Hubbard Broadcasting

07/29/2026

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) just revealed the finalists for the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. The winners will be announced during a special dinner program on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Edison Ballroom in New York City, the evening before NAB Show New York 2026 begins.

Known as “Radio’s Biggest Night,” the annual event brings together broadcasters from across the country to celebrate excellence in radio and recognize the year’s outstanding stations, personalities, podcasts and industry leaders. Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards recognize overall excellence in radio by honoring outstanding stations, on-air personalities, podcasts and industry leaders.

Congratulations to the Hubbard Broadcasting NAB Marconi Radio Award finalists:

Large Market Personality: Karen Dalessandro, KSLX/Phoenix

Major Market Station: WTMX-FM/Chicago

Large Market Station: KTMY-FM/Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

Small Market Station: KBHP-FM/Bemidji, MN

AC Station Of The Year: KRWM-FM/Seattle • KSTP-FM/Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

CHR Station: KQMV-FM/Seattle

Country Station: KIKV-FM/Alexandria, MN

Best Radio Podcast: Purple Daily, KSTP-AM/Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

07/28/2026

Congratulations to KSTP-TV Engineering Director, Ed Smith, who was named Chapter Engineer of the year by the Society of Broadcast Engineers. This award recognizes the efforts of a specific individual who best furthers the goals and objectives of their SBE Chapter and provides an outstanding example of local/regional leadership and ethics. Chapters are responsible for nomination and selecting this award to one member in good standing from their chapter. SBE Chapter Engineer of the Year recipients will be entered into the running for the national Robert W. Flanders SBE Engineer of the Year award. The award was presented by SBE Chair, Jon Blomstand.

07/24/2026

The 2026 Heart of Service Awards, presented in partnership between WHEC-TV News10NBC (Rochester, NY) and ESL Federal Credit Union, once again showcased the power of local volunteers making a meaningful difference across our community. The campaign culminated in a celebratory luncheon honoring this year’s recipients following their inspiring stories airing on News10NBC in June.

Thanks to the hard work of Don Killion and Amanda Fraser, along with emcee and selection committee member Emily Putnam and the collaborative efforts of our News and Creative Services teams, this year’s initiative delivered strong engagement - garnering more than 100 nominations and culminating in the selection of five outstanding honorees.

This year’s recipients reflect the many ways service comes to life throughout Rochester:

• Emil Anderson mentors veterans and youth, turning personal challenges into a message of hope.

• Rebecca Mearns continues a mission of compassion, supporting those in need across the community.

• Ami Salzman uplifts families and young people through dedicated service and support.

• Sheryl Byers drives grassroots impact, raising funds to provide essential resources like food and clean water.

• Susan Hollister-Cronberger strengthens the community through service-focused initiatives that improve lives.

To learn more and watch the stories, visit ESL Heart of Service Awards at:

If you know someone in our community worthy of recognition, nominate them for the ESL Heart of Services Award!

07/16/2026

The Conclave proudly announces its final Rockwell recipients, who will be honored at Conclave 45: The Last Conclave in Minneapolis, Sept 15-17, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Suites MSP Airport/Mall of America.

These individuals, initially nominated in a just-concluded nationwide search, were selected by the Conclave Board for their contributions to the Conclave Learning Conference through the years and for their industry accomplishments, leadership and mentorship within the broadcasting community.

The 2026 Rockwell recipients are (l-r): Mark Bolke, retired RCS executive and former Conclave Chairman of the Board • Dave “Chachi” Denes, co-founder of Benztown Branding • Joe Knapp, founder of MusicMaster Scheduling • Lori Lewis, founder of Lori Lewis Media and former Conclave Chairperson of the Board • Dan Seeman, President/Region Manager, Hubbard Minnesota.

Also: Herb Hoppe, the late founder of Tri-Country Broadcasting, based in Sauk Rapids, MN will be posthumously honored with his Rockwell Award from the cancelled 2023 Conclave Learning Conference.

Congratulations to our own Dan Seeman as well as the other recipients!

07/13/2026

Donny Fandango’s 16th Annual 28-Hour Radiothon raises $53,345 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, MO — KPNT mid-day host and Music Director Donny Fandango hosted his 16th Annual “Donny Fandango 28-Hour Radiothon” on July 9th-10th - raising $53,345 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis (RMHC St. Louis).

With this year's total, Donny Fandango and 105.7 The Point have now collectively raised more than $700,000 for RMHC St. Louis through the annual fundraising effort, which supports families with seriously ill children receiving medical treatment in the St. Louis area. The successful 28-hour campaign once again showcased the generosity of Point listeners and the St. Louis community, who came together to support families during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

In announcing this year's grand total, Donny Fandango expressed his gratitude: "I am always just so thankful in seeing how our listeners step up every year! St. Louis...thank you so very much! I love you to pieces! I grew up here. I was born here. I'm one of you and on days like this you make me incredibly proud to be from here!"

