Named by The National Law Journal as one of the nation's 10 leading media/ telecommunications lawyers
Named by TV NewsCheck as one of the nation's top 5 media lawyers
Recognized by his peers for inclusion in Business North Carolina’s "Legal Elite" in Business Law (2014)
Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in Communications Law, First Amendment Law, Copyright Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Media Law, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Recognized in North Carolina Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) in Communications Law (2007-2011)
Listed in Who's Who in America and Preeminent Lawyers of America, Top Rated Lawyer
Awarded the University of North Carolina Law School's Distinguished Alumnus Award
Honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America with the Ward L. Quaal Award in recognition of leadership of and contributions to the media industry and public service to his state and community
Honored by the University of North Carolina, media clients and friends by establishment of the "Wade H. Hargrove Colloquium in Media Law and Policy" at the University of North Carolina
Honored by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters with establishment of the "Wade H. Hargrove Community Service Award" given to North Carolina broadcasters who have demonstrated an abiding commitment to public service in their communities
Inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece by the University of North Carolina
Awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the State of North Carolina's highest award for public service
Inducted in the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Recipient, North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Distinguished Service Award
Recipient, North Carolina Cable Telecommunications Distinguished Service Award