The Shari Elliker Show, airing weekdays from 9 a.m.-noon on WBAL-AM (1090), has been named the region's Oustanding Talk Show by the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association.

"Whenever people recognize you, it makes it look like you are doing it right," said Elliker, who started her weekday show on WBAL last September, following the departure of Chip Franklin. "Any award is validation, and any award is wonderful."

Judges praised the show for "providing context on timely issues. ... she is at her best when she challenges her callers."

Elliker has spent more than 20 years working on radio and television in the Baltimore area, including a stint as co-host of mid-80s cable show out of Annapolis. She also has done stage and TV work, including appearances on Homicide: Life On the Street, America's Most Wanted and Unsolved Mysteries. She came to WBAL seven years ago, after a stint as co-host of XM Satellite Radio's Broadminded

The Chesapeaka Associated Press Broadcasters Association includes radio and television stations in Maryland, Delaware and Washington. The award was presented Saturday at the association's annual convention.

Photo courtesy WBAL