The Academy of Country Music has concluded its annual celebration of radio excellence, announcing the final set of ACM Radio Award winners on Friday, March 20, 2026. Bryan Washington, widely known as B-Dub, dominated the national categories, securing a significant double win that capped off an exciting week of industry recognition during the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. His triumph underscores the growing influence of syndicated country radio programming and the personalities who bring it to listeners nationwide.
The prestigious event, held in conjunction with the Country Radio Seminar, served as a platform to honor the exceptional talent and dedication of individuals and stations shaping the country music landscape through broadcast. The awards ceremony, spread across several days, culminated with the reveal of the national personality categories, adding a final flourish to the industry gathering. This year’s accolades highlight both established stars and emerging voices, reflecting the dynamic nature of country music radio.
B-Dub’s impressive performance saw him take home the National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year award for "B-Dub Radio." This marks his inaugural win in this highly competitive category, recognizing his consistent engagement and appeal to listeners on a daily basis. He further solidified his standing by clinching the National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year award for "B-Dub Radio Saturday Night," an honor he has now achieved for the third time. Both of these widely distributed shows are produced and distributed by Skyview Networks, a testament to their broad reach and impact.
The Country Radio Seminar, a cornerstone event for professionals in the genre, provided the backdrop for these significant announcements. The awards were presented with the assistance of notable country music artists, adding star power and gravitas to the proceedings. Lauren Alaina, a recipient of the ACM Award for new female vocalist of the year in 2018, played a key role in revealing the final national winners, further connecting the artistry of country music with its broadcast champions.
Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, March 18, country music star Parker McCollum took center stage to announce the winners across several On-Air Personality and Radio Station of the Year categories. McCollum himself is a decorated ACM Award winner, having received the award for new male artist of the year in 2022 and visual media of the year in 2024 for his hit "Burn It Down." His involvement underscored the strong ties between artists and the radio industry that is crucial for their success.
The on-air personality awards celebrated a diverse range of talent across different market sizes. In the medium market category, the duo Mo & StyckMan earned their third collective ACM Award for Medium Market On-Air Personality of the Year. For StyckMan, this win represents his sixth overall ACM Radio Award, demonstrating a sustained level of excellence and popularity.
Chris Carr, a familiar name in major market radio, received his second win for Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year, bringing his total ACM Radio Award count to four. Carr’s award this year was for his work with co-hosts Sam Sansevere and Dubs as the team "Chris Carr & Company" on KEEY-FM in Minneapolis. This recognition highlights the collaborative nature of successful radio shows.
The large market category saw Heather Froglear recognized for her first ACM Award win for Large Market On-Air Personality of the Year, a significant achievement for her work on KFRG-FM in Riverside, California. Similarly, Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx celebrated their first ACM Award win in the small market category for "The Eddie Foxx Show" on WKSF-FM in Asheville, North Carolina, acknowledging their local impact and listener connection.
In the Radio Station of the Year categories, established stations continued to demonstrate their enduring appeal and influence. WUBE-FM in Cincinnati secured its fifth ACM Award for Large Market Radio Station of the Year, reinforcing its position as a leading broadcaster in its region. Penscaola, Florida’s WYCT-FM also celebrated its fifth win, taking home the award for Small Market Radio Station of the Year, a testament to its strong connection with its local audience.
KSCS-FM in Dallas, Texas, earned its second win for Major Market Radio Station of the Year, showcasing its consistent quality and programming. Meanwhile, WLFP-FM in Memphis, Tennessee, achieved a milestone by winning its first ACM Award for Medium Market Radio Station of the Year, marking a significant recognition for the station’s efforts in its market.
These radio awards are presented annually in the lead-up to the main ACM Awards ceremony, which celebrates artists, songwriters, and other creative forces in country music. The 61st ACM Awards were scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 17, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with the prestigious event set to be livestreamed exclusively on Prime Video, offering a broader audience access to the night’s festivities and honorees.
The ACM Radio Awards are a crucial component of the Academy of Country Music’s mission to promote and celebrate country music. By recognizing the vital role radio plays in discovering, promoting, and sustaining artists, the awards highlight the symbiotic relationship between the music industry and broadcast media. Radio personalities and stations serve as trusted guides for fans, introducing them to new music and keeping them connected to their favorite artists.
The breadth of the categories, from national daily and weekly personalities to market-specific on-air talent and stations, ensures that a wide spectrum of achievement is acknowledged. This comprehensive approach reflects the diverse ecosystem of country music radio, from major metropolitan hubs to smaller, community-focused markets. Each award signifies a unique connection with listeners and a commitment to the genre.
The impact of these award-winning personalities and stations extends beyond mere entertainment. They often serve as community pillars, supporting local charities, promoting local events, and fostering a sense of connection among listeners. Their voices become familiar and trusted, building loyalty and influencing musical tastes.
The success of syndicated shows like "B-Dub Radio" highlights the evolving landscape of radio, where technology allows for broader reach and greater impact. These national shows bring a consistent quality of programming to markets across the country, often providing a platform for emerging artists to gain exposure. Skyview Networks’ role in distributing these programs underscores the importance of robust syndication networks in the modern radio era.
