Awards

Since the early 2000s, WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2 has won an impressive amount of awards from local and national organizations.

College Broadcasters, Inc. national student production awards

  • Best DJ (first place), “The Riot Hours with Rainbow Riot,” Rosie “Rainbow Riot” Rose, 2023
  • Best video promo (first place), “WKNC Presents Double Barrel Benefit 19,” Katie Quesinberry, 2023
  • Best podcast (second place), “In the West Wing: Lincoln and Liberty Too!”, Rose Kelley, 2023
  • Best station imaging (fourth place), “WKNC HD-2 imaging,” Tegan Kelleher, 2021
  • Best vodcast (second place), “WKNC’s The Lounge: Mannequin Pussy,” 2017
  • Best vodcast (fourth place), “WKNC’s The Lounge: Marching Church,” 2017
  • Best audio podcast (second place), “NC State Cypher,” Marissa Jerden, 2016
  • Best social media presence (winner), 2015
  • Best audio newscast (finalist), “88.1 Seconds of Technician – Jan. 12, 2015,” Colin Greatwood, Makenzie Bryson and Chad Yeager, 2015
  • Best social media presence (winner), 2014
  • Best vodcast (winner), “WKNC’s The Lounge: Matthew E. White,” 2014
  • Best vodcast (finalist), “WKNC’s The Lounge: T0W3RS,” 2014
  • Best student media website (finalist), wknc.org, 2013
  • Best promo (winner), “Friday Night Request Rock ‘New Stereo,’” Paul Williams, 2012
  • Best feature (finalist), American Muslims Reflect on 9/11,” Selma Abdulhai, 2012
  • Best feature (finalist), “Taco Trucks,” Mark Herring and WKNC staff, 2011
  • Best student media website (finalist), wknc.org, 2011
  • Best student media website (winner), wknc.org, 2010
  • Best radio DJ (winner), Mike Alston and Kelly Reid, 2010
  • Best regularly scheduled program (winner), “First Friday,” Mike Alston and Kelly Reid, 2010
  • Best regularly scheduled program (finalist), “Musicology: Americana,” Matt Gossett and Caitlin Cauley, 2010
  • Best newscast (finalist), “88.1 Seconds of Technician – April 27, 2009,” Saja Hindi and Derek Medlin, 2009
  • Best radio DJ (finalist), Americana, Blues and Company with Steve McCreery and Caitlin Cauley, 2008
  • Best newscast (finalist), “88.1 Seconds of Technician – Sept. 7, 2007,” Tyler Dukes, 2008
  • Best station promotion (finalist), Double Barrel Benefit 4, 2007

College Broadcasters, Inc. Visual Media Festival

  • Digital shorts (finalist), “West Coast Butt Magic,” Cliff Jenkins, 2019

College Media Association Pinnacle awards

  • Radio station of the year (third place), Division I, 2024
  • Best audio newscast (third place), Division I, “Eye on the Triangle Weekly News Jan. 29, 2024,” Ellie Feaga, 2024
  • Radio station of the year (second place), Division I, 2023
  • Best audio promo/PSA (second place), Division I, “The Doghouse,” KONDE Brown and Maddy Moore, 2023
  • Best audio talk/entertainment program (third place), Division I, “On Black.: On Island.,” Alexis Grant, Jeanine Ikekhua and Hamsata Mazou, 2023
  • Best short (sub-3 minute) video for entertainment (honorable mention), Division I, “A Day with Art,” Carter Norfleet, 2023
  • Best video special event coverage (third place), “World College Radio Day,” Elle Bonet, 2022
  • Radio station of the year (honorable mention), 2022
  • Best video promo/PSA (second place), “WKNC’s The Lounge,” Minh Pham, 2021
  • Best video entertainment program (honorable mention, “The Compact Disc (Part I),” Ethan Myers, 2021
  • Radio station of the year (third place), 2021
  • Radio station of the year (second place), 2020
  • Radio station of the year (third place), 2019
  • Best radio promo/PSA (honorable mention), “RadioFX app,” Andrew Evans, 2019
  • Best radio talk/entertainment program (first place), “Modest Mouth: Mister Mellow by Washed Out,” Nick Weaver, 2018
  • Best podcast (third place), “Protected Class: Moses Greene,” Carter Pape, 2018
  • Best viral video (third place), “Hopscotch Apple Bake,” Katelyn Auger, 2018
  • Best radio special event coverage (first place), “HB-2 Protest,” Mirtha Donastorg and Ian Grice, 2016
  • Four-year radio station of the year (third place), 2015
  • Radio station of the year (third place), 2014
  • Best radio talk/entertainment program (third place), “Poetry Corner,” Selma Abdulhai, 2014
  • Best radio newscast (finalist), “88.1 Seconds of Technician March 14, 2013,” Mike Miller, 2013
  • Radio station of the year (finalist), 2012

