Vermont Broadcasters Association Honored Local Stations
The state's professional association recognized Vermont Public and several industry veterans for their service.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Awards
The Vermont Association of Broadcasters has named Vermont Public its Broadcaster of the Year. The recognition followed the network's reporting on an immigration enforcement action in South Burlington.
Why it matters
The annual awards highlight the vital role regional media outlets play in covering critical local events. These honors celebrate long-term contributions to the community and the state's journalistic standards.
The recognitions include the Alan Noyes Community Service Award presented to WEQX and a Friend of Broadcasters Award for Robert Shotwell. The awards also feature career-long honors for inductees with decades of service, including a 40-year tenure for Kia Winchell Nealy.
The players
Vermont Association of Broadcasters
This organization serves as the trade association for radio and television stations throughout the state of Vermont.
Vermont Public
This is a public media organization that provides news, information, and cultural programming to residents across the state.
Bob Kinzel
He is a veteran journalist recognized for his extensive history of reporting on political activities and legislative sessions.
Howard Ginsberg
He is a long-time radio industry professional known for co-founding 95 Triple X.
WEQX
This radio station based in Manchester is recognized for its community-focused programming and charitable fundraising efforts.
The details
Vermont Public earned its top honor for investigative reporting on an ICE raid occurring in South Burlington. Other industry figures were recognized for their decades of service, including Howard Ginsberg, who co-founded WXXX in 1984, and Bob Kinzel, who has covered the Vermont Statehouse since 1981.
Timeline
Howard Ginsberg began his career as a radio engineer in the 1970s.
Bob Kinzel started his continuous reporting on the Vermont Statehouse in 1981.
The VAB will hold its annual awards and induction gala on November 14, 2026.
Culture Shift
These awards reflect a broader societal trend of prioritizing local journalism in an era where regional media consolidation often threatens community-specific reporting. The recognition of long-term veterans underscores a collective appreciation for the historical continuity they provide in a changing digital landscape.
Residents benefit from the heightened visibility of local stations that prioritize community-centric programming and investigative news. These awards encourage stations like WEQX to continue their direct community service efforts, such as 24-hour radiothons that benefit local organizations.
The takeaway
The recognition of these professionals highlights the lasting impact of dedicated local reporting on community cohesion. Residents should look to these award-winning stations as reliable sources for in-depth, locally focused news and community service.
What happens next
The Vermont Association of Broadcasters will host its official Hall of Fame induction gala on November 14, 2026, where the honorees will be formally recognized.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's media landscape on the Vermont Awards page.
