HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – WAFF’s beloved anchor Liz Hurley was honored Thursday night at a ceremony near Nashville, where the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Midsouth presented her with a Silver Circle Emmy. The award recognizes her more than three decades of broadcasting excellence in the Tennessee Valley.
Hurley, an Emmy‑award‑winning journalist, attended the event with her husband, children, and a number of colleagues, including chief meteorologist Brad Travis and co‑anchor Margo Gray, who introduced her to the audience. The tribute highlighted not only her on‑air achievements but also her tireless advocacy for breast‑cancer awareness. She founded the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund and the annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, initiatives that have raised significant funds and community support for patients and research.
Other honorees and the ceremony
The Silver Circle ceremony honored six individuals in total. Alongside Hurley, meteorologist Lisa Spencer of WSMV Nashville, veteran television production leader Randy Nielsen, and the acclaimed Nashville production duo Robert Deaton and George Flanigen were recognized. Longtime Memphis reporter Les Smith received a posthumous honor, while Harry Chapman was presented with a Gold Circle Emmy for his 35‑year career as an anchor and entertainment reporter in Nashville.
During the evening, a video tribute showcased clips from Hurley’s career, illustrating her impact on local news, community service, and public health outreach. Attendees praised her professionalism, compassion, and dedication to telling stories that matter to families across the region.
Why the Silver Circle matters
The Silver Circle Emmy is reserved for individuals who have contributed at least 25 years of outstanding service to television. Recipients are celebrated for both their on‑screen work and their behind‑the‑scenes influence on the industry. For Hurley, the award underscores a career that has blended hard‑news reporting with heartfelt community activism, embodying the values of faith, family, and liberty that many in North Alabama hold dear.
Hurley’s commitment to breast‑cancer awareness reflects a broader tradition of local broadcasters using their platforms to champion health causes. Her ribbon run, which winds through Huntsville neighborhoods each spring, brings together runners, survivors, and volunteers, reinforcing the idea that a strong community can rally around a common purpose.
Looking ahead
While the ceremony marked a milestone, Hurley emphasized that her work is far from finished. She plans to expand the ribbon run’s reach and continue supporting the breast‑cancer fund, aiming to provide more resources for early detection and patient support throughout the region.
For Huntsville residents, the celebration of Liz Hurley’s career serves as a reminder of the power of local media to inform, inspire, and unite families. As the city continues to grow, voices like Hurley’s help preserve the community spirit that makes the Tennessee Valley a place where faith, family, and freedom thrive.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
