During its annual convention, the Nebraska Broadcasters Association announced its yearly Hall of Fame inductees, four of whom have been heard for decades on the state’s radio airwaves.
There are five new members in all for 2025. Established in 1972, the NAB Hall of Fame now stands at 123 members.
Extra special for this year is that the Hall of Fame now includes husband and wife owner/operators living out their radio dream.
Dennis and Kathi Brown
Dennis and Kathi Brown first met while working at a Colorado radio station. An NBA release described the couple as sharing a passion for radio and a dream of ownership. They purchased 610 KCSR(AM) in Chadron, in the Nebraska panhandle, in 1991, which kept the station from going silent. The Browns say they grew KCSR through its local employees, which paved the way for the couple to buy 107.7 KBPY(FM), a Class C2 station licensed to Hay Springs.
Noted for their commitment to local news, weather and high school sports, NBA said the Browns remain involved in day-to-day station operations for both KBPY and KCSR.
Dale Johnson
Dale Johnson has a 51-year radio career in Nebraska, including as a source of radio news in the capital city of Lincoln. He embarked on a radio career through the cities of Holdredge, Kearney, Omaha and Grand Island, then spent 38 years as 1240 KFOR(AM)’s news director in Lincoln. In 2023, he joined Nebraska Public Media, where he serves as morning host and news reporter. He’s earned multiple industry awards from the AP, RTDNA, the NBA and UPI.
Dave Wingert
Dave Wingert has an on-air resume of 60 years and counting. His career includes stops in Kansas City and Seattle and as the nationally syndicated host of “Dave ‘Til Dawn.”
“Wingy” made Omaha his radio home, with stops at 590 WOW(AM), 98.5 KQKQ(FM) and 99.9 KGOR(FM) before becoming morning host on 1420 KOBM(AM) in 2016.
Also inducted in 2025 is Mike McKnight, an investigative reporter for Omaha’s WOWT(TV) since 1977.
Established in 1934, the Nebraska Broadcasters Association is nonprofit organization supporting the interests of FCC-licensed AM, FM and TV member stations in the state. NBA says it is the second-oldest state broadcast association in the U.S.
