Newsroom Awards
WCBU's newsroom is staffed with award-winning journalists.
Illinois News Broadcasters Association
The INBA recognized WCBU with first place honors in its inaugural Crystal Mic Awards in 2021, in the Small Market Radio category.
- Best Station - entire staff
- Best Digital Presence - entire staff
Associated Press
The Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters contest was discontinued after 2020, replaced with the INBA's Crystal Mic Awards.
- 2019 - Best Digital Presence - second place
- 2015 - Best Light Feature ("Music and Surgery") - first place
- 2014 - Best Spot News ("PSD 150 Controversy Persists") - first place
- 2013 - Best Newscast - first place
Regional Murrow Awards
WCBU has previously earned regional Edward R. Murrow Awards.
- 2013 - Audio Reporting: Hard News ("Peoria's Struggling Neighborhoods Get National Focus")
- 2013 - Audio Continuing Coverage ("Don't Shoot Peoria")