Market President of Hubbard Radio St. Louis John S. Kijowski said: "Live and local broadcasting is at the heart of what we do at Hubbard. We believe local media has an obligation to serve the communities where we live and work, and Donny's Radiothon is a wonderful example of that commitment in action. I'm incredibly proud of Donny, our Point listeners, and our advertising partners for their generosity and support of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Together, they once again demonstrated the tremendous impact a local community can make when it comes together around an important cause."

The annual Radiothon has become one of The Point's signature community events, helping Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis continue its mission of providing comfort, care, and support to families while their children receive medical treatment.

07/07/2026

Hubbard Radio Chicago Adds Lauren “Lern” Elwell Evening Host at 97.1 The Drive

Chicago, Illinois – July 6, 2026 – Hubbard Radio Chicago's 97.1 The Drive (WDRV) today announced the addition of Lauren "Lern" Elwell to the station's on-air lineup, according to Brand and Content Director Keith Hastings.

A Chicago-area native, Elwell brings an authentic, engaging personality and a passion for the rock lifestyle that make her a natural fit for The Drive. Known for her humor, relatable storytelling, and genuine connection with listeners, she further strengthens the station's award-winning talent lineup.

"Lern is a tremendous rock 'n' roll lifestyle talent whose authentic delivery, engaging storytelling, and passion for the format are a perfect fit for The Drive," said Hastings. "She understands the audience, loves the music, and brings the kind of personality that listeners will connect with immediately."

"I am beyond thrilled to be back in the state where my radio journey began," said Elwell. "I've always loved working in rock radio, and adding the legendary WDRV call letters to my career is incredibly exciting. I can't wait to connect with listeners across Chicago, work alongside this amazing team, and make some unforgettable memories."

07/06/2026

THE MORNING MIX AND HUGGIES® COLLECT 100,000 DIAPERS
TO SUPPORT CHICAGO-AREA FAMILIES IN NEED

101.9 The Mix / WTMX Chicago—In June, The Morning Mix, in partnership with Huggies®, hosted a community diaper drive in the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter in Glen Ellyn. The event aimed to raise awareness of a critical local issue: 1 in 2 Chicago-area families with young children struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy*.

As part of a month-long campaign, Morning Mix hosts Chris Petlak, Nikki Chuminatto, and Whip invited listeners to stop by and donate diapers to benefit families in need. With Huggies generously matching every donation received, the community answered the call in a big way — resulting in a donation of 100,000 diapers to support Share Our Spare, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to providing essential items to children age 0–5.

“Diapers are such a simple thing, but for too many families in our city, they're out of reach, and that gap can mean the difference between a child being able to attend daycare or a parent being able to go to work. Share Our Spare is proud to keep this partnership going, because it shows what's possible when the community decides no family should have to choose between a diaper and a meal. Thanks to The Mix, Huggies, and every person who donated, Share Our Spare will continue serving 35000 and more children across the City of Chicago, ensuring they will have the diapers they need to stay clean, healthy, and dry.“ S. Mayumi "Umi" Grigsby, Executive Director, Share Our Spare

“Local radio continues to be one of the most effective platforms for mobilizing communities and driving
meaningful action,” said Chris Eagan, Vice President of Brand and Content for The Mix and Throwback 100.3.
“This campaign highlights the unique connection radio personalities have with their audiences and the trust
listeners place in our brands. We’re grateful to our partners at Huggies, our Morning Mix team, and especially
our listeners, who once again demonstrated the power of radio to inspire generosity and deliver tangible
support to families throughout the Chicago area.”

07/04/2026

06/30/2026

Congratulations and thank you to Hubbard Alexandria’s continuing commitment to support veterans. KIK-FM’s Matt and Amy are especially dedicated to Veterans Honor Flight ND/MN. Here’s more from Amy Foxx:

We had another huge day that raised almost $7,000 for Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN. This helped kick off a local event with the Elks Club - their 'fun run,' which DOUBLED last year's fundraising. With our $7,000 - they raised over $40,000 to send local veterans to Washington D.C!

Thank you to everyone who donated or participated!

06/29/2026

Congratulations to Crisco and the entire KS95 team (Minneapolis-St. Paul) for their recent Bucks for Babe fundraiser that wrapped up on Friday. The total for the 5th annual Bucks for Babe fundraiser to benefit The Bond Between and Helping Paws is $116,000. That means in five years, Bucks for Babe has raised over $500,000 to honor Crisco’s beloved rescue dog, Babe, who passed away in 2021. You can watch the fundraising reveal here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Rr23bvNA5/