NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) - WGNS Radio has earned recognition as a finalist in five prestigious categories for the 2025 Tennessee Association of Broadcasters (TAB) Excellence in Broadcasting Awards. Among these honors, Rutherford Weather stands out by being a finalist in three categories, including the highly esteemed Best Local Public Service – Radio (All Stations, Large & Small Market) for its comprehensive coverage of the May 8th, 2024, severe storms and tornado. Rutherford Weather also received nominations for Best Local News Coverage (Radio Small Market) for their live storm coverage and Best Local Use of Digital or Social Media Platforms for their efforts in delivering timely, engaging weather updates across multiple platforms.

WGNS Radio’s sports team, Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins, were also recognized as finalists for Best Local Sports Coverage (Radio Small Market) for their extensive high school sports coverage in Rutherford County. Plus, The Roundtable program was nominated for Best Local Talk Show (Radio Small Market), celebrating its unique format and valuable contributions to local discussions. Special thanks to our dedicated hosts: Andy Herzer (Monday), Wayne Blair & Rick Hall (Tuesday), Chip Walters (Wednesday), Dr. Bill Kraus (Thursday), and John Blankenship (Friday).

Winners will be announced during a banquet at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville on Monday, August 18.

Best Local Sports Coverage (Radio Small Market)

Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins, WGNS-AM & FM, "WGNS Sports"

This marks the second time Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins have been named finalists, having previously won the award in 2023. The duo has spent the past 26 years covering high school sports across Rutherford County. Each season, from mid-August through the end of May, they average more than 150 games and coaches shows. They’re also supported by contributors like Danny Brewer and Bill Hockenberry on the coaches shows, Rod Edwards during football season, and Clark Blair, who hosts Primetime Sports every Thursday night in the fall with Rod and Danny.

Best Local Use of Digital or Social Media Platforms

WGNS-AM & FM, "Rutherford Weather"

Rutherford Weather has been named a statewide finalist for Best Local Use of Digital or Social Media Platforms by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters. This honor recognizes the team's dedication to keeping the public informed through timely and engaging content across a wide range of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Twitch, and their website, RutherfordWx.com. From real-time storm tracking and live video coverage to local forecasts and community updates, Rutherford Weather has become a trusted digital source for residents in Rutherford County.

Best Local News Coverage (Radio Small Market)

WGNS-AM & FM, "Rutherford Weather Coverage of May 8th, 2024 Severe Storms & Tornado"

Rutherford Weather's Bryan Barrett and Meteorologist Ray Miller have been named finalists for Best Local News Coverage in the Radio Small Market category. The recognition stems from their live coverage of the severe storms that swept through Rutherford County on May 8, 2024. Their reporting followed the storm’s path in real time, providing critical updates as the system brought significant flooding and damage, including an EF-0 tornado. Tragically, the storm ultimately claimed the life of 10-year-old Asher Sullivan, who was swept into a storm drain during the flooding and passed away 10 days later.

Best Local Talk Show (Radio Small Market)

WGNS-AM & FM, "The Roundtable"

The Roundtable is one of only two programs across Tennessee nominated for Best Local Talk Show in the Radio Small Market category. The show recently marked its third anniversary on WGNS and continues to stand out for its unique format—featuring a different host each weekday and a wide variety of guests covering diverse and engaging topics. Special thanks to our dedicated hosts: Andy Herzer (Monday), Wayne Blair & Rick Hall (Tuesday), Chip Walters (Wednesday), Dr. Bill Kraus (Thursday), and John Blankenship (Friday). Their commitment has helped make The Roundtable a valuable and informative part of our broadcast lineup for listeners throughout Rutherford County.

Best Local Public Service – Radio (All Stations, Large & Small Market)

WGNS-AM & FM, "Rutherford Weather Coverage of May 8th, 2024 Severe Storms & Tornado"

Alongside their nomination for Best Local News Coverage in the Radio Small Market category, Rutherford Weather’s Bryan Barrett and Meteorologist Ray Miller have also been named finalists for Best Local Public Service—a prestigious statewide award open to both large and small market radio stations. Their coverage of the May 8, 2024, severe weather event was recognized for its timely, potentially life-saving updates and its strong commitment to public safety and service throughout Rutherford County.

Stay tuned to WGNS for updates from the awards banquet on August 18th. Thank you to our listeners and community partners for your continued support!