Welcome to the CMB Awards — a night to celebrate excellence and amplify Kingdom impact.
As we close out an incredible week at Momentum, we want to take a moment and reflect on how God is using radio to transform lives. The CMB Awards honor individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond, taking risks, pushing boundaries, and stepping out in faith to advance the Gospel.
In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s vital that we take calculated risks to honor our mission and drive growth and impact. This year’s theme, RISK, challenges us to move beyond comfort and embrace the unknown with courage.
Our finalists are the perfect example of this kind of faith-driven risk, whether it’s revamping their stations, adopting new technologies, or creating innovative strategies to serve their audiences.
Tonight, we don’t just honor achievements; we recognize the bold steps taken for the sake of the Kingdom. As Christian music broadcasters, let’s all be encouraged to step out in faith, live fearlessly, and trust Jesus to guide our path.
Thank you for being part of this special evening.
In His Service,
Michelle Younkman Executive Director, CMB
Small Market
STATION OF THE YEAR
KSLT
Rapid City
WNFR
Flint
KVNE
Tyler
WPHN
Cadillac-Traverse City
WCVK
Bowling Green
Industry Achievement
Presented to a Christian broadcaster or associated professional for outstanding & long-term contributions to the growth of Christian music radio.
Fred & Paul Jacobs
Jacobs Media Strategies
Fred Jacobs is the founder and president of Jacobs Media, which he launched 42 years ago as a consultancy providing programming, digital, sales strategy, and audience research to broadcast radio stations and media brands. Paul is the VP and GM, where he plays a key role in guiding the company’s growth and innovation over three decades. The company has become known for its innovative Techsurveys, offering valuable insights into how radio listeners access entertainment and information across broadcast and digital platforms. In collaboration with CMB, Jacobs Media launched their first annual Techsurvey for Christian radio in 2014. The Jacobs brothers deeply value their relationship with Christian music radio and have grown closer to this incredible community over the past decade. Fred’s expertise lies in audience research and programming. Paul specializes in revenue generation. In 2008, Jacobs Media launched jācapps, the radio industry’s first mobile application development company. Fred and Paul have become industry thought leaders, focusing on the evolving in-car audio experience and championing innovation. Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018 – the first consultant to receive this accolade. Both Fred and Paul were honored with the National Radio Award, the highest honor bestowed by the National Association of Broadcasters.
Brian McIntyre
Executive Director, Olivet Media Group
Brian McIntyre joined Shine.FM in 2011 and the faculty at Olivet Nazarene University in 2015. He is dedicated to mentoring future media professionals in radio and podcasting. His passion for media led him to WCFL/Chicago in 1994, where he served as production director and later as program director. In 2001, he moved to Argentina to serve as the South America regional coordinator for World Mission Broadcast. There, he oversaw the creation of numerous radio and television programs. One of the largest productions, Mujer Valiosa (The Valued Woman), reached an estimated global radio audience of 100 million across 24 countries and a television audience of 50 million. Brian returned to the U.S. in 2009 to lead World Mission Broadcast globally. In this role, he helped launch Arabic television, Indian radio, Chinese television, and the Reflecting God daily radio feature in English and Spanish. He continues to serve as the global coordinator for World Mission Broadcast and as the executive director of Olivet Media Group, which oversees the Shine.FM Radio Network, Brilla.FM Radio Network, and Spark HD. Brian is passionate about developing the next generation of media professionals and connecting students with industry leaders.
Mike Prendergast
Owner, Mike Prendergast Consulting
Mike Prendergast has been a driving force behind the growth and impact of Christian music radio during his 19-year tenure at 94.9 KLTY in Dallas. His leadership, vision, and passion for uplifting music and faith-based content helped shape KLTY into one of the most influential Christian radio stations in the country. Mike played a key role in programming, audience engagement, and community outreach, ensuring that KLTY remained a trusted source of encouragement and inspiration. His ability to balance ministry and entertainment fostered a deep connection between the station and its audience. Under his guidance, KLTY saw significant growth in listenership and industry recognition, consistently ranking among the top Christian radio stations nationwide. His commitment to excellence, artist relationships, and innovative programming strategies helped introduce countless listeners to life-changing music and messages. While not the ending he hoped for, Mike finished strong at KLTY. His dedication and leadership left a lasting impact on both the team and the listeners. As he begins his new role as a consultant, Mike carries forward his passion for Christian radio, ready to help other stations grow and thrive. His legacy at KLTY is one of excellence, ministry, and unwavering commitment to sharing hope through music.
