NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) - WGNS Radio took home statewide awards in six categories at the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters (TAB) Excellence in Broadcasting Awards. Presenters handed out the honors at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. WGNS earned more awards than any other radio or television station in the state of Tennessee.
KEY POINTS
• Statewide Victory: WGNS Radio earned more total awards than any other radio or television broadcast station in Tennessee.
• Highest Station Honor: WGNS won the first-ever TAB Radio Station of the Year Award for its daily programming and community service.
• Public Service Impact: Station Manager Bryan Barrett captured first place in the combined-division Best Local Public Service Radio category for Rutherford Issues.
• Sports Broadcasting Milestone: Bryan Barrett, Jon Dinkins, and the WGNS sports team secured back-to-back wins for Best Local Sports Coverage.
The station claimed the state's highest broadcast honor, winning the first-ever TAB Radio Station of the Year Award. The association recognized WGNS for its round-the-clock commitment to Rutherford County. From the first sign-on of the morning at 5:00 AM, to the Wake Up Crew, Action Line, Roundtable, and Rutherford Issues programs, high school sports coverage, daily honors like Good Neighbor of the Day and Emergency Responder of the Month, and serving as a community collection point to retire American flags, WGNS continues to live up to its identity as the Good Neighbor Station.
WGNS also earned top honors in the Best Local Public Service Radio category for the second year in a row. This combined award places stations of all market sizes across Tennessee into a single competitive field. Station Manager Bryan Barrett won the award for his community-focused daily show Rutherford Issues, following a first-place finish by Rutherford Weather last year.
In the Small Market Radio division, Rutherford Weather won Best Local News Coverage for the second straight year. Rutherford Issues also secured first place for Best Local Talk Show in the same division.
Local sports coverage earned top honors once again. Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins won Best Local Sports Coverage for WGNS High School Sports, marking back-to-back wins and their third category victory in four years. The duo has led prep sports coverage for Rutherford County listeners for over three decades, working alongside a dedicated sports team that includes Rod Edwards, Danny Brewer, Clark Blair, and Bill Hockenberry.
Completing the six-award sweep, the station's online platform, WGNSRadio.com, and its social media channels won first place for Best Local Use of Digital or Social Media Platforms. Digital Director Dalton Barrett logged countless hours over recent months upgrading the station's online presence, with additional platform improvements planned.
WGNS outpaced all other Tennessee broadcast outlets, topping total win counts among small and large market radio and television stations. Barrett stated the awards reflect the station's continuing commitment to serving Rutherford County residents with the best local news, sports, and community information. He added he was grateful for the statewide recognition and proud of the dedication shown by the WGNS staff in bringing home these honors.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) - WGNS Radio is celebrating six nominations for the 2026 Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Broadcasting Awards. The local station is a finalist for the state's top honor, the TAB Radio Station of the Year Award.
The station also earned a major nod in the Best Local Public Service Radio category. This award combines all divisions, placing WGNS side-by-side with large and small market stations across Tennessee. The nomination recognizes Bryan Barrett for his work on the community-focused show "Rutherford Issues".
In the Small Market Radio division, WGNS secured several more finalist spots. "Rutherford Issues" is a finalist for Best Local Talk Show, while "Rutherford Weather" picked up a nomination for Best Local News Coverage.
Local sports coverage also gained recognition, with Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins named as finalists for Best Local Sports Coverage for "WGNS Sports". This marks their third nomination in four years, a category they have already won twice. Additionally, the station's online hub, WGNSRadio.com, is a finalist for Best Local Use of Digital or Social Media Platforms.
With six total categories represented, WGNS earned far more finalist nods than any other Tennessee radio station, while tying major Nashville TV stations WKRN and WSMV for the most overall nominations in the state.
