The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters (LAB) proudly announced the winners of the 2024 LAB Prestige Awards during a prestigious luncheon held at the Baton Rouge Marriott on March 22, 2024. The event, attended by 300 guests, celebrated the exceptional achievements of Louisiana broadcasters across radio and television.
Hosted by Lisa Janes, the awards ceremony featured presentations by Miss Louisiana, Makenzie Scroggs, and was expertly executed by Tony Arieux from AAV and John Jackson from Taylor Stoma with Launch Media.
The LAB Prestige Awards, an annual competition sponsored by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, received over 300 entries this year. The competition aims to recognize excellence in broadcasting and honor outstanding contributions by Louisiana radio and television broadcasters.
LAB President and CEO, Polly Prince Johnson, expressed her pride in the remarkable accomplishments of Louisiana broadcasters. “Every year, we are blown away by the achievements of our state’s radio and television broadcasters,” said Johnson. “They play a vital role in our communities by raising awareness of local events and issues. The record number of entries this year reflects their dedication and talent, and we are thrilled to honor their hard work.”
The recipients of the 2024 LAB Prestige Awards are as follows:
Hall of Fame:
- Al LeGrand, KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA
- Ben Terry, KPLC-TV, Lake Charles, LA
- Eddie Blanchard, Delta Media Group, Carencro, LA
- Lee Kleinpeter, KRVS-FM, Lafayette, LA
Lifetime Achievement:
- Bobby Novosad, KSMB-FM, Lafayette, LA
- Elwood Shields, KLFY-TV, Lafayette, LA
Young Professional of the Year:
- T-Bob Hebert, WNXX-FM, Baton Rouge, LA
- Lidia Alcala, KLFY-TV, Lafayette, LA
Broadcast Engineer of the Year:
- Beau Wegmann, WDGL-FM, Baton Rouge, LA
- Joey Verrett, WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA
Student Broadcaster of the Year:
- Jake Lambright, KNOE-TV/University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA
Broadcaster of the Year:
- Beth Arroyo Utterback, WWOZ-FM, New Orleans, LA
Lagniappe Award:
- LaTangela Fay, WEMX-FM, Baton Rouge, LA
The LAB Prestige Awards celebrate the excellence, innovation, and dedication of Louisiana broadcasters, showcasing their vital contributions to the state’s media landscape.
