[From National SBE and local reports]

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has announced the recipients of the 2025 SBE National Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements by individual members, local chapters, and Sustaining Member companies. Among the organization’s highest honors are the Robert W. Flanders SBE Engineer of the Year and the James C. Wulliman SBE Educator of the Year awards.

Doug Irwin, CPBE, AMD, DRB, of Burbank, CA, a member of SBE Chapter 47 Los Angeles, has been named the 2025 Robert W. Flanders SBE Engineer of the Year. With nearly four decades of experience on both coasts, Irwin manages one of the most complex and influential radio operations in the country. His career has navigated the challenges of industry consolidation and evolving technologies, yet he remains deeply committed to advancing engineering standards and mentoring the next generation of professionals. As one Chapter 47 member stated, “Doug exemplifies unwavering dedication and genuine passion for broadcast engineering.”

Matthew Wilson Anderson, CSRE, staff engineer at iHeartMedia, was named SBE Chapter 47 Los Angeles Engineer of the Year. Matt was formerly with San Diego State University, KPBS, and iHeartMedia in San Diego before moving to Los Angeles. He’s been a chapter leader for years. 

I’ve had the privilege of working with both Doug and Matt as Event Frequency Coordinators in the NFL and can tell you they make critical tasks look easy and have interpersonal and leadership skills second to none. Both Doug and Matt were instrumental in helping build the iHeart infrastructure with redundancy that allows for high reliability with a low staff level, lower stress, and free weekends. 

Read here for more winners of the 2025 SBE Awards Program.