MAB Lifetime Achievement Award

In 1989, the MAB began the tradition of honoring individuals for their outstanding careers with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The highest honor bestowed by the MAB, Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are Michigan broadcast pioneers who have dedicated the majority of their professional careers to broadcasting in the state of Michigan and have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of service as a top manager or owner through excellence in broadcasting in state, national or international industry leadership; service on the MAB, NAB or other industry organizational boards; community involvement; and industry innovation.

Debbie Kenyon, Entercom Detroit

Debbie Kenyon started her radio career in 1990 and has had diverse roles at various stations, including National Sales Manager for WOMC, Director of Sales for all CBS Radio local stations, Vice President and General Manager of WYCD-FM and WVMV-FM (currently WDZH-FM) and is currently Sr. Vice President and Market Manager of Entercom Detroit. In Debbie’s 30 year career she has overseen some of the largest radio stations in the state of Michigan. Read More

MAB Hall of Fame Inductees

Established in 2001, The Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame recognizes broadcasters in various areas of the industry for their leadership, achievements and contributions to their local communities. Hall of Fame inductees are chosen based on their distinguished professional career in Michigan broadcasting. Throughout their careers, Hall of Fame inductees have exemplified integrity, innovation, achievement, leadership, contributions to the industry and has been a positive influence on individuals in the profession.

 

Jane Aldrich, WLNS-TV (Lansing)

After 40 years of radio and television broadcasting, Jane Aldrich hung up her microphone and retired from the news anchor desk at WLNS TV-6 in Lansing in 2017. Jane spent the first five years of her on-air career in radio beginning at WFYC in Alma, WMMQ in Charlotte/Lansing and WQTK in St. Johns Her television career began in 1983, as News Director at WFSL TV (now WSYM FOX 47) in Lansing. From there she became the weekend anchor and reporter at WILX-TV (Lansing/Jackson), co-anchor at WDHO-TV (now WNWO) in Toledo, Ohio. Read More

 

 

Bill Harris, WEYI/WSMH/WBSF-TV (Flint)

Bill Harris is considered a consummate broadcast utility infielder. During his 50-year tenure in the broadcasting industry, the nine-time EMMY honoree has won the trust and respect from the viewing public and his broadcast peers. Often referred to as the “Dean of Mid-Michigan news anchors,” Bill is a member of the Michigan Associated Press Journalism Hall of Fame and the prestigious Michigan National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Gold Circle. Read More

 

Larry Smith, Liggett Communications (Port Huron)

It’s exceptionally rare that a person in our industry dedicates their entire career to one market/community, but Larry Smith spent his whole life in the Port Huron/St. Clair County market. Larry long believed that his radio stations were an integral part of the success for the areas they serve. For decades he used the assets of his stations to grow local business while demonstrating the ability to tap into the vast resources of our medium to truly affect the overall quality of life of the people in our community. Read More

 

Rick Sykes, Central Michigan University (Mt. Pleasant)

William R. Sykes a.k.a. Rick Sykes was born in Saginaw, Michigan, the eldest of four siblings. After finishing high school, he started college but his college experience was interrupted when he was drafted for military service. It was during his tour of duty in the states and later Vietnam where his interest in broadcast news was ignited. After he finished his military service, he used his G.I. benefits to finance the completion of both undergraduate and graduate degrees at Central Michigan University. Read More

MAB Young Professinoal Awards

Established in 2001, The Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame recognizes broadcasters in various areas of the industry for their leadership, achievements and contributions to their local communities. Hall of Fame inductees are chosen based on their distinguished professional career in Michigan broadcasting. Throughout their careers, Hall of Fame inductees have exemplified integrity, innovation, achievement, leadership, contributions to the industry and has been a positive influence on individuals in the profession.

Jeana Gondek, WKZO-AM/FM (Kalamazoo)

Jeana Gondek is both the News Director and the Morning News Anchor at 590AM and 106.9FM WKZO. She joined the WKZO family as the Morning News Anchor in January of 2018 and was quickly promoted to News Director about a year later. She heads the news department in Kalamazoo and communicates with all other Michigan Midwest Communications stations to gather stories, share content, and inform listeners throughout the state. Read More

 

Karie Herringa, WWTV/WWUP-TV (Cadillac/Traverse City)

Karie Herringa is Northern Michigan’s News Leader’s director of digital operations. Born and raised in Cadillac, Karie graduated from Cadillac Senior High School in June 2007. While in high school, she also attended the Cadillac Institute of Cosmetology through the school’s career tech program, and was enrolled in courses at Baker College. Karie graduated from the Cadillac Institute of Cosmetology a few weeks after high school, and earned her state license in cosmetology that fall. She worked as a cosmetologist to earn money for college, and continued taking courses at Baker College part-time for a few years before transferring to Central Michigan University in the fall of 2011, where she double majored in journalism with a concentration in public relations and English. Read More

MAPB Public Media Impact Award

The MAPB Public Media Impact Awards work to recognize outstanding individuals or foundations involved in public broadcasting for their innovativeness and creativity, inspire others involved in public broadcasting to greater achievement in the field of public radio and television, and increase awareness of public broadcasting and the contributions talented individuals make to the industry statewide. .

Ilene “Beany” Tomber, WKAR Public Media (East Lansing)

Beany Tomber personifies the very best attributes of public media. Over her 55-year career, she has dedicated herself to children, education and the pursuit of knowledge. As director of Corporate Development at WKAR beginning in 1982, Beany formed partnerships with businesses and agencies to help ensure mid-Michigan’s public broadcasting television and radio stations could provide trusted news, educational, and entertainment programming for the community. Read More