Nebraska Broadcasters Association Honors Five with Hall of Fame Induction
Nebraska Broadcasters Association Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA) has announced its 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, welcoming five new members to the prestigious group. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame now boasts 123 members, with the 2025 class being a notable addition to the list.
Among the inductees are husband and wife owner/operators, Dennis and Kathi Brown. The couple, who first met while working at a Colorado radio station, have been a significant part of Nebraska's radio industry for many years. They are known for their commitment to local news, weather, and high school sports. In 1991, the Browns purchased 610 KCSR(AM) in Chadron, Nebraska, preventing the station from going silent. They also own 107.7 KBPY(FM), a Class C2 station licensed to Hay Springs.
Dennis and Kathi Brown remain involved in day-to-day station operations for both KBPY and KCSR. The Browns' dedication to the industry is evident in their continued service.
Joining the Browns in the 2025 class is Dale Johnson, a radio veteran with a 51-year career in Nebraska. Johnson has worked in various cities across the state, including Lincoln, and has earned multiple industry awards from the AP, RTDNA, the NBA, and UPI. In 2023, Johnson joined Nebraska Public Media, where he serves as the morning host and news reporter.
Another inductee is Dave Wingert, who has an on-air resume of 60 years and counting. Wingert has been heard on Nebraska's radio airwaves for decades and has made Omaha his radio home, with stops at several stations over the years. Notably, Wingert was the nationally syndicated host of "Dave 'Til Dawn."
Lastly, Mike McKnight, an investigative reporter for Omaha's WOWT(TV) since 1977, completes the 2025 class. McKnight's investigative work has made a significant impact on the community, and his dedication to journalism spans nearly five decades.
The 2025 class includes four individuals who have been heard for decades on Nebraska's radio airwaves, a testament to their enduring impact on the industry. The Nebraska Broadcasters Association is proud to honour these inductees for their contributions to broadcasting in Nebraska.
The NBA is a nonprofit organization established in 1934, supporting the interests of FCC-licensed AM, FM, and TV member stations in the state. As the second-oldest state broadcast association in the U.S., the NBA plays a crucial role in the development and growth of Nebraska's broadcasting industry.
The 2025 inductees are: - Dennis Brown - Kathi Brown - Dale Johnson - Dave Wingert - Mike McKnight
No additional inductees beyond these five are mentioned in the available sources. The Browns, Johnson, Wingert, and McKnight have all made significant contributions to Nebraska's broadcasting industry, and their induction into the Hall of Fame is well-deserved.
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association honors four radio veterans in the 2025 Hall of Fame class: Dennis Brown, Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, and Dave Wingert, all of whom have contributed significantly to Nebraska's radio airwaves for decades. The association's decision to induct these media personalities reaffirms their commitment to recognizing excellence in the broadcasting industry.