College Media Association Film and Audio Festival

  • DJ personality (first place), “Reel-to-Reel with Bodhi,” Emma Bookhardt, 2024
  • Animation (first place), “WKNC Presents Double Barrel Benefit 19,” Katie Quesinberry, 2023
  • DJ personality (second place), Rosie “Rainbow Riot” Rose, 2022
  • DJ personality (first place), Rosie “Rainbow Riot” Rose, 2021
  • Animation (first place), “Turn That Dial Magic 88 style,” Raney Wilson, 2021
  • Audio documentary (second place), “The Living Room Experience,” Marissa Jerden, 2018
  • Audio documentary (third place), “The History of DASA,” Carter Pape, 2018

College Media Business and Advertising Managers annual contest

  • Best digital self promotion ad (first place), “Reel-to-Reel Presents: Hello, I’m…Johnny Knoxville?,” Emma Bookhardt, 2024
  • Best self promotion audio ad (second place), “Jazz in my Radio,” Claire Conklin and Spencer Grattan, 2024
  • Best audio ad/underwriting (honorable mention), “NC State Institute for Advanced Analytics,” KONDE Brown, 2023
  • Best self promotion video ad (first place), “Turn That Dial Magic 88 Style,” Raney Wilson, 2022
  • Best self promotion audio ad (second place), “In the Garage,” Tommy Ellis, 2022
  • Best audio ad or underwriting spot (honorable mention), “Cardigan Records 8th anniversary,” Charles Smalls, 2022
  • Best self promotion video ad (honorable mention), “WKNC’s The Lounge,” Minh Pham, 2022
  • Best self promotion multimedia ad campaign (honorable mention), “Listen to WKNC 88.1” Maddie Jennette, 2022
  • Best nonadvertising multimedia program (honorable mention), “Hallelujah,” Kai Vosberg, 2022
  • Best audio ad or underwriting spot (first place), “Live Nation: Greensky Bluegrass,” Romir Seth, 2021
  • Best self-promotion audio ad (honorable mention), “Underwriting at WKNC: Social,” Gab Scaff and Tegan Kelleher, 2021
  • Best non-advertisement multimedia project, “WKNC Station Tour,” Minh Pham, Laura Mooney and Erika Bass, 2021

International Student Broadcasting Championship

  • Best new podcast (first place), “In The East Wing,” Abdullah Najjar, 2024
  • People choice podcast (finalist), “In The East Wing,” Abdullah Najjar, 2024
  • Best podcast talent (finalist), “In The East Wing,” Abdullah Najjar, 2024
  • Best interview (finalist), “In The East Wing,” Abdullah Najjar, 2024
  • Best video execution (finalist), “WKNC 2024 Station Tour,” Katie Quesinberry and Rose Kelley, 2024
  • Best audio production-sponsorship (finalist), “McKay’s Used Books,” Katie Quesinberry and Claire Conklin, 2024
  • Best sports presenter (finalist), “Light It Red,” Griffin Cunningham and Stone Boylan, 2024
  • Best news broadcaster (finalist), “Eye on the Triangle Weekly News Jan. 29, 2024,” Ellie Feaga, 2024
  • Best news feature (finalist), “North Carolina Heat Wave,” Emilia Rivadeneira, 2024
  • Best music director (finalist), Sarah Hernando, 2024
  • Best station website (finalist), WKNC.org, 2024
  • Best audio production-sponsorship (first place), “North Carolina Museum of History: The Power of Women in Country Music and National Humanities Council: Amitav Ghosh,” KONDE Brown, 2023
  • Best podcast talent (first place), “In the West Wing,” Rose Kelley, 2023
  • Best established podcast (runner-up), “In the West Wing,” Rose Kelley, 2023
  • Best new podcast (runner-up), “Beccy on Tour,” Beccy Schaden, 2023
  • Best video execution (runner-up), “WKNC Presents Double Barrel Benefit 19,” Katie Quesinberry, 2023
  • Best podcast talent (finalist), “On Black.,” Alexis Grant, Jeanine Ikekhua and Hamsata Mazou, 2023
  • Best podcast talent (finalist), “Beccy on Tour,” Beccy Schaden, 2023
  • Best established podcast (finalist), “On Black.,” Alexis Grant, Jeanine Ikekhua and Hamsata Mazou, 2023
  • People’s choice podcast (finalist), “On Black.,” Alexis Grant, Jeanine Ikekhua and Hamsata Mazou, 2023
  • People’s choice podcast (finalist), “In the West Wing,” Rose Kelley, 2023
  • Best interview (finalist), “Off the Record: Jeff Rosenstock,” Adrian Lopez, 2023
  • Best interview (finalist), “Beccy on Tour: Tyler Dukes,” Beccy Schaden, 2023

