(Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) has named longtime broadcaster and community leader Randy Miller as one of the 2025 Broadcasters of the Year, honoring his lifetime of service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to Illinois radio.
For more than five decades, Miller has been a fixture in Illinois broadcasting — a small-town operator with big-standards and a deep commitment to the communities he served. His Tri-County regional radio group became a trusted voice for listeners and a model of how local radio should sound: authentic, relevant, and rooted in community connection.
Miller’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves. As a mentor and leader, he helped shape countless careers, inspiring broadcasters across the state to believe that local ownership and community service still matter in today’s fast-changing media landscape.
The nomination for Miller’s recognition came from Fletcher Ford, a Trustee of the Illinois Broadcasters Association and CEO of Regional Media. Ford’s nomination received a unanimous vote from the IBA Board of Trustees — a rare honor that speaks volumes about the respect Miller commands across the industry.
“Randy Miller built radio the right way — one relationship at a time,” said Ford. “He didn’t just teach me how to run stations; he showed me how to serve people. My passion for local radio was ignited by Randy, and that passion continues to drive what we do at Regional Media every single day. Watching him receive this recognition was one of the proudest moments of my career.”
After purchasing Miller’s Tri-County group, Ford grew it into Regional Media, now the state’s largest locally owned broadcasting company. Miller’s vision — of serving local audiences through trusted voices and community-first storytelling — remains the foundation of Regional Media’s success. Ford has since expanded his influence across the us and beyond, becoming a mentor himself to a new generation of broadcasters who share the same heart for hometown radio that Miller instilled in him.
Miller was honored alongside the late Shaun Newell, remembered for his leadership in southern Illinois radio and his lifelong commitment to community service. The event also recognized Mr. T, the iconic actor and philanthropist, who was inducted into the IBA Hall of Fame for his enduring influence and faith-driven message of hope and perseverance.
Also celebrated during the luncheon was Wayne Miller, Regional Media’s longtime engineer, who recently retired after decades of service. Wayne played an essential role in expanding Regional Media’s technical infrastructure and mentoring countless engineers — including Cameron Ford, the company’s current Chief Engineer. His recognition added another proud moment for the Regional Media family.
Pictured left to right: Fletcher Ford, Randy Miller, and Matt Hart of Hart Media Group (purchaser of the Taylorville and Clinton stations).
About Regional Media
Regional Media is one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing, locally owned broadcast and digital media companies. With stations and platforms serving communities across Illinois and Iowa, Regional Media delivers local news, entertainment, and community service programming that connects people where they live and work. Guided by the belief that local matters, the company continues to expand while staying rooted in its hometown values — strong journalism, local ownership, and a deep commitment to the communities it serves