Johnny Stone
Afternoon Co-Host,
WGTS 91.9
Twenty-five years ago, God called Johnny Stone from mainstream radio into Christian broadcasting after an award-winning career. Since then, Johnny has dedicated his voice to sharing the hope of Christ. Now, as a founder at Atlantic Gateway Communications and afternoon host at WGTS 91.9, Johnny Stone continues his 53-year broadcasting journey in our nation’s capital. Speaking about Jesus over the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the greater D.C. area has given new significance to his work. Beyond the microphone, Johnny’s passion for mentoring has shaped the next generation of broadcasters. He has guided major syndicated talents, professionals serving in leading Christian media organizations, and students at CMB University. Additionally, Johnny trains programming teams – including his colleagues at WGTS 91.9, in on-air techniques and production. Johnny has also created lasting industry benchmarks such as “Bible or Not” and “I Believe Statements.” As the owner of StoneStudios, LLC, he has produced numerous syndicated shows and podcasts. Since 2001, Johnny has played a vital role in fundraising for every station and network he has served. His work has supported organizations like Compassion International, furthering his mission to impact lives beyond the airwaves and carry the message of Christ forward.
Lisa Williams
Network Talent Coach, Northwestern Media
“To know Him and make Him known” is the passion that drives Lisa Williams. As a junior in high school, she surrendered her life to Jesus and dreamed of becoming the next Amy Grant. But in 1989, God called her to Christian radio and KCVO. Christian radio ignites her heart because of the art, the science, the intimacy, the music, and the deep connection it creates. If she can create –or help others create – a safe space for people to encounter Jesus, she feels truly blessed. She encourages air talent to embrace their identity, receive before they give, and truly connect with God, others, themselves, and their content. Lisa’s radio journey includes: KCVO afternoons and PD (1990-1995); KCWN mornings and station manager (1996); Z88.3 mornings and afternoons (1998-2007); and K-LOVE mornings and afternoons (2007-2011). GodsRadioGirl, LLC, started in 2011 for coaching, fundraising, voice-tracking, and voice work. During that time, she created a syndicated show that ran for four years on 15 Christian stations. In 2020, Northwestern Media invited her to join their team as Network Talent Coach, where she now mentors air talent from 15 stations with 124 signals in 13 states, covering a population of 24 million people.
Community Service
Presented to a Christian broadcaster, radio station or associated professional who, during the past year, has shown outstanding effort in community service.
KLTY (Dallas/Ft. Worth)
In 2024, as in every year before, 94.9 KLTY remained committed to the Dallas/Fort Worth community. Through their Speak Love and Christmas Wish campaigns, they dedicated their time and resources to blessing the incredible communities and listeners they serve across North Texas. Their 20th year of Christmas Wish raised tens of thousands of dollars and granted hundreds of wishes for families in need. KLTY’s Speak Love campaign honored local heroes, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, doctors, nurses, and first responders. They also honored those heroes in the classroom with their Teacher of the Month promotion. KLTY helped others domestically and internationally, partnering with respected organizations such as Buckner International and Food For The Poor. Their multi-day fundraisers with these nonprofits helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support underserved communities worldwide. Though KLTY’s time has come to an end, their legacy in the Dallas/Fort Worth community will live on in the memory of the lives of those who were touched and by those they had the honor to serve.
UCB Radio (Canada)
At UCB Radio, their mission is simple: point people to hope in Jesus. In a world filled with despair, they are called to shine a light — reminding people they are never alone. In 2024, Hope Together This Christmas brought that mission to life. With their small but passionate team, alongside UCB listeners, churches, and community partners, they provided over $40,000 in Christmas miracles. More than 140 families were nominated, showcasing the great need and the generosity of those eager to help. Fifteen families experienced life-changing Christmas miracles while countless others encountered the love of Jesus through giving. Gus, a father facing his final Christmas, and his wife, Robin, were surrounded by joy, hope, and treasured memories. Darwyn, a single father of five, was reminded that God sees him and is with him. Kory, battling an inoperable brain tumor, was surrounded by 80 loved ones in a surprise celebration. Beyond Christmas, their team continued to bring hope. During Prayer & Praise Day, pastors joined them to pray for 187 heartfelt requests, and throughout the year, they prayed for over 700 individuals facing life’s hardest moments. Through the generosity of UCB listeners, churches, and businesses, lives were changed, and hope became real.
WFSH (Atlanta)
104.7 The Fish was more than just a radio station—it was a community dedicated to service, connection, and impact. In 2024, The Fish was honored with the Service to Community Award for Radio Large Market at the NAB’s Celebration of Service to America Awards, recognizing its unwavering commitment to uplifting Atlanta. Through the generosity of their listeners, The Fish helped raise over $1.05 million for vital causes, partnering with organizations like Save the Children, Food for the Poor, and the Fish Christmas Wish. With more than 120 community-driven events, including Soccer Smiles, Thankful Thursday, VBS Showcase, The Fish Community Lighthouse, and Friday Pep Rallies, they brought people together through faith, hope, and love. Their Acts of Love and Fish Christmas Wish initiatives provided life-changing support—including a new roof for a 61-year-old single mother, a specialized stroller for a child with cerebral palsy, new furniture and housing for a family of eight after a devastating storm, and even reuniting a soldier with his family for Christmas. They closed The Fish with a final act of love: funding a scholarship for a one-year-old boy whose father, a Parkview High School ROTC graduate, tragically perished in the Black Hawk helicopter crash in Washington.
