Everyone knows the media industry is critical in informing and serving our local communities. And we want to ensure that the companies and individuals within those organizations get the recognition they deserve! Through the AAF Western Region’s Best of the West Media Awards, media companies of all shapes and sizes, individual employees, and aspiring media students in the Western U.S. have an opportunity to be acknowledged for their excellence in media and service to their communities.

Each year, entrants will vie for a Best of the West Media Award in twenty categories designed to acknowledge company, individual, and student contributions. Everyone has a chance to win, from large-market media giants to small-town local shops. The competition is purposefully built for media organizations of all types, ensuring that outlets in different markets compete against those of similar sizes.

We announced this year’s winners in person at the AdWest Conference in Reno, NV on Friday, October 4, 2024.

This year’s winners include:

  • Agency Professional of the Year: Gabbi Hall, Noble Studios, Reno, NV
  • Media Professional of the Year: Jody Shiroma, PBS Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
  • Young Achiever of the Year: Steve Erdelyi, Noble Studios, Reno, NV
  • Media Talent of the Year: Adam & Jen in the Morning, 94.9 The Wolf, Tri-Cities, WA
  • Media Agency of the Year (under $10 million): 3fold Communications, Sacramento, CA
  • Advertising Agency of the Year (under $10 million): Ace Studios, Reno, NV
  • Advertising Agency of the Year ($10-$50 million): Noble Studios, Reno, NV
  • Governmental Media Outlet of the Year: City of Reno, Reno, NV
  • Blog/Podcast of the Year: The GIA Education Report, Redlands, CA
  • Public Service Campaign/Event of the Year: Pops on The River (Reno Philharmonic), Reno, NV
  • Website of the Year: Neon Pig Creative & Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Television Broadcaster of the Year: Hawaii News Now, Honolulu, HI
  • Radio Broadcaster of the Year: Stephens Media Group, 94.9 The Wolf, Tri-Cities, WA

The judges for the competition were Leslie Osborne, CEO of Watauga Group, Leigh-Anne Lawrence,

Senior Project Manager at Carnegie and Katy Rivera VP, Client Partnerships at Wilkins Media. Final judging for the Best of the West Media Awards was completed in August.