 9 – 10:20 a.m. | N258
NAB Show Welcome: April 20 | 9 – 10 a.m. | Main Stage
Futures Park Press Conference & Technology VIP Reception: Monday, April 20 | 4 – 6 p.m. | Futures Park
NAB Show Achievement in Broadcasting Dinner: April 20 | 6:30 – 9 p.m. | Encore Hotel
NAB: We Are Broadcasters Celebration: April 21 | 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Main Stage
Distinguished Service Award
Each year the NAB Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) recognizes broadcasters who have made significant and lasting contributions to the broadcasting industry. Past recipients include Alan Alda, Robin Roberts, Bob Schieffer, Eddie Fritts, Mary Tyler Moore, President Reagan, Edward R. Murrow, Bob Hope, Walter Cronkite, Oprah Winfrey and Charles Osgood, among others. Presented at the NAB Show Welcome.

Jim Henson
Television Pioneer and Puppeteer
Jim Henson was an innovative puppeteer, animator, inventor, director, and producer who created some of television’s most memorable characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, and Bert & Ernie, among others. Henson joined the television program “Sesame Street” in 1969, where he helped to develop characters for the series that continues to entertain and educate children today, more than 50 years later.
“The Muppet Show” premiered in 1976 and garnered national and international acclaim, later leading to eight feature films. Other television credits include “Fraggle Rock,” “Jim Henson’s The Storyteller,” “The Jim Henson Hour,” and “Jim Henson’s Muppet Babies,” which was awarded four consecutive Emmys for “Outstanding Animated Program.”
As part of the award presentation, Brian Henson will recreate a sketch from one of his father’s earliest television successes: a twice-daily, five-minute show, “Sam and Friends,” which aired on the NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington, D.C. in his first year at the University of Maryland.
“At his core, my father was a pioneering, innovative artist with an insatiable curiosity. In the earliest days of TV, he simply wanted to be a part of this exciting technology that was the newest form of storytelling. Puppetry was his way in and he never looked back. We are grateful to the NAB for recognizing Jim Henson’s ongoing contributions to television,” said Lisa Henson.
Broadcasting Hall of Fame
The NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame recognizes radio and television personalities or programs that have earned a place in broadcasting history. Previous inductees include “Fox NFL Sunday,” Cathy Hughes, “Wheel of Fortune,” “JEOPARDY,” Elvis Duran, María Elena Salinas, Chuck Lorre, Shonda Rhimes, “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “American Idol,” Betty White, Garry Marshall, “Meet The Press,” Bob Uecker, Larry Lujack, “Saturday Night Live” and Bob Newhart, among others. Inductees to be honored at the Achievement in Broadcasting Dinner.

John Records Landecker
Top 40 Disc Jockey
Landecker is best known for his tenure as the evening personality at WLS-AM Chicago, a 50,000-watt station reaching audiences in some 40 states. His signature style included incorporating satirical songs and bits based on current events into the program, as well as his trademark saying, “Records truly is my middle name.” Landecker is credited for introducing some of the first interactive phone features on Top 40 radio, a style that is still prevalent today.
His 50-year broadcast career began as a high school student at WOIA-AM in Saline, Michigan. He stayed on the air throughout college in Michigan, working at WTRK-AM Flint, WERX-AM Grand Rapids and WILS-AM Lansing. Landecker later entertained listeners with stints at WIBG-FM Philadelphia; CFTR-AM Toronto; WPHR-FM Cleveland, Ohio; WJMK-FM Chicago; and WGN-AM Chicago.
“John Records Landecker has had a profound impact on radio and has inspired generations of new talent,” said NAB Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs Steve Newberry. “His induction into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame symbolizes the personal connection between DJs and their audiences and how innovative personalities can influence radio programming.”
Additionally, Landecker has released six albums of his work and written an autobiography titled “Records Truly Is My Middle Name.” He currently hosts a weekly program on his hometown station WEFM-FM Michigan City, Ind.
Landecker was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2017 and was named Billboard Magazine’s Radio Personality of the Year in 1977. His on-air talent and contributions to the radio industry are memorialized in the radio exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
Last year’s NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee for radio was Urban One Founder Cathy Hughes. Explore the complete list of past inductees here.

