The Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) will induct four new members into the Kansas Broadcasting Hall of Fame, as well as honor four other outstanding broadcasters. Inductees will be honored at the 2024 award ceremony at the KAB Convention, Oct. 20-21, in Wichita. Background on the criteria for these awards, including past recipients, can be found on our website at www.kab.net.
The KAB is a statewide trade association serving a membership 259 full power broadcast stations.
KAB HALL OF FAME
Ben Bauman, Holton
A lifelong Kansan, Ben grew up on a farm near Bern in northeast Kansas. Throughout his broadcasting career, he remained true to his rural roots, living near Holton.
Ben began his career in 1982 as a student part-timer at KTWU, the PBS station licensed to Washburn University. In 1983, he added a weekend radio news job at 580 WIBW. After completing his communications degree in 1985, he joined WIBW AM-FM and their newly added Kansas Information Network.
For much of the next two decades, Ben served as the primary morning anchor for the local flagship and statewide network, including 10 years as News Director. In 2006, Ben transitioned to television, serving as evening anchor for KTKA (KAB Medium Market Station of the Year in 2008), KTMJ-Fox 43, and later KSNT after the stations merged.
In addition to broadcasting, Ben served as Communications Director for Governor Bill Graves’ administration, Public Relations Manager for St. Francis Hospital, Public Affairs Director for the Kansas Adjutant General, and Talent Development Coordinator at Advisors Excel.
Ben has received numerous KAB and AP Broadcast awards. He was selected as a fellow with the RIAS Berlin Commission German-American Journalist Exchange in 1999. He covered the Kansas National Guard delegation visit to Armenia in 2005 and was embedded with a unit from Fort Riley during combat training at Fort Irwin, CA. He is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Kansas.
Ben still satisfies his passion for broadcasting through his voiceover and audio production business, BBSideMedia, and is the “voice” of The Voice of Agriculture-Kansas Farm Bureau and other clients.
Ben and his wife, Marj, have three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandsons.
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Hall of Fame: Greg Sharpe, Lincoln, NE
Greg Sharpe has been the Voice of the Huskers since 2008. A two-time Kansas Sportscaster of the Year winner, Greg served as the Voice of the Wildcats for his alma mater, Kansas State, from 1996-2002 and is forever linked to one of the greatest periods in college football history, with the Wildcats posting 59 wins during his six seasons. Long before he took over as Voice of the Wildcats, Greg was well known as a talented sports anchor for WIBW TV in Topeka for 22 years and hosted 580 Sports Talk for many years.
Hall of Fame: Paul Heskett, Colby
Paul Heskett has spent his 40-year career in Kansas, beginning at KAYS, KFNF, and KIOL before finding his home at KXXX in northwest Kansas nearly four decades ago. His iconic “Bop Shop Saturday” show has become a staple, known for his unique style, high energy, crazy humor, and unparalleled connection with listeners.
In 2011, Paul received the KAB Sonny Slater Award for Service to Community and Station. He has also won numerous KAB awards for “Bop Shop Saturday.”
Paul is deeply involved in his community as a member of the Jaycees, a board member of the Wild West Historical Foundation, and a participant on multiple local boards promoting civic engagement and historical preservation. His dedication extends to supporting veterans through the VFW Auxiliary, Run for the Wall, and his work with Kansas Honor Flight. Paul has also emceed many events, including the Kansas Governor’s Hunt.
Hall of Fame: Kyle Bauer, Clay Center
Kyle Bauer has been one of the owners of Taylor Communications (KCLY and KFRM) since 1994. In 2024, he purchased 10 stations from Rocking M in Colby, Goodland, Liberal, and Dodge City. He serves as the General Manager of KFRM, its National Sales Representative, and is also the co-host of the popular show “Plain Talk.”
Kyle is a native of Clay Center, where he grew up in a farm family. He graduated from Kansas State University and has worked as a farmer, business operator, and commercial real estate owner.
Kyle has served on the KAB Board of Directors and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Board of Directors. He has twice been awarded the National Agri-Marketing Association’s R.C. Ferguson Award and the President’s Award. Additionally, Kyle has been a valuable associate and advisor to the KAB, including participating in trips to Washington, D.C., on behalf of the organization. Under Kyle’s leadership, KCLY and KFRM have earned numerous accolades, including seven consecutive KAB Small Market Station of the Year awards for KCLY and a total of 11 Station of the Year titles.
