Marconi Finalists Unveiled Revealing a Dearth of Talk Hosts

The National Association of Broadcasters reveals the list of finalists for the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. The winners of the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards will be announced during a special dinner at the Edison Ballroom in New York City on October 20. While four spoken-word-formatted stations made the cut in the Legendary Station category, it’s interesting to note that just one talk host – news/talk or sports talk – is a finalist across five personality categories. That distinction goes to WCHS-AM, Charleston, West Virginia morning drive host Chris Lawrence who is a finalist in the Small Market Personality of the Year category. Go get, ‘em Chris! We’re pulling for you.