NFDA recognizes Chptr’s Local Media Distribution Network, which gives funeral homes a simple way to move obituary and memorial announcements beyond their own channels and into trusted local media.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 26, 2026 — Chptr has won the 2026 National Funeral Directors Association Innovation Award for its Local Media Distribution Network, recognizing a new approach to one of funeral service’s oldest responsibilities: making sure the people who would want to know about a passing actually hear the news.

For decades, obituary distribution has largely depended on funeral home websites, newspapers and families knowing where to look. Chptr built a different model, connecting funeral homes directly with local television, radio, digital news, streaming and other community media so obituary and memorial announcements can travel further without creating more work for funeral home staff.

Funeral homes submit the information once, and Chptr handles production, formatting, scheduling and distribution across its national media network, including all 210 U.S. television markets and the iHeartMedia network, with the flexibility to activate additional distribution channels market by market.

“This award is especially meaningful because NFDA is recognizing more than a piece of technology,” said Rehan Choudhry, Founder and CEO of Chptr. “Funeral directors already do the hardest part: they guide grieving families through dozens of decisions and bring every detail of a service together. They should not also have to be media planners, producers and distributors. We built Chptr to take that work off their plate and give the stories they are already entrusted with the reach they deserve.”

The NFDA Innovation Award has recognized funeral service suppliers and vendors for originality, creativity and thoughtful problem-solving since 2009. Chptr was selected from four finalists that also included The Impression Vault, Tukios and WellTold.

“The strength of this year’s entries makes this recognition especially meaningful,” said Choudhry. “The finalists are solving very different problems, but all of them are pushing funeral service forward in thoughtful ways. We’re humbled to be recognized alongside The Impression Vault, Tukios and WellTold, and grateful to NFDA and the judges for the work they put into this process.”

The recognition comes as funeral homes navigate a changing media landscape in which traditional obituary channels no longer reach every part of a community. Chptr’s network gives funeral homes a way to extend the care they already provide beyond their own walls and websites, helping families reach people who may want to attend a service, offer support or simply know that someone mattered.

Chptr will be exhibiting throughout the 2026 NFDA International Convention & Expo in Charlotte, where funeral professionals can learn more about the Local Media Distribution Network and see how the service works.

About Chptr

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in New York, Chptr helps funeral homes reach more families and strengthen their presence in the communities they serve. Its offerings include Broadcast Obituaries, which bring local remembrances to television audiences, and ChptrOne, a fully managed marketing service spanning TV, radio, streaming, social and search. Together, they help funeral homes extend their reach, stay visible year-round and connect more consistently with their communities. Learn more at chptr.com.

Media Contact

press@chptr.com