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WCBU Earns Top Honors in Illinois News Broadcasters Association Awards

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

WCBU, a National Public Radio member-station in Peoria owned by and licensed to Bradley University, has achieved first-place honors in the Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA) Crystal Mic Awards, recognizing the station's excellence in overall news coverage and digital presence. This accolade comes two years after Bradley University and Illinois State University (ISU) collaborated to have WGLT (ISU's public radio station) manage the day-to-day operations at WCBU. The recognition highlights WCBU's growth and commitment to serving the Peoria community, despite facing various crises in recent years.

Key Takeaways:

  • WCBU, a National Public Radio member-station, earned first-place honors in the Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA) Crystal Mic Awards for Best Station for Overall Excellence (Small Market) and Best Digital Presence.
  • The station's digital presence includes its website, social media, and podcasts, such as the daily morning podcast On Deck.
  • WCBU has four full-time newsroom staff, including News Director Tim Shelley, journalists Joe Deacon and Hannah Alani, and host Daniel Musisi.
  • The station also has two half-time journalists/newscasters, Kristin McHugh and Jody Holtz (Bradley class of 2021), and part-time interns, correspondents, and the corporate support director, Anna Chumbley.
  • Since the 2019 change in operations, WCBU has drastically increased local content with support from individual donors and underwriters.
  • The upcoming launch of the news magazine All Things Peoria will further enhance the station's commitment to serving the Peoria community.
  • WCBU will be recognized on September 25 at the INBA's fall convention in Rockford, Illinois.

Statistics:

  • WCBU earned first-place honors in twocategories: Best Station for Overall Excellence (Small Market) and Best Digital Presence.
  • The station has a growing newsroom with four full-time newsroom staff and two half-time journalists/newscasters.
  • WCBU has increased local content since 2019, achieving growth with support from individual donors and underwriters.
  • The station has a strong online presence with a website, social media, and podcasts.

Sources:

  • Bradley University
  • Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA)
  • WCBU's website and social media platforms
  • Articles and press releases from Bradley University and the Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA)

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