NAB Leadership Foundation Announces 2026 Broadcast Leadership Training Award Winners

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NAB Leadership Foundation Announces 2026 Broadcast Leadership Training Award Winners

The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) recently announced the recipients of the Diane Sutter Shooting Star Award and the Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) Champion Award during its annual BLT Alumni Reception held in Las Vegas during NAB Show.

This year�s Diane Sutter Shooting Star Award honor went to Lori Waldon for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the broadcast industry. Waldon is president and general manager of Hearst Television station KOAT-TV and graduated from the BLT class of 2016. She has been a trailblazer, advancing through the ranks of television news with an intuitive knowledge of programming and how to best serve local audiences.

Waldon was praised for her ability to build a collaborative culture and equip her teams for success. She is known for her keen understanding of people and for empowering and mentoring others to advance their broadcasting careers.

This year�s BLT Champion Award was presented to Barbara Kreisman, recently retired chief of the Video Division for the Federal Communications Commission, in recognition of her long-term support of the BLT program and overall impact on the broadcast industry. She has played a central role with BLT since its earliest days, serving on the faculty and encouraging other FCC staff and commissioners to take part over the past 25 years.

�Throughout their careers, both Lori and Barbara demonstrated exemplary leadership in their respective positions,� stated NABLF President Michelle Duke. �Both women have been positive and powerful role models for the up-and-coming generation of pathfinders and innovators in our industry. We are so proud to honor them with these prestigious awards.�

If you know someone who would benefit from the transformative experience of the BLT program, encourage them to apply for the 2027 cohort by May 18, 2026: https://www.nabfoundation.org/programs/broadcast-leadership/.

About the BLT program

Broadcast Leadership Training is the industry�s premier, executive MBA-style program designed to prepare senior-level managers for advanced roles at their station and beyond. Participants will gain the skills and experience to move into the C-suite, oversee business operations and learn how to navigate our rapidly evolving marketplace.

About NAB Leadership Foundation

The mission of the Foundation is to develop leaders, prepare individuals for careers in broadcasting and recognize the community impact of local television and radio stations. Learn more at nabfoundation.org.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.

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