WLBT emerged as a standout at the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters Awards, capturing 16 first-place honors, the most for any large-market television station. The event, held at the Old Capitol Inn in downtown Jackson, celebrated achievements across television, radio, and college broadcasting.
WLBT’s accolades included top awards for best general news, best reporter, best investigative report, and best weather anchor. The station was also named Station of the Year for large-market televisions in the state.
Notably, News Anchor Howard Ballou was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Investigative Reporter C.J. Lemaster and Digital Reporter Anthony Warren earned the Associated Press First Amendment Award of Excellence for their coverage of last year’s natural gas explosions.
Reporter Verlecia Gavin took home the Rookie of the Year title, while WLBT dominated categories like best use of social media and best investigative report. Quentin Smith, a Multimedia Journalist, secured first place as Best TV Reporter, with Nathan Lee and Holly Emery following in second and third places.
In the weather segment, Chief Meteorologist Dave Roberts tied for first place as Best Weather Anchor, while Elise Uschmann was recognized as the runner-up. Sports Reporter Kasie Thomas achieved first place for Best Sports Story and Best High School Football Program, and second place for Best Sports Anchor.
Photographer Karlos Sanders earned the top award for news videography, and News Operations Manager Keith Honore secured second place. WLBT’s marketing team excelled, sweeping the Best Commercial Announcement Under 30 Seconds category and taking the top two spots for Best Commercial Announcement Over 30 Seconds.
Lemaster and Warren received multiple awards for Best Investigative Report, while Digital Manager Josh Carter swept the Best Use of Social Media category. Warren also achieved accolades for Best Use of Multimedia.
The station’s achievements included first place for its special, “Rolling Fork: One Year Later,” and recognition for continuing coverage of the Jackson Bribery Scandal and the Goon Squad sentencing. Quentin Smith’s reporting on gas station killings in the capital city earned him first place in General News.
News Anchor Patrice Clark won first place for her “Closing the Gap” series on Fox 40, and shared third-place honors with Warren and Honore for an in-depth report on Anthony Fox, following his release from prison.
