BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A weekly podcast, local public affairs programming, a weekday morning show, a radio personality, and a news reporter earned prestigious 2023 honors for three RadioAlabama stations from the Alabama Broadcasters Association on Saturday. The 17th annual ABBY Awards recognized the best in broadcasting in Alabama, with highly competitive entries from the state’s radio and television stations.
The MIX Sunday Morning Podcast, hosted by Gregg Wykoff and now in an expanded 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. slot each Sunday on MIX 106.5, was named the state’s Best Podcast – Radio & Television. The weekly show was launched just over a year ago and has now garnered the attention of peers featuring interviews with people about their stories of faith and perseverance.
“I was honored to receive an award that I give all the glory to God. I thank RadioAlabama for opening this door of opportunity. It is only the beginning,” said Wykoff.
The MIX Morning Show with Michael Brannon, Claire Hodges, and Jeremy Law on MIX 106.5 received a Judges Award of Merit, with a second for host Michael Brannon as Radio Personality.
“During the pandemic, we had to make some moves with personnel and programming. Thanks to our owner Lee Perryman, he allowed me to jump back in the saddle and do what I love: being on-air, entertaining, informing, and talking with people. A few years later, here we are, still going strong” said Executive Vice President and Show Host Michael Brannon. “I don’t know how many people in management also have a daily morning show but I am thankful for the opportunity to do what I love. It’s a team effort. I could not do it without such a talented team.”
The Mark White Show, heard on KiX 96.3 as its flagship as well as 105.1 WRFS and other Alabama stations, was honored as the state’s best in Public Affairs. Its primary focus is to recognize people, groups, and organizations making a difference in communities across the state along with a daily Make A Difference Minute.
“After putting in the work that goes into The Mark White Show effort, it’s a great feeling to receive validation in the form of recognition through the Alabama Broadcaster’s Association,” said White. “It has definitely given me a boost and I’m already back at it, recognizing difference makers and sharing their stories to encourage and inspire us all to make a difference where we can!”
For KiX 100.3, Michael Giddens earned an ABBY for Best Radio News Reporter.
“It’s an honor to be named as the best Radio News Reporter for the second year in a row,” said Giddens. “I’d like to thank my wife and the rest of my family for all their loving support, the Alabama Broadcasters Association for giving me such a prestigious award, and, of course, my RadioAlabama family for putting up with me every day.”
“ABBY Awards are an important validation of our passion for serving the public, and we appreciate the recognition” said RadioAlabama President & CEO Lee Perryman. “I am extremely proud of our team and the continuing hard work that keeps our stations increasingly entertaining, informative, and relevant.”
Operating under the master RadioAlabama brand and winner of 24 ABBY honors over the past decade for news, sports, production, programming, and client promotion, the group was also home to Alabama’s Radio Station of the Year in 2017 and the state’s Broadcaster of the Year in 2014. Owned by Marble City Media LLC, RadioAlabama’s stations and services in east central Alabama include WSGN, MIX 106.5 (WSGN-HD2), 105.1 WRFS, KiX 100.3 (WYEA), KiX 96.3 (WFXO), AU100 (WAUE), Tiger Country 104.5 (WAUE-HD2), SylacaugaNews.com, and RadioAlabamaSports.net.
Through co-owned Auburn Networks LLC, RadioAlabama’s operations include Wings 94.3 (WGZZ), NewsTalk WANI (WANI/WGZZ-HD2), ESPN 106.7 (WGZZ-HD3), 96.3 WLEE (WGZZ-HD4), East Alabama Living Magazine, and East Alabama Weddings Magazine. For 2023, the Auburn-Opelika stations were also recognized with ABBYs for the state’s Best Radio Talk Show, Best Radio Personality, Best Sports Show/Sports Talk Show, and Best Morning Show. Winner of 43 ABBYs to date, the stations were home to Alabama’s Radio Station of the Year in 2009 and 2016.
