Back Print Page



AFTRA MEMBERS WIN BIG AT 2004 A.I.R. AWARDS

By Mark Roberts

PITTSBURGH (December 2, 2004) This year's list of AIR Awards winners proves one thing. In Pittsburgh, the best talent is AFTRA talent.  Of the 29 crystal awards given, the vast majority of them went to AFTRA Pittsburgh members, signatory stations and ad agencies.

The ninth annual A.I.R. awards luncheon took place yesterday at the Holiday Inn Greentree.  Funds raised go to The March of Dimes and help support their research, community service, advocacy and education programs.

Zeke of the "Y108 Country Crew" (Rick Eberhart) spoke of his personal experiences as the parent of a premature baby and of the work done by the March of Dimes.

Jack Bogut, who has entertained several generations of Pittsburghers during his 35+ years in the market was presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the AIR Awards Board of Governors.  Jack has been a member of our local since 1968.

The dean of Pittsburgh newscasters, KDKA's Bob Kopler, proved why he continues to be the best by taking home his record fifth AIR Award in a row for Best Newscaster.

KDKA's Steve Hansen and WPTT's Lynn Cullen were the hosts for the event.

Here is the complete list of winners in the order of presentation.  Click here to hear the winners.

  • Best Traffic Reporter
          Tim King - Metro Networks
  • Best Sports Coverage Play-by-Play
          KDKA “Pirates 2004” *
  • Best Sports Coverage Reporting
          KDKA Pirates Coverage *
  • Best Sports Reporter
          TIE
          Joe Destio ESPN RADIO 1250 “Steel City Replay” *
          Jeff Hathhorn KDKA “KDKA Morning Show Sports” *
  • Best News Coverage
          KDKA Radio News “Firefighter Funeral” *
  • Best Newscaster
          Bob Kopler - KDKA(5th Consecutive Year!)*

  • Best Public Affairs Program or Feature
          WYEP “The Allegheny Front Goes to the Great Allegheny Passage”
  • Best Station Sponsored Community Event
          WDSY “Scholarship Cruise” *
  • Best On-Air Audience Promotion
          WZPT “Second Chance Prom” *
  • Best Station Image Promo
          KDKA “Storm Center Practice” *
  • Best Production or Creative Services Director
          WZPT “Drake Donovan” *

  • Best Mid-day Show on a Music Station
          WDSY-Tracey Morgan “Work with Me” *
  • Best Mid-day Show on a News Talk, Personality or Sports Station
          KDKA- The Mike Pintek Show *
  • Best Afternoon Show on a Music Station
          WKST - Scotty
  • Best Afternoon Show on a News Talk, Personality or Sports Station
          WORD- The Marty Minto Show
  • Best Weekend Show
          KDKA Sports Saturday with Jeff Hathhorn *

  • Lifetime Achievement Award
          Jack Bogut *

  • Best Use of Humor in a Spot
          Garrison Hughes - Pittsburgh Passion - “Daddy’s Little Girl”
  • Best Original Music in a Spot
          James Carter/Wrecking Crew Music “Bruster’s Real Life”
  • Best Individual Performance in a Radio Spot
          Bill Cameron- WDVE “7-Eleven/ Sparky II” *
  • Best Commercial Spot by a Radio Station
          WDVE “7 Eleven/Here for you” *
  • Best Commercial Spot by an Agency
          Garrison Hughes - Pittsburgh Passion - “Daddy’s Little Girl”
  • Best Radio Advertising Campaign
          Smith Brothers Advertising - Pittsburgh Brewing - “On Tap”*

  • Best Evening Show on a Music Station
          WRKZ - Bob Orilee *
  • Best Evening Show on a News Talk, Personality or Sports Station
          WPGB - Ellis Cannon’s Sportsline Pittsburgh *
  • Best New Talent in the Market
          Scotty - WKST
  • Best Talk Show Host
          Marty Minto- WORD “The Marty Minto Show”
  • Best Morning Show
          WDSY- The Y108 Country Crew with Monty, Chris & Zeke *

    • * AFTRA member, or signatory station or agency.