Associated Collegiate Press best of show awards

  • Audio podcast (fourth place), “88.1 Seconds of Technician Sept. 2, 2011,” Mason Morris, 2011
  • Audio podcast (second place), “88.1 Seconds of Technician Oct. 2, 2009,” Graham Bruns and Stephen Kinane, 2009
  • Audio podcast (third place), “88.1 Seconds of Technician Sept. 12, 2008,” Sam Cox and Kyle Robb, 2008
  • Audio podcast (second place), “88.1 Seconds of Technician,” Pete Ellis, 2007

Independent Weekly Best of the Triangle

  • Best radio station Durham County (finalist), 2023
  • Best radio station Wake County (finalist), 2023
  • Best radio station (finalist), 2022
  • Best radio station (finalist), 2021
  • Best radio station (finalist), 2020
  • Best local radio station (finalist), 2019
  • Best local radio station (finalist), 2017
  • Best local radio personality (finalist), Miriam Tolbert, 2017
  • Best local radio station (finalist), 2016
  • Best local radio personality (finalist), Miriam Tolbert, 2016
  • Best college radio station (winner), 2014
  • Best college radio station (winner), 2013
  • Best local internet radio (winner), 2013
  • Best radio DJ (finalist), Adam Kincaid, 2013
  • Best college radio station (winner), 2012
  • Best nonprofit radio station (finalist), 2012
  • Best radio DJ (finalist), Damian Maddalena, 2012
  • Best local radio show (finalist), “Mystery Roach,” 2012
  • Best college radio station (winner), 2011
  • Best nonprofit radio station (finalist), 2011
  • Best college radio station (winner), 2010
  • Best radio DJ (finalist), Michael Jones, 2010
  • Best radio station (finalist), 2009
  • Best radio DJ (finalist), Kelly Reid, 2009
  • Best radio station (winner), 2008
  • Best radio station, (winner) 2007
  • Best radio DJ (finalist), Sam McGuire, 2007
  • Best radio station (winner), 2006
  • Best radio DJ (winner), Tom Wharton, 2006
  • Best college radio station (winner), 2005
  • Best radio for music (winner), 2005
  • Best college radio (winner), 2004

Spectator Best in the Triangle

  • Best radio station for local music (winner), 2002
  • Best radio station and best online site (winner), 2001

Triangle Downtowner Magazine Best of the Downtowner awards

  • Best radio station (finalist), 2015
  • Best radio station (winner), 2014
  • Best radio station (winner), 2013
  • Best radio station (winner), 2012

Edmund C. Arnold Chapter of the Society for News Design at Michigan State University Design College for College Students

  • Promotions and advertising (second place), “Reel-to-Reel,” Emma Bookhardt, 2024
  • Promotions and advertising (first place), “Western Wednesday,” Kurt Ray, 2023
  • Promotions and advertising (third place), “Double Barrel Benefit 19,” Maddie Jennette, 2023
  • Promotions and advertising (second place), “The Tangerine Hour,” Raney Wilson, 2021
  • Promotions and advertising (second place), “WKNC’s Radio Ride 2017,” Ashley Darrisaw, 2018
  • Promotions and advertising (honorable mention), “Double Barrel Benefit 13.1,” Virginia Li, 2016
  • Promotions and advertising (honorable mention), “Double Barrel Benefit 13.2,” Hema Gaia, 2016
  • Promotions and advertising (third place), “Double Barrel Benefit 12,” Hema Gaia, 2015
  • Promotions and advertising (honorable mention), “Double Barrel Benefit X,” Julie Alvarez, 2013
  • Promotions and advertising (first place), “Rock Can Roll,” Kirsten Southwell, 2011

