Best Local Anchorperson - Huel Perkins
A Huel Perkins newscast is something like watching a beloved family member do the news. The Fox 2 anchor's big smile, warm personality and charisma will draw you back in nightly. Perkins has a particularly unique talent for covering lighter stories with humor and wit, while also ably handlng serious news in an informed, authoritative and professional manner. And what's more, he can also wield both sides of that sword simultaneously, as seen in almost any round of "Let It Rip." Perkins ribs and needles his panelists on "Let It Rip," but he also asks important questions and gets the panelists talking—and sometimes yelling! When you take a look at Perkins' track record, his impressive work at Fox 2 is no surprise; the man's been nominated for four Emmys and won one, and he's covered Nelson Mandela and the Pope. Not to mention a solid 13 years with Fox 2. Hats off, Huel.
Best Local Blog - Detroit Moxie
Bloomfield Hills girl Becks Davis didn't grow up in Detroit proper, but after a few years away from Michigan, she decided she wanted to get to know the city she'd been within spitting distance of most of her life. Moving back to Detroit, Davis started Detroit Moxie, which she now maintains with regular updates on major goings-on in the D. Make sure to look out for the weekly "Weekend Update" posts, in which Davis runs down her picks for weekend goings-on (OMG – she apparently likes many of the same things we do!)
Best Local News - Fox 2
You have to hand it to Fox 2 for keeping things interesting. Sure, you'll get your daily dose of local news, but you'll probably be genuinely entertained while you're at it. Just check out one of the heated panel discussions on "Let It Rip," or one of Charlie LeDuff's dramatic, high-energy reports. (Will someone put that guy in a Bruce Willis movie already?) It's the news you need, with an intriguing, enthusiastic edge.
Best Local News Web Site - Clickondetroit.com
It's always worth making multiple daily stops by Local 4's Clickondetroit.com. You're certain to find fresh news, as the site is updated constantly with interesting reading material. Clickondetroit finds a good balance between local- and general-interest stories too; you can keep on top of all the latest local news in metro Detroit, while also browsing national and international news and features. Need to check the weather, or stay on top of traffic information? That's all right here too.
Best Media Personality - Jay Towers
Jay Towers is one of the friendliest and most visible faces in Detroit, thanks both to his many eye-catching billboards and to his regular morning show on 100.3 WNIC. The genial and humorous Towers brightens our mornings with his entertaining interviews and banter over wacky and interesting news. And a major local morning show alone isn't enough to keep this guy busy; he also holds down a gig as Fox 2's weekend anchor.
Best Michigan-Based Magazine - Hour
This oversized glossy mag is all class. From food features to fashion spreads to arts and entertainment stories, Hour always has its finger on the pulse of metro Detroit's finest cultural goings-on. You'll also find insightful coverage of current trends and events, as well as in-depth interviews with local newsmakers and luminaries. With gorgeous photography and thoughtful writing, Hour is great reading material with a top-flight package.
Best Radio DJ - Jay Hudson
RDW readers keep coming back to Jay Hudson for "Best Radio DJ" year after year, and with good reason. 89X's weeknight DJ keeps us on top of the latest hits in alternative rock, but he also keeps in touch with his listeners, taking plenty of calls every night with his signature brand of sharp, sarcastic humor. We also have to give props to his "Top 9 at 9" hit countdown, as well as his big love for local bands on Sunday night's "The Homeboy Show."
Best Radio Morning Show - Drew & Mike
"Did you hear Drew and Mike this morning?" is one of those quintessential water-cooler discussions in metro Detroit. Everyone knows the WRIF's raucous radio hell-raisers, and they never fail to come up with something funny, raunchy or just plain ridiculous to get people talking. The duo keeps us on top of popular culture and entertainment, sports...and hotties. Don't forget the hotties. They've turned us on to some pretty damn funny YouTube videos too.
Best Radio Sports Talk Show - 97.1 Valenti and Foster
Mike Valenti and Terry Foster definitely know how to make entertaining radio. With their regular weekday spot on WXYT 97.1, the duo cover local sports with a sense of humor and some serious ball-busting spirit. These two pull no punches, either with their call-in listeners or with each other. When they see bullshit, they call it, and that's what makes their daily four-hour spot well worth tuning in.
Best Radio Station - 89X
During the day, 89X is our go-to spot on the dial for the best in alternative rock. If it's big right now, you can hear it here. Of course, the station also has Dave and Chuck "The Freak" to kick mornings off with their crazy-ass humor before the music even gets started. The station shakes things up a bit on weekends; tune in on Sunday mornings for Cristina's take on old-school alternative with the Timewarp Playlist. And let's not forget about "The Homeboy Show" and its continued support of our beloved local talent.
Best Sports Writer - Michael Rosenberg
Michael Rosenberg definitely has the resume to back up his title as RDW's Best Sports Writer this year. In addition to his current regular column for the Free Press, he's written for major publications from The Chicago Tribune to Sports Illustrated, and the Associated Press Sports Editors have named him one of the country's top 10 sports columnists. But credentials aside, we love him most for his reliable, smart and snappy coverage of local sports in the Freep.
Best Dressed News Anchor - Glenda Lewis
Now this is a journalist with some serious class. Lewis stays on top of local news as a reporter for Channel 7, and she never fails to look impeccably stylish while she's at it. Whether she's spotted in a dress or basic pantsuit on the news, or in a dressy gown at a ritzy public event, Lewis' style is colorful, graceful, professional and unique. It's easy for a reporter to opt for reliable clothing standards, but Lewis never fails to stand out. And if you happened to catch her post-Oscar commentary this year, it's easy to see she talks the walk, too.
Best Sportscaster - Dan Miller
When you think "Lions," you may not necessarily think "Dan Miller," but you definitely hear his voice in your head. Miller, of course, is the radio voice of the Detroit Lions, and he's also the sports director and anchor for Fox 2. Miller's calm and cool authority makes him our go-to guy for Detroit sports news and commentary. And if you can't catch a Lions game on TV or in person, his is the voice you want to hear, right down to his signature "Ohhh, Megatron!" Although Miller grew up and cut his teeth in Washington, D.C., he's been working in Detroit since '97. And he's been working in sports journalism since age 18, when he got a job editing tape for radio sportscasts in D.C. Miller's got serious cred, and it shows in his capable, well-informed broadcasts.
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