2026 Individual Leadership Awards

Deadline: April 17, 2026

TAB will recognize outstanding leaders in the broadcast industry and celebrate their accomplishments at the TAB Show, Aug. 5-6 in Round Rock at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions.

Award nominations are intended to recognize excellece as observed by others; therefore, self-nominations are not accepted.

While self-nominations are not accepted, individuals may encourage peers or employess to submit nominees on their behalf.

Award Categories

Pioneer of the Year
The Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year Award, one of TAB’s highest honors, recognizes an individual who has served in broadcasting for at least 25 years with a substantial portion of their career spent in Texas. TAB’s Awards Committee will consider contributions in public service, historical developments or significant industry advances in Texas and/or the nation, as well as active participation in TAB.

Radio Broadcaster, Television Broadcaster of the Year
TAB’s Broadcaster of the Year Award is open to any full-time employee or owner of a TAB member Radio or Television station. The award honors an individual who has made a commitment to excellence over the past 12 months and is an example to others in broadcasting. One nomination/station/year.

George Marti Award for Engineering Excellence
TAB will present this award to an individual for excellence and innovation in broadcast engineering for a Texas Radio and/or Television station. Requirements include development of new technology, leadership in education, and contributions to broadcast engineering technical standards.

Jason Hightower Award for Broadcast Excellence
This award recognizes an individual with at least two (2) years' experience in the broadcast industry who demonstrates a proficiency for enterprise and innovation in a member station's service to its audience, advertisers and community. The winners in both the Radio and TV categories will receive complimentary registration for the Convention & Trade Show, as well as two (2) complimentary hotel room nights.

Full Name*

First NameLast Name

Station/Company*

Call Letters or Company Name

Email*

Phone Number*

Award Category*

Choose your nomination category

Name*

First NameLast Name

Station/Company

If retired, include most recent

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

For your nominee, please submit a brief bio and information on the following questions. You may either type the answers in the box below - and/or upload letters(s) of support and/or recommendations.

Describe how the nominee meets the criteria of the award as set forth above.
What career accomplishments distinguish this person?
How has the nominee worked to advance broadcasting?
How has the nominee contributed to his or her community?
Why did you choose to nominate this person?

Video/Audio Files: If needed, please include a link from your station's website or from a third party provider (Vimeo, YouTube, Soundcloud, etc). You can paste that link in the box below.

Nominee Information (please include years in broadcasting)

Information about the nominee

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Upload additional information about the nominee or letters of recommendation

Before submitting your application please make sure all required (*) fields and uploads are complete.

Questions? Contact Beth.

2026 Individual Leadership Awards

Award Categories

Your Contact Information

Nominee Information