Lehigh Valley, PA — WDIY 88.1 FM, Lehigh Valley Public Radio, has won 12 Professional Keystone Media Awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association (PNA). The announcement came last month as the PNMA announced its annual winners among radio, television, and print media outlets in the Commonwealth. WDIY was recognized for its news reporting, community affairs programs, and online presence.
“PNA is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Professional Keystone Media Awards, recognizing excellence across Pennsylvania.,” the organization said in an announcement on Facebook.
WDIY’s awards were in the Radio II division that includes all radio stations throughout the Commonwealth outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
The station’s wins include placing first in 6 categories, as well as being named ‘Outstanding News Operation’ for the Radio II division. WDIY’s 12 awards were also the second highest total number of awards for a single radio station out of all the stations recognized.
“I’m so proud to be working with this award-winning group of community leaders,” said WDIY Executive Director Margaret McConnell after hearing the announcement. “What we do matters.”
A list of WDIY’s awards is below.
Outstanding News Operation (Broadcast)
- Radio II: WDIY 88.1 FM
Best Continuing Coverage
- First Place: Jordan Creek Encampment Coverage – James Zipprodt
- Second Place: SNAP Payments Coverage – James Zipprodt
Best Series
- First Place: Twenties Toolbox – Grace Mansfield and James Zipprodt
- Second Place: Roots and Resilience – Maddie Yang and James Zipprodt
- Honorable Mention: Plan Lehigh Valley – Margaret McConnell, Becky Bradley, Matt Assad, and James Zipprodt
Best Enterprise Reporting
- First Place:Local Fundraising Efforts Underway Amidst SNAP Uncertainty – James Zipprodt
- Second Place: Thousands Take to Bethlehem Streets for “No Kings” Protest – Mike Flynn
Best Feature
Best Documentary
- First Place: SNAP Changes to Know with North Penn Legal Services and the United Way | Valley Voices – Margaret McConnell and James Zipprodt
Best Digital Presence
- First Place: WDIY website, app, and digital strategies – Shamus McGroggan
Best Use of Photography
- First Place: WDIY Listener Fall Foliage Photos 2025 – Shamus McGroggan
A complete list of the 2026 winners in all radio, TV, and newspaper categories is available at the Keystone Media Awards website. The award ceremony will be held in Harrisburg on October 8 at the Central Hotel and Conference Center.
The recognition in the Keystone Media Awards comes on the heels of WDIY being awarded an Excellence in Broadcasting Award in April for volunteer news host Mike Flynn’s story on the 2025 ‘No Kings’ protest held in Bethlehem. The Excellence in Broadcasting Awards are given annually by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters.
About WDIY:
WDIY 88.1 FM is a listener-supported, volunteer-driven public radio station based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As the Lehigh Valley’s NPR affiliate for 31 years, WDIY delivers a unique blend of national and local programming to a diverse audience across the region. Licensed to the Lehigh Valley Community Broadcasters Association, Inc., WDIY thrives on community involvement and support, living up to its motto: “Many Choices, Real Voices.” WDIY is also available on 93.9 FM in Easton/Phillipsburg, online at wdiy.org, and via the WDIY app.
Information provided to TVL by:
Shamus McGroggan
