John Dearing to Receive 2026 Board of Governors Award

John Dearing will receive the 2026 Board of Governors Award at the 68th Capital Emmy Awards on June 20th.

The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NCCB-NATAS) is pleased to announce that John Dearing, News Director at WRDE CoastTV, will receive the 2026 Board of Governors Award.

With experience at stations across the country, Dearing has built a distinguished career defined by excellence in storytelling, leadership, and innovation. Since joining Draper Media in 2003, he has helped expand station operations, launch new programming, and modernize technology to better serve a growing and evolving region. Printable press release

Beyond his operational leadership, Dearing is widely recognized for his commitment to mentorship. He has guided journalists who have gone on to succeed in top markets, including Baltimore and Washington, D.C., as well as at the network level—extending his impact well beyond Delmarva.

Dearing has also championed meaningful, community-focused journalism. Under his direction, WBOC produced impactful reporting such as Hooked: Delmarva’s Drug Crisis, an Emmy Award-winning documentary that sparked important conversations around opioid addiction and connected viewers with real-time support resources. He has also supported innovative programming that strengthens audience engagement, including interactive formats that bring viewers more directly into the storytelling process.

“John stands out for his unwavering commitment to excellence, paired with a rare sense of integrity and patience,” said Ted Corriero of WRDE. “It’s that combination that has made him a mentor to dozens of journalists who have gone on to succeed at the highest levels of our industry.”

“John is a decorated industry veteran with a long list of achievements, but more importantly, he is a leader dedicated to shaping the next generation of professionals,” said NCCB-NATAS President Adam Longo. “It is an honor for the Board of Governors to recognize his lasting contributions.”

The Board of Governors Award recognizes individuals, organizations, or companies for outstanding achievement and unique accomplishments that extend beyond traditional television production. Honorees are selected for their enduring contributions to the industry and the community.

Dearing will be honored at the 68th Capital Emmy® Awards on Saturday, June 20, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Bethesda, Maryland.