WCVB-TV ABC 5 received 9 top honors including “Station of the Year” at the annual “Sound Bites Awards” presented by the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association on Thursday night. This is the third consecutive year that WCVB-TV has taken home the "Station of the Year" honor. Springfield's Western Mass News (WSHM-WGGB) was runner up winning the Station of the Year merit award.
Best On-Air Personality went to WCVB’s Ed Harding, with WCVB’s Heather Unruh receiving the merit award.
Awards were handed out to broadcast stations in twelve categories, with WCVB being the nights biggest winner with 5 “First Place” awards and 4 “Merit” awards.
“There is no higher, nor more gratifying, form of praise than to be awarded by your peers for excellence…especially ones as talented as those who we have here in Massachusetts media,” said WCVB President and General Manager Bill Fine. “To earn ‘Station of the Year’ for the third year in a row is a testament to the hard work of everyone at WCVB, and we are humbled by the honor.”
“The entire staff at WCVB is dedicated to serving our community by providing the best and most comprehensive news and information every day, at times that suit of viewers’ busy schedules, and across multi-media platforms,” said WCVB News Director Andrew Vrees. “To be named as Massachusetts Station of the Year reinforces our commitment to our community and the people who make us ‘Boston’s News Leader.’”
A complete list of both radio and television winners is below.
Best Individual Commercial/Commercial Campaign
Radio
MERIT
WPXC-WHYA-WKFY-WFRQ
Guaranteed Fresh “So Fresh You Want to Slap It”
FIRST
WMJX-FM
Plumbing: Hot or Not
Air Personality
Radio
MERIT
WFRQ-FM
The New Frank Morning Show with Stephanie Viva and Steve McVie
FIRST
WSRS-FM
Greg and Suzanne in the Morning
Television
MERIT
WCVB-TV
Heather Unruh
FIRST
WCVB-TV
Ed Harding
Station Promotional Announcement
Radio
MERIT
WMRC-AM
Got Local, Buy Local
FIRST
WAAF-FM
WAAF’s “Ultimate Fenway Double Play!”
Television
MERIT
WWLP-TV
22News Storm Team Rain Dance
FIRST
WCVB-TV
WCVB Year Ender
Sports Feature
Radio
MERIT
WPKZ-AM
Recipe for a Classic
FIRST
WAMQ-FM
Skating to Keep the Dream Alive
Television
MERIT
WWLP-TV
Patriots Win Superbowl
FIRST
WWLP-TV
Concussions in Kids Sports
Sports Play-by-play
Radio
MERIT
WPKZ-AM
132nd Meeting of Leominster Blue Devils vs. Fitchburg Red Raiders- Thanksgiving 2014
FIRST
WBZ-FM
The Patriots 2014 Season
Spot News Story
Radio
MERIT
WATD-FM
Lady in the Dunes
FIRST
WATD-FM
Propane Tank Ruptures
Television
MERIT
WCVB-TV
NECC Arrests
FIRST
WFXT-TV
Fox 25 Blizzard of 2015 Coverage
Feature Story
Radio
MERIT
WHMP-AM
Hot Chocolate Run: Mary’s Story
FIRST
WAMQ-FM
North Adams Goes Unsilent: Electronic Audio Experience Fills Streets
Television
MERIT
WWLP-TV
Rep. John Lewis
FIRST
WCVB-TV
A Concert for Sophie
Best Use of Digital Media
Radio
MERIT
WMRC-AM
WMRC 2014 Radiothon
FIRST
WAAF-FM
“Brady’s Balls”
Television
MERIT
WCVB-TV
WCVB: FB 500,000 Likes
FIRST
WWLP-TV
22News I-Team Beef Fat Content
Local Special Program or Event
Radio
MERIT
WEEI-FM
13th Annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon
FIRST
WPXC-FM
14th Annual Homeless for the Holidays
Television
MERIT
WFXT-TV
Fox 25 Cares Special
FIRST
WCVB-TV
Holiday Lights
Public Service Announcement
Radio
MERIT
WMAS-FM
Coats for Kids
FIRST
WRKO-AM
iPods for Wounded Veterans
Television
MERIT
WCVB-TV
WCVB: Opioid Crisis “Signs”
FIRST
WWLP-TV
Working for a Better Tomorrow
Above and Beyond Award
FIRST
WMJX-FM
Joe Plett
Station of the Year
Radio
MERIT
WBQT-FM
FIRST
WMRC-AM
Television
MERIT
WSHM/WGGB
FIRST
WCVB-TV