The first-ever FWD Awards were handed out last Thursday evening, recognizing “the best and brightest” in broadcasting in Western Canada.
Awarded to member stations from both the Western Association of Broadcasters (WAB) and BC Association of Broadcasters (BCAB), the awards wrapped up the inaugural FWD Conference in Kelowna.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honourees included long-serving Rock 101 (CFMI-FM) Vancouver host Robin LaRose; Pattison Media’s retiring Director of Metro Sales Mike Jean; and Dale Taylor, morning announcer at Vista Radio’s 97.5 The Goat (CFFM-FM) in Williams Lake, BC.
The awards also recognized emerging talent, with Olivia Shearer, evening and weekend announcer at Harvard Media’s GX94 (CJGX-FM) Yorkton, SK, receiving the Emerging Leader Award. The award is presented to an “Emerging Leader” who is under 30 and has been making a positive difference in their stations and community while demonstrating strong talent and leadership qualities.
The Gold Medal Award for Community Impact (markets under 150,000) was captured by Golden West Broadcasting, in addition to Pattison Media’s B100 (CKBZ-FM) Kamloops, while the award for markets over 150,000 was won by RED FM (CKYR-FM) Calgary.
The Gold Medal award for Creative Excellence, showcasing outstanding creative work across commercial production, station imaging, and branding initiatives, saw Vista Radio’s 99.7 The Ranch (CFNA-FM) Bonnyville, AB win for markets under 150,000. Pattison Media’s up! 99.3 (CIUP-FM) Edmonton captured the honour in the over 150,000 category.
The Gold Medal Award for News and Story Telling was claimed by Pattison Media’s paNOW News in Prince Albert, SK (under 150K), with Harvard Media’s CKRM – Rider Radio Network winning the larger market award.
25 Years ORDER OF ACHIEVEMENT:
From BCAB:
Paul Brain
Rob Fai
Harry Grombach
Sadie Hesketh
Marlon Martens
Kevin Rothwell
Bob Salisbury
Mike Stanley
From WAB:
Crystal Hildebrandt
Neil Shewuk
Darrin Digness
Timothy Kostuik
Sherra Tanguay
Pamela Fedack
Mike Doli
Neil Billinger
Steve Chisolm
Harold Friedenberger
Kurtis Krowchuk
Les Lazaruk
Mike Sands
50 Years ORDER OF ACHIEVEMENT:
From WAB:
Bayne Opseth
Harold Lowe
From BCAB:
Rob Bye
Ed Bain
Scott James
Cliff LeQuesne
