(October 4, 2023) – The New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters annual Granite Mike Awards drew an enthusiastic crowd to a new location – the Bank of New Hampshire Stage in Concord, NH. Highlights of the evening included:
- creation of a new Community Service Award named for Lakes Region broadcast veteran Warren Bailey
- Stations of the Year WZID Radio (Manchester) and WMUR TV (Manchester)
- Broadcaster of the Year Chris “Doc” Garrett – Binnie Media’s Frank FM
The proceedings began with the Association’s annual meeting conducted by NHAB Executive Director Tracy Caruso. The audience was welcomed by incoming Board Chair Shawn Olsten of Townsquare Media. Returning board members were listed and newcomer Emily Quirk of NH Public Radio was introduced. The complete list of board members can be found here.
The awards were presented by Scott Spradling, President of The Spradling Group. Here is a list of recipients.
AIR PERSONALITY:
First – Sunny with Teri Pearsall, WSNI FM & Erin Fehlau, WMUR TV
Merit – Heather Bishop, WWLK FM & Sean McDonald, WMUR TV
BEST STATION PROMOTION:
First – WFTN FM “Jacuzzi Giveaway” & NHPBS “You Won!”
Merit – WOKQ FM “Kira & Logan’s Pot of Gold Giveaway” (no TV award)
COMMERCIAL CAMPAIGN:
First – WLNH FM “Cheers Grille & Bar” & WPTZ/WNNE TV “Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel”
Merit – Great Eastern Radio “MJ Harrington’s 75th Anniversary” & WMUR TV “Drop One Portables New Model Spotlight campaign”
DOCUMENTARY NEWS:
First – WKBK AM “Plane Crash in Keene” & WMUR TV “News 9 Investigates National Guard Sexual Assault”
Merit – WFEA AM “Drew Cline at the Southern Border” & WMUR TV “NH Chronicle – Ham Radio Rescue”
FEATURE STORY:
First – WWLK FM “Foundation Joy” & WMUR TV “NH Chronicle – 50 Years of Steamboats”
Merit – WFEA AM “Operation Stocking Stuffer” & WMUR TV “NH Chronicle – Boston Bruins Anthem Singer Todd Angilly”
INDIVIDUAL COMMERCIAL:
First – WLNH FM “Contoocook Creamery Best Cows on Earth” & WPTZ/WNNE TV “Fox Run Golf Club”
Merit – WFTN FM “Laconia Eye & Laser Center Don’t Miss A Thing” & WMUR TV “AWATO/NH Department of Education Oliver’s Work Story”
LOCAL SPECIAL PROGRAM/EVENT:
First – WZID FM “20 Outstanding Women” & WMUR TV “Spirit of Giving: Drive-thru Toy Drive”
Merit – WXXK FM “Acts of Community Kindness” & WMUR TV “NH Chronicle – Table for Two with Bob Marley”
LP-FM: (low power radio only)
First – WMEX LP “Presentation”
Merit – WNHN LP “Local Programs”
MORNING SHOW TEAM (radio only):
First – WMLL FM “J.R. & Laura”
Merit – WFTN FM “Random Thoughts – The Mix Morning Show””
NEWSCAST:
First – WKBK AM “News with Sean Patrik” & WMUR TV “News 9 at 6:00: Adam Montgomery Affidavit”
Merit – WZID FM “Marga Bessette Newscast” & WMUR TV “News 9 Tonight: Trafficking Human Remains”
PLAY-BY-PLAY: (radio only)
First – WBNH LP “Division 1 Girls Basketball Final: Bedford v. Bishop Guertin”
Merit – WBNH LP “Division 1 Hockey Final: Bedford v. Bishop Guertin”
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/TALK:
First – WCNL AM “Workforce Wake Up” & WMUR TV “Granite State Debates: U.S. Senate”
Merit – WKBK AM “AED’s in Public Spaces” & WMUR TV “A Pivotal Primary”
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
First – WBNH LP “Bedford Hockey Fundraiser” & WMUR TV “Spirit of Giving: Toys for Tots”
Merit – no awards
PUBLIC SERVICE CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR:
First – WTPL/WTSN/WEMJ “Make 12 Hours Count Radiothon” & WMUR TV “Heroes Among Us”
Merit – WHEB FM/WGIR FM “Lend a Helping Can” & WMUR TV “Home At Last”
STATIONS OF THE YEAR:
First – WZID FM (Saga Communications) & WMUR TV (Hearst)
Merit – WHDQ FM (Great Eastern Radio)
STATION PROMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
First – WFYX FM “KOOL Classic Reunion” & WMUR TV “News 9 Investigates”
Merit – WXXK FM “New KIXX Facebook Page” (no TV award)
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