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 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.
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