The PR Club of New England is proud to announce that Edgar B. Herwick III, GBH News host, will present the 58th Annual Bell Ringer Awards. The awards ceremony will take place on June 4, 2026 at the Museum of Science in Boston and will honor PR and communications campaigns, events, students, and professionals.
Herwick joined GBH in 2006 and hosts The Curiosity Desk, GBH News’ award-winning multiplatform daily show where he answers your questions, digs deeper into trending topics and explores some of the everyday mysteries hiding in plain sight. He is also co-host of GBH News’ The Culture Show. His curiosity-driven reporting and dynamic presence make him an ideal presenter for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in communications.
“In addition to Edgar’s presence as host, GBH will receive all proceeds from the annual Bell Ringers 50/50 Raffle,” explains Kaitlynn Cooney, PR Club President “The PR and communications industry’s success is innately tied to the prosperity of local media, and the journalists working in regional newsrooms. Now, more than ever, local journalism needs the support of a greater community. As the region’s longest-running communications professional organization, we want to honor GBH and support their expansive, multi-platform coverage of news across Greater Boston.”
The PR Club also announced that nominations for its 2026 Professional Awards are now open. These awards recognize exceptional individual and team achievements. Nominations are due April 21, 2026, and winners will be announced at the Bell Ringer Awards ceremony.
● Striker Award for Young Professional of the Year: Recognizes an early career public relations or communications practitioner who has excelled in the PR and communications industry in a very short period of time, and has surpassed other newcomers in the organization with an impactful, results-driven mindset.
● Ringer Award for Mid-Level Professional of the Year: Recognizes a public relations or communications practitioner who has demonstrated steady and significant progress in impacting his/her agency, company or practice and the New England PR community since entering the field of public relations.
● John J. Molloy Crystal Bell Lifetime Achievement Award: Recognizes and honors professionals with lengthy careers in communications and/or public relations, including agency principals, senior executives and others who possess extensive track records and distinguished credentials.
● Carillonneur Award for Best Team Culture: Recognizes a public relations or communications agency, in-house team, or workplace who has demonstrated strength, growth, and a commitment to culture over the past year.
The 58th Annual Bell Ringer Awards will bring together top communicators for a night of celebration, connection, and inspiration. From standout campaigns to emerging talent, the evening will spotlight the work shaping the future of public relations. Ticket and event details will be available soon.
"Local journalism and the PR and communications community are two sides of a coin when it comes to keeping Greater Boston informed and engaged,” said Herwick. “I'm thrilled to be part of an event that not only recognizes excellence in the field but also directly supports the mission of public media at GBH. And at the Museum of Science! I always enjoy my time there, but to see it filled with such energy and talent is something I am really looking forward to.”
The PR Club extends its appreciation to this year’s sponsors, including AF Media, David Fox Photography, Researchscape, Reportable, and JTC Printing, whose support helps make the Bell Ringer Awards possible. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact sponsorship@prclub.org.
Submissions for the Bell Ringer awards are due on March 8, 2026 for the regular deadline. There is also a late deadline available on March 15, 2026. For more information about the Bell Ringer Awards, please visit https://prclub.org/bell-ringer-awards/.
