The Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA) will induct five new members into its Hall of Fame during its Annual Convention on August 12 in La Vista, bringing the total to 123 members since the Hall’s inception in 1972. This year’s honorees are Dennis and Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight, and Dave Wingert.
Dennis and Kathi Brown, the first husband-and-wife owner/operator team inducted, met at a Colorado radio station and saved KCSR-AM in Chadron from closure in 1991. They later acquired KBPY-FM in 2011, focusing on community service, local news, weather, and high school sports. Kathi has supported local businesses through advertising, while Dennis, a three-term NBA Board Chairman, has advocated for radio on Capitol Hill.
Dale Johnson’s 51-year Nebraska radio career includes 38 years as KFOR’s news director in Lincoln before joining Nebraska Public Media in 2023. Renowned for trusted interviews and award-winning reporting, he has covered major stories and joined Governor Dave Heineman on a trade mission to Cuba.
Dave Wingert, with over 60 years in broadcasting, has worked in Kansas City, Seattle, and national syndication before settling in Omaha. Known for his humor and energy, he hosts mornings on KOBM-FM’s “Boomer Radio” and supports community fundraising.
Mike McKnight, a WOWT-TV Omaha reporter since 1977, is among Nebraska’s most respected investigative journalists. His exposés on government and industry wrongdoing have earned Murrow, Sevareid, and other awards, and he helped establish courtroom camera access in Nebraska.