CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) My Keene Now and WKNE, both part of Monadnock Media Group, earned recognition at the 2025 Granite Mikes Awards, which celebrate excellence in broadcasting and digital media across New Hampshire.

My Keene Now took first place in the Digital Platform category, while WKNE’s Steve Hamel and Teri Pearsall received a merit award in the Team category. The New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters (NHAB) presented the awards during a ceremony Friday at the Grappone Center in Concord.

The Granite Mikes recognize achievements in radio, television and digital media, with categories covering news reporting, public affairs, feature stories, on-air performance, public service campaigns and other aspects of broadcasting.

The awards recognize both individual accomplishments and collaborative efforts, including work by on-air teams and media organizations serving their communities. Digital media also has a place in the competition, reflecting the changing ways audiences access news and information beyond traditional radio and television broadcasts.

For My Keene Now, the first-place award comes as the local news website continues to build its presence across the greater Keene area and the Monadnock Region.

Launched June 5, 2024, My Keene Now was created to provide free, timely and reliable local news at a time when communities increasingly need accessible coverage of local issues and events. During its first year, the site published hundreds of stories about the people, businesses, government decisions and activities shaping the region, and has now attracted more than 1.3 million users and generated more than 2.9 million pageviews.

The website is backed by Monadnock Media Group and covers breaking news, municipal government, public safety, business, arts and culture, health and wellness, outdoor recreation and community events. Its coverage extends beyond Keene to communities throughout the Monadnock Region.

Editor-in-Chief Nicole Colson said the site’s mission is to provide accurate, unbiased and relevant reporting that helps residents stay informed and connected. The publication has continued to develop its coverage and community partnerships as it expands its reach.

The Digital Platform award recognizes My Keene Now’s work serving audiences online, while WKNE’s Team award highlights the contributions of Hamel and Pearsall.

The awards ceremony also included NHAB’s annual business meeting and a buffet dinner. NHAB Executive Director Tracy Caruso served as emcee and was named the 2026 Broadcaster of the Year.