2022 was a really great year for Zimmer Communications. We probably don't say it often enough, but we have some incredibly talented people working here. They are passionately dedicated to bringing their A-game each day. They personify our company's core values of passion, continual improvement, fun, respect, leadership, openness, ownership, and humility. That last one, humility, is probably why you don't often hear about all the great things they do. And that's the exact reason why we like to take this time of year to celebrate their accomplishments. So without further adieu, get your glass of champagne ready as we salute a team of broadcasters and marketers who are, without a doubt, some of the best in the business.
Zimmer Communications is a Missouri-based network of 13 radio stations and 3 magazines, as well as an entire digital marketing team, an inbound and content marketing team, and a social media team. We employ a host of web developers and designers, graphic artists, writers, voice talent, videographers, photographers, and marketing geniuses. Each department is made up of talented marketing experts that work hard each year to be better than they were the year before. With that commitment to excellence, it's no surprise they are recognized on a state and national level for their accomplishments.
2022 Radio Mercury Award Winner
The 31st annual Radio Mercury Awards were held on Thursday night June 9th, 2022 at Sony Hall in New York. Zimmer Communication’s Brand Strategist Josh Ryan won…and he won big. Josh is the winner of the 2022 Radio Mercury Award - one of the top honors nationwide for the radio industry: Top Creative Radio Commercial by a Station or Group.
The Radio Mercury Awards recognizes and awards radio commercials and campaigns from creative teams across the country: advertising agencies, radio stations, production houses, and educational institutions. Nominees and winners are the creme-de-la-creme in harnessing the power of audio storytelling.
2022 Marconi Award Winners & Nominees
The 2022 National Association of Broadcasters hosts their annual Marconi Awards Awards in New York each year on what is known as radio's biggest night. These awards represent the highest honors in radio, and Zimmer Communications was well-represented.
2022 Marconi Award Winners:
- Kristin Monica, KTXY - Small Market Personality of the Year
- KTXY - CHR Station of the Year
- KCMQ - Rock Station of the Year
2022 Marconi Award Nominees:
- Erin Hart, KAT Country - Small Market Personality of the Year finalist
- Liz & Scotty, Clear 99 - Small Market Personality of the Year finalist
- KAT Country - Country Station of the Year nominee
2022 NAB Service to America Award
The National Association of Broadcasters presents the Service to America Award each year. This recognition honors excellence in community service philanthropy and the impact made by local radio and television stations across the country. All stations in every market and broadcast ownership group are encouraged to apply.
- Y107, National Association of Broadcaster's Service to America - Small Market Radio Runner-Up
Y107 won this award for the Children's Miracle Network "Miracle for Kids" Radiothon which raised over $230,000 this year.
2022 Academy of Country Music Awards
The Academy of Country Music Awards, also known as the ACM Awards, honors accomplishments in the world of country music during the previous year. Held in Las Vegas in the spring of each year, the ACM presents awards to recording artists, musicians, industries, and radio stations that have done exceptional work connecting country music fans, artists, and the industry.
- Liz & Scotty, Clear-99 Morning Show - ACM On-Air Personality of the Year Small Market Winner
- Clear-99 - ACM Radio Station of the Year Small Market Finalist
2022 Country Music Association Awards
The annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards are one of country music's finest celebrations. In a star-studded gala in Nashville each Fall, the CMA Awards are presented to country music artists and broadcasters to recognize outstanding achievements in the country music industry.
- Liz & Scotty, Clear-99 Morning Show - CMA Small Market Broadcast Personality of the Year finalist
2022 Missouri Broadcaster's Association Awards
The MBA awards recognize Missouri broadcasters in both radio and television for excellence in all different aspects of production: sports, news, commercial production, radio shows, and more. Midst such a large pool of incredible talent, the competition is fierce. To even be nominated is a great honor. Zimmer Communications took home 18 awards and recognitions at the annual convention at Lake Ozarks.
