TAMPA, Fla. (April 12, 2026) — WUSF Public Media has been named Overall Station of the Year by the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists (FABJ), earning the organization’s highest honor while securing a total of 23 awards recognizing excellence in local journalism across radio, digital, and multimedia platforms.
The awards celebrate work produced by WUSF journalists in 2025 and were announced during the FABJ’s annual Florida News Awards program. WUSF earned first-place honors in 13 categories and was named a finalist in 10 additional categories, underscoring the strength, depth, and consistency of its newsroom’s local reporting.
In addition to Overall Station of the Year, WUSF’s website and digital platforms received first-place honors, highlighting the station’s leadership in delivering trusted, locally focused journalism across digital and social channels.
Local Journalism Recognized Statewide
WUSF journalists were honored for work covering critical Florida issues, including state politics, education, housing, immigration, the environment, and public affairs. Fourteen individual reporters, hosts, anchors, and producers received awards or finalist recognition, though the station emphasized the honors reflect a collective newsroom effort.
Among the top recognitions:
• Overall Station of the Year – WUSF Public Media
• Website / Digital Excellence (First Place) – WUSF.org and social media platforms
• Reporter of the Year – Kerry Sheridan
• Political Reporting (First Place) – Meghan Bowman and Douglas Soule
• Podcast – Series (First Place) – The Bay Blend: WUSF’s Daily News Podcast hosted by Sky Lebron
Kerry Sheridan was also named Florida’s top radio reporter, and Sky Lebron was recognized as a finalist for Top News Host, reinforcing WUSF’s reputation for journalistic excellence both on-air and online.
Commitment to Local Service
The Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists News Awards honor outstanding broadcast and digital journalism from newsrooms across the state. Entries are judged by journalists from outside Florida to ensure fairness and credibility.
WUSF’s recognition as Overall Station of the Year reflects its continued investment in local storytelling, community accountability, and accessible digital news, serving audiences throughout the Tampa Bay region and across Florida.
