WATA 1450 & 96.5 Named NCAB’s 2026 Non-Metro Station of the Year
BOONE, N.C. — For the first time in its 75-year history, WATA 1450 AM & 96.5 FM has been honored as the best in the state by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB). The NCAB named WATA its 2026 Non-Metro Station of the Year on Wednesday at its annual awards luncheon.
The prestigious award recognizes the top radio station outside of North Carolina’s large and medium-sized markets, evaluating excellence in broadcasting throughout the 2025 calendar year. WATA—which operates as part of High Country Radio, a Curtis Media Group company—earned the distinction for its lifesaving emergency coverage during and after Hurricane Helene, successfully navigating a complex station relocation, and deeply strengthening its community bonds.
“Our team worked tirelessly to support the High Country during a year of unprecedented challenges that could have easily shut us down,” said Erica Lackey, General Manager of High Country Radio. “This small but mighty group works miracles every day to serve an audience of over 70,000 people. Winning Station of the Year for the first time is a testament to the dedication, passion, and love for this community that our staff brings to the table every single day. We are incredibly grateful to the NCAB for this honor.”
Sponsored annually by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, the NCAB Awards Program recognizes outstanding achievements in radio and television while encouraging high standards of reporting, community service, and production creativity.
Building on this historic milestone, WATA remains deeply committed to providing the High Country with the vital news, weather, and local programming its listeners depend on. For more information about WATA’s programming or to view a full list of this year’s NCAB award winners, visit the official NCAB website: North Carolina Association of Broadcasters.
Media Contact: Erica Lackey elackey@curtismedia.com 828-264-2411