Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) recently earned 12 notable awards in 10 categories at the 2025 Mississippi Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Awards Ceremony, held on March 22. The recognitions highlight the outstanding work of MPB News and MPB Think Radio in journalism, storytelling, and public service broadcasting.
“These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of MPB’s greatest asset – our staff,” said Royal Aills, MPB Executive Director. “Our mission is to educate, inform, and inspire Mississippi, and these honors affirm that we are making a meaningful impact. I am incredibly proud of our team and their unwavering commitment to telling Mississippi’s stories.”
Among MPB’s top honors were four First Place awards:
Documentary or Series of Stories (Radio) – First Place
Reporter Michael McEwen was recognized for his in-depth reporting on the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and its so-called “Goon Squad,” a group of six white former officers convicted of torturing two Black men in a no-warrant house raid.
Continuing Coverage (Radio) – First Place
McEwen also earned First Place in this category for his ongoing coverage of the same high-profile case.
Public Affairs Program (Radio) – First and Second Place
Mississippi Edition took First Place for its coverage of the 1964 Freedom Summer project and a flood mitigation plan in the Mississippi Delta. The program also earned Second Place for reporting on in vitro fertilization services and a state Senate education funding bill.
Commercial Announcement (Radio) – First Place
Next Stop, Mississippi won for a holiday spot produced by Germaine Flood and Marissa Vaughn, featuring Kamel King and his daughter asking Santa for more great MPB programming.
MPB also received several additional honors:
Achievement (Radio) – Second Place
For continued coverage of the 1964 Freedom Summer project and Delta flood planning.
Radio Talk Show – Second & Third Place
Now You’re Talking with Marshall Ramsey received Second Place, while The Sit Down with Russ Latino took Third.
Feature Story (Radio) – Third Place
Reporter Will Stribling was honored for his piece on the second anniversary of the Dobbs decision and ongoing activism supporting women’s reproductive rights in Mississippi.
Anchor/Reporter (Radio) – Third Place
Awarded to Morning Edition and Mississippi Edition host Desare Frazier.
Radio Personality of the Year – Third Place
Germaine Flood, host of Next Stop, Mississippi and producer for multiple programs, received this honor.
Newscast (Radio) – Third Place
The 6 a.m. newscast of Mississippi Edition earned Third Place for its overall excellence.
These awards underscore MPB’s dedication to producing meaningful, impactful content that informs and connects communities across Mississippi. As a statewide public media network, MPB operates eight television and eight radio stations, reaching audiences with trusted news coverage, educational programming, and thought-provoking discussions.
