ATLANTA, Ga. — The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) is proud to announce the 2025 Class of Rising Stars, a select group of young professionals who will be honored during the association’s annual convention, GABCON, taking place September 19-20, 2025 at Truist Park.
The Rising Star Award recognizes station employees in the early stages of their careers who have demonstrated exceptional promise, drive, and passion for broadcasting. Honorees are selected based on their strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and willingness to go above and beyond their daily responsibilities to create outstanding content that informs, entertains, and inspires their audiences.
Candidates must have fewer than five years of professional experience and represent the very best of Georgia’s up-and-coming broadcast talent.
2025 Rising Stars Honorees:
- Summer Swanson – WTOC
- Hope Dean – WANF
- Haley Kindle – WJCL
- Connor Hines – WANF
- Shaquaveya Brooks – WRBL
- Jonathan O’Brien – WSB Radio
- Joshua Skinner – WANF
- Jackie Gold – WANF
- Jordan Stevenson – WGXA
- Mary McCay – WCON
- Nakya Harris – WSAV
- Jarrett Ledger – WJBF
- Allie Ann McCord – WTVM
- Destin Howard – WANF
- Emma Auer – WUGA
- Genevieve Lund – WSAV
- Alex Carter – WFXG
- Sydney Hood – WRDW/WAGT
- Katie Gray – Georgia News Network
- Nathan Latty – WGTJ
- Lawson Smith – WDUN
This year’s Rising Stars will play an active role in the weekend’s programming. Honorees will participate in a panel to share their insights and experiences with fellow broadcasters during the GABCON Education Sessions on Saturday, September 20th. The GAB will recognize each of this year’s Rising Stars during the GABBY Awards on Saturday night. GABCON attendees will have the opportunity to hear from and connect with these exceptional young broadcasters.
As the Rising Stars program continues to gain momentum, it has become a cornerstone of GAB’s mission to retain and develop young talent within Georgia’s broadcasting industry.
“By recognizing these incredible young professionals, we’re not just celebrating their accomplishments today, we’re investing in the future of broadcasting,” said GAB President Randy Gravley. “The Rising Stars program highlights the innovation, creativity, and passion that will drive our industry forward.”
Programs like these are made possible by the GAB’s Education Foundation, which funds scholarships, educational programming, and hands-on opportunities for the next generation of broadcasters. To continue supporting these initiatives, please consider a donation to the GAB’s Foundation to invest in tomorrow’s leaders. Click HERE to learn more and donate.
About the Georgia Association of Broadcasters
The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) is the state’s official broadcast association, dedicated to supporting the vitality and growth of the broadcasting industry across Georgia. Through advocacy, education, and professional development, the GAB serves as a resource and champion for radio and television broadcasters statewide.
For more information about GABCON 2025 and the Rising Stars program, please click HERE.
