Baltimore Radio Station 98 Rock Wins Marconi Award
The National Association of Broadcasters named the Baltimore station Rock Station of the Year for its service.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The National Association of Broadcasters honored Baltimore's 98 Rock with the 2026 Marconi Award for Rock Station of the Year. The station also received a Crystal Radio Award for its extensive community engagement initiatives.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the impact of local broadcast media in driving community support through large-scale charitable efforts. The station achieved these honors while maintaining top listener rankings in its primary demographic segments.
The station reached 300,000 students through school supply campaigns and maintained a No. 1 ranking among adults aged 25-54 and 35-64 throughout 2025.
The players
98 Rock
This is a Baltimore-based radio station that serves the local community through music programming and civic engagement.
National Association of Broadcasters
This organization represents radio and television broadcasters in the United States and presents the annual Marconi Awards.
Justin, Scott & Spiegel
This is a prominent morning radio show team known for its personality-driven content and community involvement.
The details
The station earned these accolades by organizing consistent community outreach programs, including blood drives, firefighter fundraisers, and the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Additionally, the morning show, Justin, Scott & Spiegel, received a nomination for Large Market Personality of the Year.
Timeline
98 Rock maintained its top listener rankings throughout 2025.
The station received the Marconi Award on October 20, 2026.
Market Landscape
The Marconi Radio Awards acknowledge the industry shift toward prioritizing community service as a vital component of local broadcasting success. This award positions the station as a leader in maintaining listener engagement while fostering strong regional brand loyalty.
Listeners and local community members may see an increase in station-led charitable initiatives and event coverage throughout the region. The recognition reinforces the station's ongoing role in organizing regional events like the Polar Bear Plunge.
The takeaway
Radio stations often leverage their platform to drive large-scale community support through coordinated outreach events. Consistent focus on local partnerships and public service remains a primary driver for stations seeking to maintain top listener demographics.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBAL.
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