For the stations themselves, an ACM Radio Award is a significant honor that can boost their reputation and signal their commitment to quality broadcasting. The repeated success of stations like WUBE-FM and WYCT-FM demonstrates the power of consistent programming, strong community engagement, and a deep understanding of their target audiences. Their ability to maintain high standards year after year is a testament to their operational excellence.
The presence of artists like Parker McCollum and Lauren Alaina in the award announcements reinforces the interconnectedness of the music industry. Artists rely on radio for promotion and connection with fans, while radio stations depend on artists for compelling content. This collaborative spirit is essential for the continued growth and vitality of country music.
The ACM Radio Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in the broadcast industry, celebrating those who dedicate their careers to bringing country music to millions of listeners. As the industry continues to adapt to new technologies and listener habits, these awards remain a vital recognition of the enduring power and importance of radio. The full list of winners and nominees provides a comprehensive snapshot of the talent and dedication that define country music radio today.
National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year
- WINNER: B-Dub – "B-Dub Radio"
- Cody Alan – "Highway Mornings with Cody Alan"
- Katie Neal – "Katie & Company"
- Rob Stone and Holly Hutton – "The Rob + Holly Show"
- Steve Harmon – "Steve Harmon Show"
National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year
- WINNER: B-Dub – "B-Dub Radio Saturday Night"
- Big D, Bubba, Shaffer – "Honky Tonkin’ with Big D & Bubba"
- Heather Froglear – "90’s Country with Heather"
- Kelleigh Bannen – "Today’s Country Radio"
- Ryan Fox – "American Country Countdown with Ryan Fox"
On-Air Personality of the Year (Major Market)
- "Angie Ward" – Angie Ward, WUBL-FM, Atlanta
- WINNER: "Chris Carr & Company" – Chris Carr, Sam Sansevere, Dubs, KEEY-FM, Minneapolis
- "The Coop Show" – Coop, WKIS-FM, Miami
- "Erik & Jenny" – Erik Scott Smith & Jenny Lee, KCYY-FM, San Antonio
- "Frito & Katy" – Frito and Katy, KILT-FM, Houston
- "Niko + Cheyenne" – Niko + Cheyenne, KMLE-FM, Phoenix
- "Rachel Ryan" – Rachel Ryan, KSCS-FM, Dallas
On-Air Personality of the Year (Large Market)
- WINNER: "Heather Froglear" – Heather Froglear, KFRG-FM, Riverside, Calif.
- "Jesse & Anna" – Jesse Tack, Anna Marie, Jake Thomson, WUBE-FM, Cincinnati
- "Kelli and Anthony" – Kelli Green and Anthony Donatelli, KFRG-FM, Riverside, Calif.
- "Mad Dawg in the Afternoon" – "Mad Dawg" Strattman, WQDR-FM, Raleigh, N.C.
- "Maria D’Antonio" – Maria D’Antonio, WDSY-FM, Pittsburgh
On-Air Personality of the Year (Medium Market)
- "The Bee Morning Coffee Club" – Billy Kidd, TJ Sharp, and Hope Breen, WBEE-FM, Rochester, N.Y.
- "The Doc Show with Chewy" – Doc Medek, Chewy Medek, WGGY-FM, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
- "Julie and DJ in the Morning" – Julie K and DJ Thee Trucker, WPCV-FM, Lakeland, Fla.
- WINNER: "Mo & StyckMan" – Mo & StyckMan, WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, Tenn.
- "Steve & Gina in the Morning" – Steve Lundy and Gina Melton, KXKT-FM, Omaha, Neb.
- Tug Cowart Show – Tug Cowart, WCKN-FM, Charleston, S.C.
On-Air Personality of the Year (Small Market)
- "Ben & Arnie" – Ben Butler, Arnie Andrews, WCOW-FM, Sparta, WI
- "B-MO in the MO’rning" – Brian "B-MO" Montgomery, WCKK-FM, Walnut Grove, MS
- "Dan Austin" – Dan Austin, WQHK-FM, Fort Wayne, IN
- "The Dr. Shane and Tess Show" – Dr. Shane and Tess, WPAP-FM, Panama City, FL
- WINNER: "The Eddie Foxx Show" – Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx, WKSF-FM, Asheville, NC
Radio Station of the Year (Major Market)
- KILT-FM – Houston
- WINNER: KSCS-FM – Dallas
- KSON-FM – San Diego
- WPOC-FM – Baltimore, Md.
- WXTU-FM – Philadelphia
Radio Station of the Year (Large Market)
- KFRG-FM – Riverside, Calif.
- WLHK-FM – Indianapolis
- WMIL-FM – Milwaukee
- WSIX-FM – Nashville, Tenn.
- WINNER: WUBE-FM – Cincinnati
Radio Station of the Year (Medium Market)
- KUZZ-FM – Bakersfield, Calif.
- WBEE-FM – Rochester, N.Y.
- WHKO-FM – Dayton, Ohio
- WINNER: WLFP-FM – Memphis, Tenn.
- WQMX-FM – Akron, Ohio
Radio Station of the Year (Small Market)
- KCLR-FM – Columbia, Mo.
- KFGE-FM – Lincoln, Neb.
- WCKK-FM – Walnut Grove, Miss.
- WXFL-FM – Florence, Ala.
- WINNER: WYCT-FM – Pensacola, Fla.
- WYOT-FM – Rochelle, Ill.
The ACM Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, a subsidiary of Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Penske Media, the parent company of Billboard.