Kyle is also well-known for his community involvement. He is a Rotary Club member and Past President, Past President of the Pawnee Mental Health Foundation Board, and has served on the Clay Center Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission. He has contributed to numerous community projects, including advocacy and improvements.
MIKE OATMAN AWARD FOR BROADCAST SALES EXCELLENCE
Penny Coy, KGGF Radio Group, Coffeyville
Penny Coy has been an Account Executive with the KGGF Radio Group’s four stations for five years, bringing over 40 years of advertising sales experience. Penny has consistently been the top salesperson at KGGF Radio Group, a testament to her dedication and expertise. Her approach with clients embodies professionalism, fostering lasting relationships that not only retain advertisers but often increase their engagement with the stations. Penny is instrumental in guiding the sales team, cultivating new business opportunities, and sharing her knowledge. Beyond her outstanding sales achievements, Penny serves as a mentor to the staff, particularly to newcomers.
Penny’s commitment extends beyond the studio walls, as she actively engages with and contributes to her community through volunteering and leadership roles, earning widespread respect and admiration.
RISING STAR TV AWARD
Hannah King, KAKE, Wichita
Hannah King joined KAKE News in September 2021 as a general assignment reporter and MMJ, quickly climbing the ranks to earn a seat at the anchor desk. She has anchored both weekday mornings and weekends at KAKE for the last several years.
Outside of her time on the desk, Hannah has been a passionate and fearless leader in assisting with unsolved crime investigations in KAKEland. From cold cases to missing persons and homicide investigations, Hannah has found her calling in telling the stories of those whose names and stories haven’t been heard in decades, with the hope that answers and justice will follow. Her efforts have contributed to cases being solved and arrests being made in unsolved Kansas crimes.
Before making her mark in Wichita, Kansas, Hannah worked for ABC affiliates in Central Texas and West Tennessee. She is a graduate of Campbell University in North Carolina. Hannah is married to a professional baseball player, and together they share a one-year-old daughter.
RISING STAR RADIO AWARD
Brandon Napier, Ad Astra Radio, Hutchinson
Brandon Napier is the Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Ad Astra Radio, and an invaluable asset to the team. He has played a key role in integrating all of Ad Astra’s new stations over the past few years and in upgrading and updating the associated technology. Known as the ultimate team player and a jack of all trades, Brandon is relentless in his efforts to improve operations.
Before joining Ad Astra, Brandon worked for 14 years at Verizon. In early 2022, he decided to leave the corporate world behind to work for a family business and was eager to return to local broadcasting.
Two important people who have heavily influenced Brandon in the radio industry are his father, Vernon Napier, who passed away in 2014, and his brother, Aaron Napier, who is Ad Astra’s Vice President and Chief Programming Officer. Vernon worked at KLEY KWME for around 25 years, and Brandon helped with many tasks there, including running the board for KU, the Royals, and the Wichita Wranglers, as well as handling traffic for the stations for many years. At the age of 14, Brandon often covered for his dad with news and operations when he was on vacation. Brandon credits Aaron with inspiring him to return to broadcasting.
Brandon met his wife, Danielle, at Campus High School in 2005, and they later married in 2008. Together, they have a son and a daughter.
SONNY SLATER AWARD FOR SERVICE TO STATION AND COMMUNITY
Dave Grant, KAKE, Wichita
Dave Grant is the Assistant News Director at KAKE in Wichita and a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism. While at KU, Dave also worked at WREN in Topeka, as well as KJHK and Sunflower Cablevision in Lawrence.
His next stop was KAYS AM & TV in Hays. After 14 months in Hays, Dave moved to Wichita, where he’s spent nearly 40 years working first at KWCH and then transitioning to KAKE.
Throughout his career, Dave has served as News Director, Executive Producer, and currently, Assistant News Director at KAKE. In his role, he helps guide younger staff members in developing their daily assignments and oversees KAKE’s internship program, fostering the next generation of newsroom talent. Dave is known for always lending a helping hand in station operations, stepping in wherever needed without hesitation.
In 2023, Dave was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Emmy Silver Circle. Throughout his career, he has been honored with numerous accolades, including five Heartland Regional Emmy awards.
Dave is also a pillar in his community, taking on leadership roles such as Boy Scout and Cub Scout leader, serving on the board of directors for the YMCA of Greater Wichita, and acting as President of both the Valley Center Swim Club and the Wichita Heights Booster Club. Additionally, he has been a youth sports coach and a USA Swimming official. Dave and his wife, Rachael, have also served as host parents for foreign exchange students.
