WITL’s JR & Kristen Named ‘Best Morning Show’ for Second Year

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters held its 30th annual Broadcast Excellence Awards this weekend, and the "WITL Wake-Up Show with JR and Kristen" took home a top honor.

WITL Wins Again at the MAB Awards

We were recognized as the "Best Morning Show Broadcast Personality or Team" for the second consecutive year.

Can I just be totally real with you for a second?

This kind of thing is hard for me to wrap my head around.

Don't get me wrong. I am so very grateful for this honor, but it just seems so surreal.

READ MORE: Get to Know JR From the WITL Wake-Up Show

I've been a country music fan my whole life. When I was 12, we lived in Flushing (just west of Flint) and I remember sometimes listening to WITL on the little battery-powered transistor radio I stuffed under my pillow at night.

In my mind, to co-host the morning show on that very station years later is crazy enough on its own. But to be recognized — two years in a row — as half of the "Best Morning Show Broadcast Team" in the state for that same station is just wild.

A lot of people think that being on the radio must be a fun job. And it is.

What Listeners Don’t See Behind the Scenes

Most don't see all the work that goes on behind the scenes to pull off what comes out over the speakers in the car, in homes, and in workplaces all around Mid-Michigan. And that's okay. If we're doing our jobs right, that part of our work should remain unseen.

Celebrating Local Michigan Radio

But I know what it takes. I know what I do and what Kristen does. And efforts like ours are repeated at local radio stations all over Michigan every day.

It sounds so cliché to say "It's just nice to be nominated."

READ MORE: Get to Know Kristen Matthews From the WITL Wake-Up Show

I truly feel that way though.

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I am humbled by this weekend's recognition by the MAB. I'm proud of what we do at WITL, and I'm proud of Michigan radio and everyone who makes it happen.

Thank you.