The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has announced the winners of the 50th Annual Gracie Awards, and Asheville Media Group is proud to share that Melanie Wilkinson, co-host of The Morning Mix on
Mix 96.5 WOXL-FM, has been honored with a prestigious national award.
Wilkinson is the recipient of the Gracie Award for Crisis Coverage/Breaking News [Radio – Local] for her compassionate and essential reporting during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The Gracie Awards celebrate exemplary programming created by, for, and about women across all media platforms and recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact on the industry.
Wilkinson was recognized for her unwavering commitment to keeping the Asheville and Western North Carolina communities informed and connected during a time of crisis. With roads and bridges washed out, and access to power, water, and critical services severely limited, local radio became a lifeline. Wilkinson provided essential updates on shelter locations, where to find food, water, and fuel, and opened the phone lines for real-time listener call-ins, helping to crowdsource and distribute vital, community-driven information.
“Melanie’s work during Hurricane Helene is a powerful reminder of the role local radio plays in times of emergency,” said Steve Richards, Operations Director at Asheville Media Group. “Her dedication to serving our community made a real difference, and we’re incredibly proud to see her recognized on the national stage.”
Wilkinson said the recognition is especially meaningful given the circumstances.
“Covering the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is something I’ll never forget. It was one of the most meaningful moments of my career,” Wilkinson said. “This Gracie Award is an incredible honor, and I’m proud to represent a resilient community whose voices and stories needed to be heard. It was truly a team effort by everyone at Asheville Media Group.”
National Gracie Award honorees will be celebrated at a gala event on May 20, 2025, at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. Local and student award winners, including Wilkinson, will be recognized at the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 18, 2025, at Cipriani in New York City.
The Gracie Awards are named in honor of the late Gracie Allen, a trailblazing comedian and businesswoman who challenged gender norms in entertainment. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women in media.
As a Gracie Award winner, Wilkinson joins an esteemed list of past recipients that includes Carol Burnett, Kathy Bates, Hoda Kotb, Melissa McCarthy, Robin Roberts, Taylor Swift, and many more.
For more information and a full list of 2025 Gracie Award winners, visit www.allwomeninmedia.org.
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