PO Box 3178 | Bismarck, ND 58502

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

Jon Cole
KUMV TV, Williston
Doug Barrett
KNOX Radio, Grand Forks

2024 Pioneers

Kerstin Kealy
WDAY TV, Fargo
Paul Jurgens, KFGO Radio, Fargo

2023 Pioneer

Monica Hannan
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