Awards
TAB celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding broadcast leaders and stations!
All awards are presented at TAB’s Annual Convention & Trade Show.
Contact TAB's Beth Bobbitt for more information.
Individual Awards
Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year
Current Winner: Jackie Rutlege (retired)
- Requirements: 25+ years in broadcasting; substantial portion of career in Texas; extensive public service; historical developments; significant industry advances; active participation in TAB
- Who Can Nominate: TAB members
Broadcaster of the Year
Current Television Winner: Eric Lassberg, KXAN-TV Austin
Current Radio Winner: Tania Moody, KLVT-AM Levelland
- Requirements: full-time station employee or owner; station must be TAB member; emphasis on achievements in the past year; example to others in broadcasting; 1 nomination/station/year.
- Who Can Nominate: TAB members
George Marti Award for Engineering Excellence
Current Winner: David Stewart, Moving Target Consulting / KPET Lamesa
- Requirements: Individual's excellence and innovation in broadcast engineering for a Texas radio and/or television station; Development of new technology, leadership in education, and contributions to broadcast engineering technical standards
- Who Can Nominate: TAB members
Associate of the Year
- Current Winner: Dan Sessler
- Requirements: Employee or owner at TAB Associate Member company; Helps broadcasters further industry goals
- Who Can Nominate: TAB members
Distinguished Service Award
- Current Winner: David Ostmo, Sinclair Broadcast Group
- Who Can Nominate: TAB President
Educator of the Year
Current Winner: Mac Aipperspach, Del Mar College
- Requirements: Dedication to the industry; Active participation in TAB
- Who Can Nominate: TABE members
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Current Winner: Wendell Mayes, Jr.
Steve Pieringer Award for Outstanding Valor in News Coverage
- Current Winner: Will Ripley
- Requirements: Outstanding valor in news coverage; Exemplary display of news reporting; Going “above and beyond” normal call of duty; Award only presented if the review committee feels a nomination has merit
- Who Can Nominate: TAB members
Jason Hightower Award for Broadcast Excellence (R/TV)
- Current Winner: NEW for 2021!
- Requirements: This award recognizes an individual with at least 10 years' experience in the broadcast industry who demonstrates a proficiency for enterprise and innovation in a member station's service to their audience, advertisers and community. The top three (3) nominees in both Radio and TV categories will receive complimentary registration for the TAB2021 Convention & Trade Show, a ticket to the Annual Awards Gala (where the winners will be announced), as well as two (2) complimentary hotel room nights.
- Who Can Nominate: TAB members
Station Awards
Bonner McLane Public Service Awards
- Current Winners: View list
- Requirements: Excellence in community service
- Who Can Nominate: TAB member stations
Start Bonner McLane Award Nomination (Deadline: May 7)
Lone Star Leader Awards
- Current Winner: View list
- Requirements: Most spots donated; Greatest dollar amount donated to TAB's PEP program
- Who Can Nominate: TAB
Questions? Contact TAB at (512) 322-9944.