STAFF REPORT
GlasgowNews1
Commonwealth Broadcasting’s Glasgow operation has eight finalists across seven categories for the 2026 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards, according to the Kentucky Broadcasters Association. The finalists were announced Thursday, Aug. 27.
The awards honor outstanding achievement in Kentucky radio and television, highlighting creativity, professionalism, innovation and community service. Officials say the 2026 finalists showcase broadcasters who consistently deliver compelling content and serve their local communities.
GlasgowNews1 is a finalist for Overall Digital Presence, which judges how audio, text, images, video and graphics are used to tell stories on digital and social platforms. GN1 is the local digital news source for Glasgow and Barren County, delivering timely coverage of breaking news, local government, schools, sports, community events, business, and the people and stories that matter most to the community. GlasgowNews1 powers the news on WCLU as well as the other radio stations.
Traffic and continuity manager Maria Belcher is a finalist in the Behind the Scenes category. The award recognizes individuals who work off the air to support the overall achievement and operations of a station, including traffic directors, producers, promotions and technical staff. Belcher oversees commercial scheduling and continuity to help ensure advertisers’ messages run accurately and on time.
Patty Bell earned two finalist spots in the Locally Produced Commercial category. The award recognizes creativity, message delivery and production value in commercials produced for advertisers. Bell produced and voiced commercials for Ace Construction and for T’s Country Kitchen.
WCLU Mornings with Todd Steenbergen is a finalist for Best Morning Show. The category honors locally originated, regularly scheduled morning radio shows that demonstrate strong entertainment value, creativity, community awareness and professionalism. Steenbergen has returned the WCLU morning show to its place of pride in the community, providing timely local news powered by GlasgowNews1, conversations with local leaders, organizations, schools and nonprofits, plus fun with contests, tidbit news, trivia, and a look back at Glasgow and Barren County history through the Archives.
Digital specialist Macy Moad is a finalist for Rookie of the Year, which recognizes broadcasters in their first two years of industry employment. Officials say the award considers dedication, innovation, passion and going above and beyond expectations. Moad carries responsibility for the digital advertising arm of Commonwealth Broadcasting, Pegasus Media. She also works on-air with news and weather, in addition to hosting middays on Zing! 106.7.
General Manager Chris Houchens is a finalist for the Broadcast Leadership Award. The category honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership through strategic thinking, communication, collaboration, innovation and integrity. Houchens leads the group in a multi-platform operation that combines radio, digital platforms, news, marketing, sales and community engagement.
WCLU’s Red Carpet Event for the annual meeting of Barren Inc is a finalist for Use of Streaming Video. That category recognizes stations that integrate video into local programming and community outreach, with judging based on presentation, production, editing and graphics. Chris Houchens and Todd Steenbergen greeted and interviewed attendees as they arrived at the annual meeting, celebrating the local business community.
“Having eight finalists is a great honor and a reflection of our team’s commitment to Glasgow and Barren County,” General Manager Chris Houchens said. “As broadcasters, we have a responsibility to serve the public interest by providing local news, information, entertainment and a voice for our community. We’re proud to do that every day and grateful to have that commitment recognized by the KBA.”
The KBA Excellence in Broadcasting Awards will be presented Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, in Louisville as part of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association Annual Conference. The event will bring together broadcasters from across the state to recognize achievements in news, programming, production, promotions, community service and individual accomplishment.
KEY POINTS
• Commonwealth Broadcasting’s Glasgow location has eight finalists in the 2026 Kentucky Broadcasters Association Excellence in Broadcasting Awards announced Aug. 27.
• Traffic and continuity manager Maria Belcher is a finalist for the Behind the Scenes award.
• General Manager Chris Houchens is a finalist for the Broadcast Leadership Award.
• Patty Bell is a double finalist for Locally Produced Commercials for Ace Construction and T’s Country Kitchen.
• WCLU Mornings with Todd Steenbergen is a finalist for Morning Show.
• GlasgowNews1 is a finalist for Overall Digital Presence.
• Digital specialist Macy Moad is a finalist for Rookie of the Year.
• WCLU’s Red Carpet Event for the Barren Inc annual meeting is a finalist for Use of Streaming Video.
• The KBA Excellence in Broadcasting Awards will be presented Oct. 25, 2026, in Louisville as part of the KBA annual conference.
• Commonwealth Broadcasting’s Glasgow location operates five radio stations as well as digital properties serving Glasgow and Barren County.
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