College Music Journal

  • Biggest champion of the local scene (finalist), 2015
  • Best community resource (finalist), 2014
  • Biggest champion of the local scene (finalist), 2014
  • Best community resource (finalist), 2013
  • Best use of limited resources (finalist), 2014
  • Biggest champion of the local scene (finalist), 2013
  • Best taste in music (finalist), David Ford Smith, 2013

Society for Collegiate Journalists publications and broadcasting contest

  • Companion broadcast website (first place), wknc.org, 2013
  • Overall excellence in radio news (third place), “Eye on the Triangle,” 2013
  • Radio commercial, promotion and public announcement (third place), “Agromeck PSA,” Michael Jones and Alex Sanchez, 2013
  • Companion broadcast website (first place), wknc.org, 2012
  • Companion broadcast website (second place), wknc.org, 2011
  • Commercial, promotion and public announcement (second place), 2011
  • Broadcast news (first place), “88.1 Seconds of Technician Jan. 8, 2009,” Kyle Robb, 2010
  • • Radio commercial, promotion and public announcement (honorable mention), “Dance Dance Revolution,” Kyle Robb, 2010
  • Broadcast news (first place), “88.1 Seconds of Technician March 17, 2008,” Tyler Dukes, 2009
  • Broadcast news (second place), “88.1 Seconds of Technician Dec. 1, 2008,” Kyle Robb, 2009
  • Broadcast news (third place), “88.1 Seconds of Technician Feb. 18, 2008,” Laura White, 2009
  • Commercial, promotion and public announcement (third place), “Industrial Revolution promo,” Bobby Earle, 2009
  • Broadcast news (first place), “88.1 Seconds of Technician,” Saja Hindi, 2008

NC State Student Leadership, Engagement and Development Awards

  • Wolfpack Leadership Challenge: Model the Way (winner), Carter Pape, 2018
  • Wolfpack Leadership Challenge: Challenge the Process (winner), “Oak City Move,” 2018
  • Outstanding Student Organization Member Award (finalist), Erika Bass, 2018
  • Wolfpack Leadership Challenge: Encourage the Heart (winner), Yvonne Chazal, 2017
  • Wolfpack Leadership Challenge: Challenge the Process (winner), “Oak City Move,” 2017
  • Student Organization Outstanding Student Organization Adviser (winner), Jamie Lynn Gilbert, 2017
  • Student Organization Outstanding Achievement Award for Outstanding Student Organization Internet and Social Media Presence (finalist), 2017
  • Wolfpack Leadership Challenge: Encourage the Heart (finalist), Yvonne Chazal, 2016
  • Student Organization Outstanding Achievement Award for Outstanding Student Organization Online Presence (finalist), 2016
  • Wolfpack Leadership Challenge: Inspire a Shared Vision (winner), John Kovalchik, 2015
  • Student Organization Outstanding Achievement Award for Outstanding Student Organization Online Presence (winner), 2015

Assorted Awesomeness

  • Jamie Lynn Gilbert (finalist), Award for Excellence, NC State Division of Academic and Student Affairs, 2024
  • Jamie Lynn Gilbert (finalist), Chancellor’s Creating Community Award – Outstanding Staff, NC State Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, 2024
  • Jeanine Ikekhua (winner), Ebony Harlem Visual/Literary Art Award, NC State African American Cultural Center, 2024
  • Caitlin Carroll, Howling Success, NC State Division of Academic and Student Affairs, 2023
  • WKNC.org, Substantial Decrease in Errors Champions, NC State Web Accessibility Challenge, 2022
  • Spirit of College Radio Award, World College Radio Day, 2021
  • Jamie Lynn Gilbert, College Media Association Distinguished Broadcast Adviser Award, 2021
  • Jamie Lynn Gilbert, NC State IT Accessibility Office, Accessibility Champion, 2021
  • Jamie Lynn Gilbert, College Broadcasters, Inc. Excellence in Advising Award, 2020
  • Best radio station (third place), Strange Carolinas, Best of NC, 2019
  • NC State Libraries Code+Art Visualization Contest, second place, 2015
  • Most errors corrected small sites category (first place), wknc.org, NC State Global Accessibility Awareness Day Challenge, 2015
  • Spotify SoundClash, fourth place, 2014
  • Jamie Lynn Gilbert, College Media Association Honor Roll Broadcast Adviser Award, 2011
  • Best college radio (top 10), mtvU Woodie awards, 2011
  • Steve Salevan, Independent Weekly Indies Arts Award, 2008