Bob Labbe wins the Large-Market Radio Personality of the Year Award
The Alabama Broadcasters Association presented the Large-Market Radio Personality of the Year Award to veteran host Bob Labbe at the 20th annual ABBY Awards on Monday, April 13, 2026. The ceremony, held at The Club in Birmingham, acknowledged Labbe’s 53-year career in the profession.
The 72-year-old broadcaster currently hosts “Reelin’ In The Years” on WLRH 89.3 FM, a show he has been running for 35 years. Labbe’s own collection of over 20,000 genuine 45 rpm records exclusively distinguishes his show.
Labbe’s victory helped WLRH-FM have a fantastic night, winning six overall honors at the event. Bob Labbe’s four-hour Friday night broadcasts on classic pop, R&B, rock, and country music from the 1950s to 1990s continue to air on the station.
Labbe, Radio Personal, expressed deep surprise at receiving the award, noting that despite a long career filled with honors—from television work on Channel 31 to decades of award-winning newspaper writing—this recognition stands out as the most meaningful to him.
In addition to his radio work, Labbe has made substantial contributions to television and print journalism. He has won numerous journalism awards for Channel 31 and has worked as a sports reporter for The Madison Record for many years.
“Reelin’ In The Years” airs every Friday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on WLRH 89.3 FM. In addition to its analog-only music style, the show includes rare interviews with music legends and historical data.