OTS Media Sets State Standard with 20 South Carolina Broadcasters’ Awards Finalists

ROCK HILL, S.C. — OTS Media has once again established itself as one of South Carolina’s premier broadcasting organizations, earning a state-leading 20 finalist nominations in the 2026 South Carolina Statewide Broadcasters’ Awards competition—more than any other radio group in the state.

Presented annually by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, the awards recognize the very best in radio and television broadcasting across South Carolina. Only two finalists are selected in each category, placing OTS Media among the elite broadcasters in the state.

The nominations span virtually every major area of broadcasting excellence, including station performance, news, sports, public affairs, entertainment programming, community service, commercial production, digital media and sales.

At the station level, WRHI Radio was named a finalist for Talk Radio Station of the Year, marking the 18th time since 2005 that WRHI has been recognized as one of South Carolina’s top two talk radio stations. During that span, WRHI has become one of the most consistently honored local radio stations in the Palmetto State, reflecting a longstanding commitment to local news, community involvement and public service.

Interstate 107 also earned statewide recognition as a finalist for Music Radio Station of the Year, highlighting the station’s continued growth and popularity throughout the Carolinas.

OTS Media’s signature charitable initiative, Toys for Happiness, received finalist recognition for Service Project of the Year, continuing a tradition of community service that has helped thousands of local children and families during the holiday season.

WRHI’s flagship morning program, Palmetto Mornings, earned an impressive three finalist nominations:

• Radio Show of the Year
• Morning Show Team of the Year
• News/Talk Show of the Year

Likewise, Straight Talk, OTS Media’s long-running public affairs program, was named a finalist for both:

• News/Talk Show of the Year
• Public Affairs Show of the Year

Among the individual honors, veteran broadcaster Chris Miller was selected as a finalist for Sportscaster of the Year for the 16th consecutive year, an extraordinary streak that reflects his longstanding leadership in high school, college and local sports coverage throughout the region.

Meanwhile, Lucas McFadden earned finalist honors for Host of the Year, recognizing his continued impact as one of the state’s most respected and versatile radio personalities.

Additional OTS Media finalists include:

• Johnathon Brown Electric – Radio Campaign of the Year
• Johnathon Brown Electric – Multi-Spot Campaign of the Year
• The Red Zone – Sports Show of the Year
• The Walk for Peace – Social Media Post of the Year
• State Championship Weekend – Multimedia Event of the Year
• Toys for Happiness and Counseling Services of Lancaster – PSA of the Year
• Greymen’s Plumbing – Commercial of the Year
• ChristmasVille – Commercial of the Year

OTS Media Vice President Chris Miller said the nominations reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to local broadcasting and community engagement.

“These nominations are a tribute to an incredible team of broadcasters, journalists, sales professionals, producers and community partners who strive every day to serve our audiences with excellence,” Miller said. “To lead the state in finalist nominations is both humbling and rewarding. It validates our belief that local broadcasting still matters and that serving our communities remains at the heart of everything we do.”

The winners will be announced August 1 during the South Carolina Broadcasters Association STAR Awards ceremony in Columbia.

For OTS Media, the 20 finalist nominations represent more than recognition—they reinforce a legacy of excellence that has made the company a statewide leader in local radio. From award-winning news and sports coverage to impactful community service and innovative programming, OTS Media continues to demonstrate why it remains one of South Carolina’s most decorated and respected broadcasting organizations.