WMIT (Charlotte)
The Light FM exists to inspire people to seek Jesus Christ through music, Bible teaching, and community engagement. During Hurricane Helene, programming shifted to provide continuous emergency updates, helping listeners access shelters, food, and aid. Staff remained on-site for nine days, offering hope and encouragement, both on-air and through The Light FM’s digital platforms. In the aftermath, teams visited hard-hit areas to support recovery efforts and pray for the people and communities affected by the storm. In 2024, the morning and midday shows hosted 11 live Play and Pray events at local businesses, fostering community through prayer and personal connection while raising awareness for ministry outreaches. August’s Light On Trafficking campaign shed light on human trafficking in our region through high-frequency awareness spots, podcasts, social media, and interviews, encouraging action against exploitation. The Heartbeat of Hope fundraiser supported 28 pregnancy care centers, funding 2,343 ultrasounds in just 15 hours. The Light FM covered all promotional costs, ensuring that every dollar directly impacted the centers—a commitment upheld in all ministry fundraisers. Through crisis response, community outreach, and advocacy, The Light FM continues to bring hope and engage listeners in meaningful action.
WNFR (Flint)
HopeFM listeners helped rescue over 300 girls in the Dominican Republic from human trafficking by partnering with Cups Mission. They provided hundreds of relief kits to hurricane and wildfire victims through Convoy of Hope. Their website features the Serve Hope platform, which connects people to local volunteer opportunities. HopeFM also serves their area by providing events that typically aren’t available in small markets. They fully produce the Get In The Game Conference, designed to help men deepen their faith through speakers, breakouts, and worship led by the HopeFM team. The Honor Event provides encouragement, worship, and prayer for pastors and ministry leaders. HopeFM hosted concerts with Cade Thompson, Consumed by Fire, Caleb and John, and the Newsboys. With deep connections to local non-profits, they work hand in hand with organizations to leverage resources and expand their impact. Partnerships included staff involvement with Youth For Christ’s events and mentoring programs impacting thousands of students; Operation Transformation’s Family Night providing free family fun to over 10,000 people; hosting a prayer tent during Blue Water Fest (attendance over 60,000); BWROC Softball Tournament/Recovery Fest (benefitting a local recovery ministry thousands attending); Video coverage of Victory Day (a celebration of special needs kids).
Rich Mullins Artist Impact
Presented to an artist or group to recognize their long-time contributions to the music & ministry of Christian radio.
Jeremy Camp
Lauren Daigle
Natalie Grant
Newsboys
Phil Wickham
Board of Directors
Jim Leightenheimer
Associate Professor Emeritus, Cedarville University
For the last 43 years, Jim Leightenheimer has passionately pursued the mission of teaching, mentoring, and preparing college students to serve Christ through media at Cedarville University.
A 30-year radio veteran, Jim implemented and developed a student radio station in 1990 which now streams as Resound Radio. Under his leadership, student radio has served as a launching pad for the careers of many current leaders in Christian radio stations and networks across the United States. His students, both past and present, credit Jim as the catalyst who ignited their passion for radio.
Throughout his career, Jim has enlisted graduates and other professionals to serve as mentors to student radio staff. He has introduced scores of students to CMB by bringing them to Momentum and, more recently, CMB University.
Jim currently serves on the board of directors at WCVO (104.9 The River) in Columbus and continues to be a resource not only for his current students but also for many graduates.
Referred to as “Mr. L.” by his students and grads, Jim retired from teaching as Professor Emeritus at the beginning of May and looks forward to spending more time with Beth, their six children, and their families, including seven grandchildren.
In Memory
Susan O’Donnell
March 9, 1955 – January 18, 2025
Susan O’Donnell was many things. A fierce ally. A loving friend. A mentor. She made it her personal mission to make sure you were seen and heard in all interactions she had with you. Her 40-year radio career included stops at KTJS/Hobart (where she became their first female Creative Director), mornings and Program Director at KSBJ/Houston where she served for nearly 20 years, Program Director at KVNE/Tyler, and, most recently, Program Director/Morning Host at KJIC/Houston. Additionally, she worked in several radio formats outside of CCM, including Rock, Talk Radio, News Radio, and Country. Susan is survived by her two daughters and six grandchildren. Susan made her mark as a pioneer for women in the broadcasting industry, and she strived to connect with and support her listeners through laughter and music.
Theresa Ross
November 21, 1971 – December 30, 2024
Theresa Ross might best be described as a “joy bomb” or a “hope dealer.” She worked as a radio personality for over 30 years, bringing hope and encouragement to hundreds of thousands of listeners all over the country. Her radio career included 17 years at WMUV/Jacksonville, KCBI/Dallas, WPOZ/Orlando, WKNZ/Delaware, WayFM/West Palm Beach, Northwestern Media, KSBJ/Houston, and Christian FM. She also had numerous other voice tracking clients and supported many other stations during their fundraising campaigns. She is survived by her husband and their four children. Her love for Jesus, service of others, and ability to connect with anyone she came in contact with were her gifting, and she walked in it well.
