COLUMBIA, S.C. – OTS Media delivered a historic performance Saturday evening at the annual South Carolina Broadcasters Association STAR Awards, capturing a state-leading 17 STAR Awards and once again setting the standard for broadcasting excellence across South Carolina.
The evening was highlighted by WRHI earning Radio Station of the Year for an unprecedented 11th time, further solidifying its reputation as one of South Carolina’s most honored and respected radio stations. In another milestone achievement, Interstate 107 was named Music Radio Station of the Year for the first time in the station’s history, recognizing its outstanding programming, audience growth, and commitment to country music listeners throughout the Carolinas.
One of the night’s most remarkable accomplishments belonged to Palmetto Mornings, which completed an extraordinary trifecta of honors by sweeping three of South Carolina’s most prestigious radio programming categories. The award-winning program captured Radio Morning Show Broadcast Personality or Team of the Year, Radio News/Talk Show of the Year, and the coveted Radio Show of the Year award.
The remarkable sweep recognizes the show’s outstanding personalities, trusted local journalism, engaging interviews, and unwavering commitment to delivering the news, information, and conversations that matter most to listeners throughout York County and the surrounding region. Earning all three honors in a single year firmly establishes Palmetto Mornings as one of South Carolina’s premier local radio programs and reflects the exceptional teamwork and dedication of its entire on-air staff.
Veteran broadcaster Chris Miller was once again recognized as Radio Sportscaster of the Year, earning the prestigious honor for an extraordinary 16th time. The award further reinforces his reputation as one of South Carolina’s most accomplished and respected sports broadcasters, recognized for decades of excellence covering local, collegiate, and professional sports.
Adding to the celebration, Lucas McFadden was named Radio Host of the Year, one of the broadcasting industry’s highest individual honors. The award recognizes his exceptional talent, professionalism, on-air presence, and ability to inform, entertain, and connect with audiences throughout South Carolina.
Another of the evening’s marquee honors went to The Red Zone, which was named Radio Sports Talk Show of the Year, recognizing it as one of South Carolina’s premier sports programs. The honor reflects the show’s outstanding analysis, engaging personalities, and comprehensive coverage of high school, collegiate, and professional athletics. OTS Media’s acclaimed State Championship Weekend coverage also earned Radio Multimedia Platform Story/Campaign of the Year, showcasing the company’s unmatched commitment to championship-level sports coverage across multiple platforms.
OTS Media’s excellence extended across virtually every area of broadcasting. Straight Talk earned Public Affairs Radio Show of the Year, while the Stone-Man Dance Party was honored as Radio Music Show of the Year.
The company’s creative services department also received statewide recognition. The Johnathon Brown Electric campaign captured both Radio Campaign of the Year and Radio Multi-Spot Campaign of the Year, highlighting OTS Media’s continued leadership in creative advertising and marketing.
OTS Media’s longstanding commitment to community service was also celebrated. Toys for Happiness received both Radio PSA of the Year and the the Award of Merit for the prestigious Richard M. Uray Service Project of the Year, recognizing one of South Carolina’s most impactful community outreach efforts.
Additional honors included Radio Commercial of the Year for ChristmasVille and Radio Social Media Post of the Year for WRHI’s impactful “Walk for Peace” campaign.
The evening’s unprecedented success reflects OTS Media’s unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence, innovative programming, award-winning sports coverage, exceptional entertainment, community leadership, and creative advertising. Capturing 17 STAR Awards, including two Station of the Year honors, the historic Palmetto Mornings trifecta, Radio Host of the Year, Radio Sportscaster of the Year, and recognition in virtually every major programming category, OTS Media once again demonstrated why it continues to set the benchmark for broadcasting excellence in South Carolina.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
