National Association of Broadcasters Opened Entry Window
The 41st annual Crystal Radio Awards are now accepting submissions for outstanding community service efforts.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Awards
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The National Association of Broadcasters has officially opened the entry window for the 41st annual Crystal Radio Awards. These honors recognize radio stations for their exceptional year-round commitment to local service.
Why it matters
The program highlights the vital role radio stations play in addressing local community needs through sustained service efforts. It incentivizes broadcasters to maintain high standards for community engagement throughout the year.
Stations must detail service efforts completed between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. Applicants must submit their entries through the My NAB portal before the deadline.
The players
National Association of Broadcasters
The National Association of Broadcasters is the primary trade association representing radio and television stations in the United States.
The details
Member stations submit applications that are evaluated by a panel representing the broadcast industry and various community service organizations. This process culminates in the selection of 50 finalists and 10 ultimate winners who represent the highest standard of public service.
Timeline
October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026: Period for community service efforts.
October 31, 2026: Deadline for award entry submissions.
February 2027: Announcement of award finalists.
March 2, 2027: Award ceremony at NAB State Leadership Conference.
Culture Shift
The awards program maintains a focus on traditional radio's commitment to community service as a response to the fragmentation caused by digital streaming and social media algorithms. This shift underscores a long-term industry trend toward prioritizing hyper-local relevance to retain audience loyalty.
The competition drives local stations to dedicate more time and resources to community programs throughout the year. Listeners may see their local stations highlighting more charity work and community-focused initiatives in the months leading up to the submission deadline.
The takeaway
Radio stations looking to participate should ensure their service records are well-documented for the one-year eligibility period. Focusing on measurable community outcomes rather than just airtime can strengthen an application for the selection panel.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry honors in the Awards section.
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