The Nebraska Broadcasters Association has announced that it will induct Dennis and Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into its Hall of Fame on August 12 during its annual convention.
Our first husband & wife owner/operator inductees, Dennis and Kathi Brown met while working at a Colorado radio station. Sharing a passion for radio and a dream of ownership, their 1991 purchase of KCSR AM in Chadron, Nebraska saved the station from going under. Strongly focused on community service, Dennis and Kathi grew KCSR through a dedicated team of local employees that paved the way for them to buy KBPY FM in 2011. Beyond their strong commitment to local news, weather, high school sports and more, Kathi has helped countless businesses grow through advertising solutions. Dennis has been a tireless advocate for radio broadcasting on Capitol Hill and is a three-time Chairman of the NBA Board of Directors. Dennis and Kathi remain actively involved in station operations every day, taking great pride in serving the Chadron area.
In a Nebraska radio career now spanning 51 years, Dale Johnson is a highly respected source of radio news in Lincoln. After his early years as an announcer in Holdrege, Kearney, Omaha and Grand Island, Dale spent 38 years as news director for Lincoln’s KFOR before joining Nebraska Public Media in 2023 where he currently serves as morning host and news reporter. Dale’s unique ability to build trust with interviewees has allowed him access to Nebraska’s biggest newsmakers, earning numerous industry awards from AP, RTDNA, the NBA and UPI. In 2005, Dale was the only Nebraska media member to accompany Governor Dave Heineman on a trade mission to Cuba. Dale enjoys giving back as a frequent guest speaker on writing and conducting interviews at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
When Mike McKnight joined Omaha’s WOWT TV in 1977, he never dreamed that 49 years later he’d still be holding people accountable as a one-man watchdog through his tireless investigative reporting. An advocate for the truth – despite threats often made against him – Mike has taken on big business, government agencies, sketchy contractors and others with a knack for gathering evidence and righting wrongs with professionalism and integrity. One of Nebraska’s most respected reporters, McKnight has earned regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and an Eric Sevareid Award along with numerous awards from AP, the NBA, Omaha Press Club and others. Mike was on the ground floor of establishing courtroom camera access in Nebraska, and to this day, enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists at UNL through tips and feedback on their weekly live newscasts.
With an on-air resume covering 60 years and still counting, Dave Wingert has touched numerous radio audiences with his energy, wit and infectious personality. While his career includes stops in Kansas City, Seattle and ten years in national syndication as “Dave ‘Til Dawn,” Wingert made Omaha radio his home through his presence on KQKQ, KGOR and KLTQ before becoming the morning show host in 2016 on “Boomer Radio” – KOBM FM – where he continues entertaining his loyal “Wingy” fans to this day. Beyond his on-air effervescence, Dave is known for giving his time and talents to support the community through fundraising efforts for the Durham Museum, Omaha Community Playhouse and The Salvation Army to name a few. Through vast changes in technology, formats and ownership, Wingert’s legendary career shines on.