2022 MBA Award Winners:
- Zimmer Communications 16th Annual Miracle for Kids Radiothon, Corporate Award for Community Service
- Y107, Station of the Year runner-up
- KTGR The Big Show with Andy Humphrey and Brenden Schaeffer, Best Air Talent (non-AM Drive)
- Eagle 93.9FM, Brian Hauswirth - Best Breaking News
- KWOS Coaches Show - Best Sports Program
- KCMQ, Kretch's Custom Exteriors "Deck Series" - Best Commercial Series
- KCMQ, Morning Shag Facebook page - Social Media Star
- Clear 99, Central Missouri Honor Flight - Best Station Sponsored Community Event
- Eagle 93.9FM, Brian Wear Plumbing "Christmas" by Josh Ryan - Best Commercial Announcement
- KTGR, Andy Humphrey "MIZZOU Softball vs ISU" - Best Sports Play-by-Play
- Clear 99, Liz & Scotty in the Morning - Best Morning Drive Air Talent
- KWOS, John Marsh - Best Complete Newscast
2022 MBA Certificates of Merit
- Y107 Miracles for Kids Radiothon, Best Station Sponsored Community Event Certificate of Merit.
- KCMQ, Kretch's Custom Exteriors "Decks Are Made for Peeing" - Best Commercial Announcement Certificate of Merit
- KTGR, Steve's Pest Control "Bug Bowl" by Josh Ryan - Best Commercial Announcement Certificate of Merit
- KWTO, Steve's Pest Control "The Grinch" by Josh Ryan - Best Commercial Announcement Certificate of Merit
- KTGR, Andy Humphrey & Brendan Schaeffer "Rock Bridge vs. Helias Football" - Best Sports Play-by-Play Certificate of Merit
- KAT Country Mornings - Best Morning Drive Air Talent Certificate of Merit
2022 Local Community Support and Charitable Campaigns
Zimmer Communications is a local company that understands and appreciates the value of supporting the community in which we live. We are involved in many activities and charity work throughout the year, both company-wide and individual stations, and even down to the unique station personalities.
Three of our biggest company-wide campaigns had record-breaking years in terms of money raised, individual and community support, and in the case of the Food Bank of Central Missouri...pounds of food collected. Here are the stats from this year's efforts:
- One-for-One Holiday Food Drive total: more than $70,550 and over 5,000 lbs of food.
- Children's Miracle Network "Miracles for Kids" Radiothon total: $230,448.42
- Central Missouri Honor Flight - $95,095
- Honor Flight of the Ozarks Radiothon - $35,870
Sometimes, the individual radio stations and the DJs themselves feel a connection to a particular local cause and use their influence in the market to do what they can in support of that agency. This can include everything from announcing information on-air to being the emcee of an event or hosting their own fundraiser. Having a local DJ celebrity back events or causes is part of responsible broadcasting, and this is especially true with Zimmer. While listing all our community involvement is next to impossible, there were definitely a few highlights to share.
- Shags and KCMQ's True North Radiothon raised more than $25,000.
- Scotty Cox from Clear 99 has been an annual celebrity participant in the Real Men Wear Pink fundraiser for Breast Cancer research and the American Cancer Society.
- Kevin & Chris in the Morning on 98.7FM The Dove's hosted a successful Boobapalooza radiothon with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.
2022 Zimmer Communications Braggin' Rights
It's true that, because we interface with so many different people and events in the community, sometimes we get to do some really cool stuff.
- Due to the success of 93.9FM's success with news and reporting, Wake Up Columbia celebrated being added to the KWOS lineup in Jefferson City and changed its name to Wake Up Mid-Missouri with Branden Rathert. This brings together a premier news team with complete coverage of news and information for central Missouri.
- The Eagle 93.9's Branden Rathert was invited to emcee the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Jefferson City.
A premier lifestyle magazine, Inside Columbia Magazine, also celebrated some significant record-breaking events this year.
- The annual Best of Columbia 2022 garnered more community support in its history with more than a quarter of a million votes being cast for favorite local people, food, and venues. More than 68,000 nominations were submitted and over 26,800 people went to our website to participate in nominations for their favorites. The celebration culminated in a party recognizing the top 3 winners in each category.
A moment of "WOW" for the company...
Sometimes we get called upon to do some crazy things and/or work with some really amazing people.
We would be remiss if we didn't mention one completely unforgettable moment this year. Zimmer Communications was called upon to work on a new Club Carwash campaign with none other than the famous Kansas City Chief's tight end, Travis Kelce! The afternoon involved some recording studio time, a photo shoot and, of course, some signed Kansas City Chiefs swag. Travis was great to work with, a true professional, and made the experience fun for all involved.
2022...that's a wrap!
Whew! We could share more and there are probably a few things we're unintentionally leaving out. Suffice it to say that 2022 was a busy, productive, successful, and fun year for Zimmer Communications.
Thank YOU our readers, listeners, fans, and supporters. With your help, we made a difference this year.
Can't wait to find out what 2023 has in store!
