Media

Local media moguls have once again prevailed victoriously over their opponents in their quest to win our coveted Maggy Awards.

Our readers continue to turn their radio dials to 105.1 FM for the Top 40 hits. WDCG's morning Showgram with on-air personalities Bob, Mike and Kristen entertain commuters with their playful banter in the mornings while the afternoon Drive at 5 helps listeners unwind and get home with ease.

So what exactly is the station's secret to winning our readers' votes as the Best Radio Station, Best Morning Drive, Best Afternoon Drive and Best Radio Show Host year after year?

"We always try and keep it fun and entertaining," said Randi West, program director for G105. "We love our listeners ... they are like part of our sometimes dysfunctional family. If there were a category for 'Best Listeners of a Radio Station' ... ours would win hands down!"

West added that they appreciate their fans making their choice known with this award.

"They are fun, loyal and don't take themselves too seriously, and we thank them for this," she said.

For 26 years now, WRAL Meteorologist Greg Fishel has learned to not take himself too seriously, and always sparks laughter on and off the set of WRAL's evening newscast. For the third consecutive year, Fishel has won the hearts of Cary Magazine readers as the Best Meteorologist.

"I think people vote for me out of habit because they realize I'm not going away," he said with a laugh.

When Fishel started at WRAL, he attended a weather conference, and it was there that he learned that the single most important attribute to making it in broadcasting is longevity in one market.

"You hope you become part of the community," he added. And although it's impossible to please everyone with the forecast, Fishel said he enjoys making people happy with his weather reports.

It appears longevity is part of the culture at WRAL since Fishel's colleagues, longtime news anchor David Crabtree and sportscaster Tom Suiter, are also Maggy Award standouts. Channel 5 continues to be the No. 1 TV station among our readers for weather, news and sports coverage.