For the first time in both Mississippi and Academy of Country Music Awards history, WCKK-FM “Kicks 96” and B-MO in the Morning were nominated for Small Market Radio Station of the Year and Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year. While we came up just short of bringing home the trophies, what happened this year is something that can never be taken away.
The 2026 winners were WYTC-FM, named Small Market Radio Station of the Year, and Eddie and Amanda Foxx of The Eddie Foxx Show, who were honored as Small Market On-Air Personalities of the Year. We congratulate them both on their well-earned recognition. But this moment was about more than winning. It was about history.
WCKK “Kicks 96” and B-MO in the Morning became the first station and personality from Mississippi ever nominated in both categories—placing our state, our listeners, and our community on a national stage like never before.
In a message from the Academy of Country Music, Helena Capp with the ACM Industry Relations and Awards Team shared:
“I wanted to personally thank you and WCKK Kicks 96 for submitting for this year’s Academy of Country Music Radio Awards. We are grateful for the work you continue to do for Country radio.
Please know that the category was incredibly competitive. Your dedication to the format and to your listeners does not go unnoticed, and we value the role you play in supporting and championing Country Music every day.”
That message says it all. Radio has always been about connection—between a voice and a listener, between a station and its community. This nomination proves that connection was heard far beyond Mississippi.
We may not have taken home the awards this time… But we made history. And we’re just getting started.
