Nashville, TN - It was a night of heartfelt applause, shared memories, and well-earned recognition as the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters hosted its 2025 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards Show and Banquet at the Country Music Hall of Fame ballroom inside Nashville’s Omni Hotel. The event was held Monday evening (8/18/2025) and brought together broadcasters from across the state to celebrate the voices and visionaries who’ve shaped the Volunteer State’s media landscape.
As each honoree stepped onto the stage, you could feel the pride radiating from the room. These weren’t just professionals being recognized, they were storytellers, community builders, and in many cases, lifelong companions to their listeners and viewers.
The coveted Industry Impact Award was shared by two towering figures in Tennessee broadcasting. Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton from Franklin was honored for his remarkable career as a broadcaster covering the Olympic Games. His journey from the ice rink to broadcaster was nothing short of inspiring. A cancer survivor, Hamilton, has turned personal adversity into purpose through the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which funds cutting-edge cancer research focused on treating the disease while preserving the dignity and comfort of the patient.
Joining him in receiving the award was Bob Kesling, the unmistakable voice behind the University of Tennessee’s football and basketball broadcasts. After 26 years behind the mic, Kesling retired last April, closing a chapter that spanned more than five decades. His voice has been the soundtrack to countless Vols victories, heartbreaks, and unforgettable moments. From his early days in Knoxville radio and television to becoming a beloved figure across the state, Kesling’s legacy is one of passion, professionalism, and deep compassion for others.
The evening also saw Chris Protzman of WTNZ and WKNX TV in Knoxville receive the organization’s highest individual honor—Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes not just excellence in the field, but a commitment to community and a lasting contribution to the profession.
Two Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to individuals whose work often happened behind the scenes but was no less impactful. Tim Berry, a longtime engineer with the UT Vol Network, was honored for his technical expertise and dedication. David Widener, a Tri-Cities broadcaster and station executive’s career spanned 50 years. Berry was recognized for his enduring influence on regional media.
Awards were handed out across both small and large market categories for radio and television, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent across Tennessee. And right here at home, Murfreesboro’s Good Neighbor Station had a banner night, receiving five awards. Station Manager Bryan Barrett accepted honors for:
- Best local news coverage
- Best Local weather coverage (Rutherford Weather)
- Best local talk show (Rutherford Roundtable)
- Best local sports coverage (high school sports begins 79th year, second time in 3-years)
- Best use of digital/social media
While in the ballroom, Barrett commented…
It wasn’t just an awards show—it was a reunion of voices that have become part of our daily lives. Broadcasters were celebrated not only for their work but for the relationships they’ve built with their audiences. In a world that’s constantly changing, these voices have remained steady, familiar, and trusted.
And on this night in Nashville, they were given the spotlight they so richly deserve.
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.
