LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Rural Radio Association broadcasters brought home 18 awards Wednesday night, while KNEB-FM in Scottsbluff earned the night’s highest station honor at the 2026 Nebraska Broadcasters Association Pinnacle Awards.
Team members from Lexington, Scottsbluff, West Point, Lincoln and York were recognized for excellence in news, sports, agricultural coverage, podcasting, advertising, community service and multiplatform storytelling.
“These awards are a reflection of what our broadcasters do every day: show up, earn the trust of their communities and tell the stories that matter,” said Nebraska Rural Radio Association Chief Executive Officer Tim Marshall. “Our team’s commitment to local news, agriculture, sports and community service is what sets the Nebraska Rural Radio Association apart. We are incredibly proud to see their work recognized among the best in Nebraska broadcasting.”
2026 Radio Station of the Year: KNEB-FM, Scottsbluff
The NRRA received seven Gold awards:
- Best Podcast: Building Nebraska, Rural Radio Network
- Best Newscast: KRVN
- Multiplatform Journalism: K&K Floral Blooms: A Growing Business, Rural Radio Network
- Service to Agriculture: FFA Husker Harvest Days Food Drive, KRVN/Rural Radio Network
- Best Station Promotion: More Meat Monday — Old MacDonald, KTIC
- Service to Children: 9-Year-Old Cares for Hundreds of Animals, KTIC
- Best Commercial: Shirt Rubs & Sauces from Spring Creek Repair, KTMX/KAWL
Silver Awards
- Best Use of Social Media Platforms: Rural Radio Network— Surviving the Family Farm
- Best Sports Play-by-Play: KRVN, Lexington — Swedes Stage Comeback at State
- Service to Agriculture: KRVN, Lexington — Mega Monday at the County Fair
- Service to Children: KRVN, Lexington — Spelling Bee
- Best Station-Originated Community Service Project: KAWL/KTMX, York — Microphones for a Mission
- Best Commercial: KTIC, West Point — Hugo’s Plumbing & Heating — Runaround
Bronze Awards
- Best Sports Feature Story: KTIC-FM, West Point — Janata Wins First State Title at Howells-Dodge
- Best Sports Play-by-Play: KAWL/KTMX, York — Milford vs. Malcolm Girls Basketball
- Best Newscast: KNEB-AM, Scottsbluff — KNEB-AM 4 p.m. News
- Best Multiplatform Journalism: Rural Radio Network — Spring Wildfires in Nebraska
- Service to Agriculture: KRVN, Lexington — Fridays in the Field
The Pinnacle Awards recognize excellence in Nebraska radio and television broadcasting. The awards were presented during the Nebraska Broadcasters Association Convention at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln.