About Service to America Awards

An important part of NAB Leadership Foundation’s mission is to raise the visibility of broadcasters and highlight their impact on the communities they serve. From staffing food drives and fundraisers, to issuing public safety alerts and breaking news, from severe weather updates to investigative stories, local television and radio stations are part of a critical infrastructure that keeps communities safe, heard and informed. Every year, the Foundation hosts the Celebration of Service to America Awards to recognize these local television and radio stations and honor their hard work and commitment.



WINNERS RECEIVE

  • Two tickets to the celebration and dinner
  • Two tickets to the VIP reception
  • One-night hotel accommodations*
  • Award presentation on stage and acceptance remarks
  • Photo opportunities with award and presenters
  • Visibility on the website and in the program book
  • Prestigious industry acknowledgement

*Travel and logistics to be coordinated with the NAB Leadership Foundation.



SPONSOR

SPONSOR

IMPORTANT DATES

  • March 23, 2026 – Application deadline.
  • April 13, 2026 – Winners to receive notification.
  • June 9, 2026 – Gala celebration and dinner.


Award Categories

First Informers Award: Recognizing a station’s exemplary role as the public’s first source of critical information during emergencies, crises or natural disasters.

Broadcast Ownership Group

  • Television
  • Radio

Large Market

  • Television (DMA 1-50)
  • Radio (DMA 1-50)

Medium Market

  • Television (DMA 51-100)
  • Radio (DMA 51-150)

Small Market

  • Television (DMA 101-210)
  • Radio (DMA 151-300)


Awards categories are based on Nielsen Designated Market Area (DMA) rankings.


Fees

  • Application fee is $200 for applications submitted by January 31, 2026.
  • Application fee is $250 for applications submitted after January 31, 2026.

Note: The fee is not tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

Image of STA award

TELEVISION SHOW DISTRIBUTION

Learn how you can be part of the distribution network and air the 2026 Service to America television program. Please contact Tim Dotson, vice president of Development.

Image of dessert plate from 2023 STA

Service to America Awards Partners and Sponsors

The NAB Leadership Foundation thanks the partners and sponsors who make this program possible by investing in the future of broadcasting.

Ribbon of images from 2023 STA


PRESENTED BY

NABLF

FOUNDING PARTNER

NAB

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Bonneville International Hearst Television  
     

© 2026 NAB Leadership Foundation