NABLF Opens 2026 Service to America Awards Entries

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 1:51pm CT

National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF)

The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation is now accepting entries for the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards, recognizing the essential role local radio and television stations play in serving their communities. Stations and broadcast groups nationwide are invited to submit their most impactful community service campaigns from 2025. The entry window closes March 23 at 11:59pm PT.

New for 2026, the Foundation has added an Original Content Podcast category to honor local stations using digital platforms to deliver accessible, creative, and trusted content via podcasts or station websites. The awards also expand recognition with the First Informers Award, which will honor one radio station and one television station for exemplary service in delivering immediate information during emergencies, crises, or natural disasters.

"No other media platform matches the power of local television and radio to reach people in real time where they live and work," said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. She added that audiences continue to trust local broadcasters for championing community causes, investigating consumer issues, and providing timely, reliable reporting.

Winners will be notified in early April 2026. Awards will be presented at the Celebration of Service to America Awards Gala in Washington, DC, on June 9, bringing together broadcasters, members of Congress, and policymakers to honor outstanding public service by local stations.