“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (AFV)
Vin Di Bona, Alfonso Ribeiro, Tom Bergeron and Bob Saget to Accept Honor
Now in its 30th year, “AFV” is distributed in more than 100 territories around the world and broadcasts audience-generated content that is curated to bring the most humorous real-life moments to viewers around the world. To date, “AFV” has given away over $16 million in prize money and evaluated nearly 2 million video clips from home viewers.
“America’s Funniest Home Videos” is a timeless fixture in American broadcasting, crowdsourcing short, comedic films in the midst of the camcorder boom and continuing to thrive into the age of viral video sharing,” said NAB CEO and President Gordon Smith. “It is our honor to recognize a show that has entertained families for more than three decades.”
Vin Di Bona is the executive producer and creator of “AFV.” Additionally, Di Bona produced “Entertainment Tonight” in the early 1980s and later served as a producer for one season of the ABC series “MacGyver.”
Current host Alfonso Ribeiro is an actor, director, award-winning dancer and Broadway star. Best known for his role as Carlton Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Ribeiro took over as host of “AFV” in 2015.
Tom Bergeron served as host of “AFV” for fifteen seasons, beginning in 2001, and continues to host ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” He has hosted five national network TV shows throughout his nearly 50 years in broadcasting and is one of America’s most popular television hosts.
“Full House” star Bob Saget was host of “AFV” from its debut in 1989 through the show’s first eight seasons. He is also a Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian.
Digital Leadership Award
The NAB Digital Leadership Award honors an individual at a broadcast station, group or network who has had a significant role in transforming a traditional broadcast business to succeed on digital media platforms in a measurable way through the use of technology, mobile applications, social media, or web-based information management and marketing.
Previous recipients include Wendy McMahon, Roger Keating, Catherine Badalamente, Adam Symson, and James F. Goodmon, Jr. Recipient to be honored at the Achievement in Broadcasting Dinner.

J.D. Crowley
Chief Digital Officer
Entercom
Crowley oversees the strategy and operations behind Entercom’s digital portfolio and guides the modernization of the company’s leading brands with a focus on premiere content, next-gen storytelling and digital distribution. Key initiatives include expanding Entercom’s podcast division through the acquisition of Cadence13 and Pineapple Street Studios, and providing content-driven listening through RADIO.COM, the company’s audio streaming service.
Prior to joining Entercom, Crowley held several digital and content leadership positions at CBS, including executive vice president of digital for CBS Radio, senior vice president of CBS Brand Studio, and senior vice president and general manager of digital for CBS Television Distribution.
Television Chairman’s Award
Established to recognize individuals for significant achievement in one or more specific art disciplines in television, the NAB Television Chairman’s Award first debuted in 2009 with four-time Emmy and two-time Golden Globe-winning actor Kelsey Grammar as the recipient. Past recipients include “This Is Us” and “Black Panther” star Sterling K. Brown, television and film actress Kristen Bell, and award-winning actress and producer America Ferrera, among others. Recipient to be honored at the We Are Broadcasters Celebration.

