NDBA Pioneers in Broadcasting
Celebrating radio and television in North Dakota since 1998
The NDBA “Pioneer” award is given to a broadcaster whose contribution to the industry promises to have enduring value throughout North Dakota in Television or Radio.
The Pioneer recipient has made significant and lasting contributions to North Dakota broadcasting.
This prestigious award is presented at the NDBA Annual Fall Conference Luncheon.
Pioneer recipients are honored in the Hall of Fame interactive kiosk located at the Heritage Center in Bismarck, ND
2025 Pioneers

KUMV TV, Williston

KNOX Radio, Grand Forks
2024 Pioneers

WDAY TV, Fargo

2023 Pioneer

KFYR TV, Bismarck
2022 | Cliff Naylor | KFYR TV | Bismarck |
2021 | Bob Simmons | Simmons MultiMedia | Grafton, Langdon |
2021 | John Wheeler | WDAY TV | Fargo |
2020 | Bob Harris | KFGO Radio | Fargo |
2019 | Duaine Sanden | Leighton Broadcasting | Grand Forks |
2018 | Jack McDonald | Wheeler Wolf Law Firm | Bismarck |
2017 | Dwayne Walker | KFYR TV | Bismarck |
2016 | Pat McLean | iHeart Media | Grand Forks |
2015 | Dick Heidt | KFYR TV | Bismarck |
2014 | Dan Brannan | KFYR-AM | Bismarck |
2013 | Bobby Gaye | KSJB-AM | Jamestown |
2012 | Bob Kerr | WDAZ | Grand Forks |
2011 | Bob Denver | KXRV-FM/KKBO | Bismarck |
2010 | Charley Johnson | KVLY/KXJB-TV | Fargo |
2009 | Bob Beck | KACL-FM | Bismarck |
2008 | Norman Kidd | KSJB | Jamestown |
2007 | Robert Ingstad | KOVC | Valley City |
2006 | Dick Voight | KFGO | Fargo |
2005 | Earl Ackermann | KLTC | Dickinson |
2004 | Rog Higgins | KFYR-TV | Bismarck |
2003 | Al Gustin | KFYR-AM | Bismarck |
2002 | Marv Bossart | WDAY-TV | Fargo |
2001 | Tom Barr | KFYR-TV | Bismarck |
2000 | Jim Adelson | KXJB | Fargo |
1999 | John Williams | KXJB | Minot |
1998 | Ray David | KCAD | Dickinson |