By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
WCLU is one of the 50 finalists for the 2026 National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Awards.
The awards are presented each year to NAB member stations as a way to “recognizes [radio stations] that demonstrate exceptional year-round commitment to community service,” the NAB website stated. Commonwealth Broadcasting’s General Manager Chris Houchens said the award is the “most prestigious honor a radio station can earn” as only 10 stations nationwide receive it each year.
“Being named a finalist for the NAB Crystal Awards is an incredible honor for WCLU, but the recognition really belongs to our team and to the people of Glasgow and Barren County,” Houchens said. “This radio station has served Glasgow since 1946, and we are honored to be the stewards carrying that legacy forward. Every day, we are grateful for the trust people place in us as their source for news, information, and community connection.”
The application required a station to submit examples of “consistent local programming and coverage” that was not done in conjunction with a community event, examples of “station-involved community service events” and any other instances of community services, be they in the form of donations, staff appearances, or social media posts.
Some of the items submitted by Houchens and Steve Newberry in the section relating to local programming included the five instances of daily news broadcasts on WCLU with emphasis given to the live noon edition, the weather coverage, coffee and conversation at 6:30 and 7:30 each morning, the weekly Brown Sports Bag and WCLU’s election night coverage.
The London, Ky, relief drive in May 2025, the Scottie 700, the Care Power Hour, the State Fair on the Air and the Best of Barren were some of the “station-involved community service events” that were submitted, according to information provided by Houchens.
WCLU’s Crystal Award application also included Todd Steenbergen volunteering to emcee the annual Concert on the Square in July, staff handing out candy at numerous “Trunk or Treats” in the weeks leading up to Halloween, Houchens speaking to the Western Kentucky University marketing students group about how to use radio as an effective communication medium. Houchens being the emcee of the WKU Glasgow Graduand program celebrating graduates moving to commencement at Western Kentucky University, WCLU and Commonwealth Broadcasting supporting the TJ Community Mission Foundation donating airtime and monetary donations and their support of the Barren County Educational Foundation by way of donating airtime and monetary donations.
Each finalist will receive a commemorative certificate and a NAB Crystal Radio Award trophy. The awards will be presented during a special ceremony at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 2026.
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