Terry Crews
Actor
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “America’s Got Talent”
Terry Crews stars as Lt. Terry Jeffords in NBC’s Golden Globe Award-winning comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and is host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.”
Crews is an actor, comedian, activist and artist. He is well known for his humorous pitchman persona in numerous national commercials, his memorable action-movie…
Terry Crews stars as Lt. Terry Jeffords in NBC’s Golden Globe Award-winning comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and is host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.”
Crews is an actor, comedian, activist and artist. He is well known for his humorous pitchman persona in numerous national commercials, his memorable action-movie hero role in “The Expendables” franchise and for his breakthrough television performances in sitcoms such as “Everybody Hates Chris,” and host of various competition shows, including “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
“Terry Crews’ unique ability to entertain audiences transcends traditional television crossing a variety of genres and mediums,” said NAB Television Board Chair Emily Barr. “He is a steadfast advocate for human rights, and we are humbled to present him with this well-deserved honor.”
Crews’ film credits include “Sorry to Bother You,” “Deadpool 2,” “White Chicks,” “Idiocracy,” and several popular Adam Sandler films, including “Blended” and “The Longest Yard.” His upcoming roles include appearances in the highly anticipated animated features “The Willoughby’s” and “Rumble.”
Beyond the screen, Crews was named one of Time magazine’s 2017 Persons of the Year as one of the “Silence Breakers,” speaking out against sexual harassment as part of the #MeToo movement. He also works with the Polaris Project, a leading non-profit organization in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery, for which he was awarded the UN Global Generation Award.
Crystal Heritage Award
The Heritage Award recognizes radio stations that have won a total of five Crystal Radio Awards for exceptional year-round community service efforts. Previous inductees include KFOR-AM, Lincoln, NE, WTOP-FM, Washington, D.C., WTMX-FM, Chicago, Ill., WLEN-FM, Adrian, Mich., KNOM – AM/FM Nome, Alaska, KUZZ – AM/FM, Bakersfield, Calif., KBHP-FM, Bemidji, Minn., WUSL-FM, Philadelphia, Penn. Presented at the We Are Broadcasters Celebration.
This award commemorates KCVM-FM and Coloff Media’s storied history of living up to their motto: Service to Listeners, Clients and Communities.
Read the Press Release
Crystal Radio Awards
Prestigious award given annually to 10 NAB member radio stations for exhibiting excellence in year round community service.
Winners will be announced and the finalists honored at the We Are Broadcasters Celebration.
2020 Finalists:
KBFB-FM Dallas, Texas KCLY-FM Clay Center, Kansas KKZY-FM Bemidji, Minnesota KMVP-FM Phoenix, Arizona KPWJ-FM College Station, Texas KRMG-FM Tulsa, Oklahoma KRSP-FM Salt Lake City, Utah KRWM-FM Bellevue, WA KSFI-FM Salt Lake City, Utah KSL-FM Salt Lake City, Utah KSTP-FM St. Paul, Minnesota KTAR-FM Phoenix, Arizona KTMY-FM St. Paul, Minnesota KUBL-FM Salt Lake City, Utah KUPD-FM Phoenix, Arizona KVTY-FM Lewiston, Idaho KWHL-FM Anchorage, Alaska KWLM-AM Willmar, Minnesota KXKT-FM Omaha, Nebraska KZFN-FM Moscow, Idaho KZKX-FM Lincoln, Nebraska WBUL-FM Lexington, Kentucky WBYT-FM South Bend, Indiana WBZZ-FM Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania WCCO-AM Minneapolis, Minnesota | WDNS-FM Bowling Green, Kentucky WDRM-FM Huntsville, Alabama WDSY-FM Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania WFEZ-FM Hollywood, Florida WHPT-FM St. Petersburg, Florida WHUB-FM Cookeville, Tennessee WHUR-FM Washington, D.C. WIL-FM St. Louis, Missouri WJJY-FM Baxter, Minnesota WKQI-FM Detroit, Michigan WKRQ-FM Cincinnati, Ohio WLBC-FM Muncie, Indiana WMCI-FM Mattoon, Illinois WQNZ-FM Natchez, Mississippi WRBR-FM South Bend, Indiana WREW-FM Cincinnati, Ohio WSGW-AM Saginaw, Michigan WSUN-FM St. Petersburg, Florida WTAW-AM College Station, Texas WTFX-FM Louisville, Kentucky WTMJ-AM Milwaukee, Wisconsin WUBE-FM Cincinnati, Ohio WUSL-FM Philadelphia, Pennsylvania WUSQ-FM Winchester, Virginia WWJ-AM Detroit, Michigan |
Engineering Achievement Awards
Each year since 1959, NAB has presented the Engineering Achievement Award to individuals for their outstanding accomplishments in the broadcast industry. In 1991, the Association began giving two awards – one for achievements in radio and the other for television. Past recipients include Garrison C. Cavell and Cindy Hutter Cavell. Prior recipients include Garrison C. Cavell, Cindy Hutter Cavell, Carl T. Jones, Mark Aitken, and Clay Freinwald. Recipients to be honored at the We Are Broadcasters Celebration.

Jim Stenberg
Principal Broadcast RF Engineer
American Tower Corporation
Jim Stenberg is the principal broadcast RF engineer for American Tower Corporation and serves as the subject matter expert on broadcast antenna systems on the company’s towers throughout the United States. He is the holder of nine patents and is responsible for numerous RF system product designs.
Stenberg has also co-written a handbook on digital television implementation and presented technical papers at numerous NAB, SBE, and IEEE conferences. Prior to joining American Tower in 2013, Stenberg ran his own consulting and field service business for eight years and worked for several antenna and RF system manufacturers during his 33 years in broadcast.

Jeff Welton
Regional Sales Manager, Central US
Nautel Limited
Jeff Welton is regional sales manager, Central US, for Nautel Limited, where he handles all aspects of transmitter sales and customer support. He joined Nautel in 1990 as the company’s first customer service technician, and went on to provide field support, conduct site inspections and installations, and develop training materials for both internal and external use.
Welton is also a frequent lecturer and author on digital radio, radio technology and radio engineering, including numerous articles and three chapters in the 11th edition of the NAB Engineering Handbook. He received the 2019 Association of Public Radio Engineers Engineering Achievement Award and the SBE James C. Wulliman Educator of the Year award in 2018.
The NAB Technology Innovation Award
First presented at the 2009 NAB Show, NAB presents the award to organizations that bring advanced technology exhibits and demonstrations of significant merit to the NAB Show. The nominated exhibit should present advanced research and development projects in communications technologies that have not yet been commercialized. The winner will be announced at the Futures Park Press Conference & Technology VIP Reception.
Winner to be announced at the Show!
BEIT Best Paper Award
Each year, presenters at the Broadcast Engineering and IT Conference are urged to submit written papers on the subject of their presentations. The proceedings are a compendium of these technical papers, and an important archive of the leading edge of broadcast engineering issues. The NAB Best Paper Award, established in 2010, honors the author(s) of a paper of exceptional merit published in the Proceedings. The winner will be announced at the BEIT Conference Welcome and Introduction.
Winner to be announced at the Show!