For Immediate Release
Nebraska Public Media’s Dale Johnson to be Honored by Nebraska Broadcasters
LINCOLN, Neb. (Feb. 17, 2025) – The Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA) is honoring the journalism career of Nebraska Public Media “Morning Edition” host and reporter Dale Johnson by inducting him into the NBA Hall of Fame later this year.
Johnson has reported news in Nebraska for 50 years, beginning his career at KUVR in Holdrege, Neb., right out of high school. He’s covered thousands of stories from across the state, including the Nebraska Legislature, politics, education, agriculture and health, as well as breaking news.
Johnson met Fidel Castro when he traveled to Cuba to report on a 2005 trade mission with Gov. Dave Heineman and was in Honduras in 1987 to document the training Nebraska National Guard members were doing in the country. On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, he produced a four-hour live broadcast for KFOR, reporting from a New York City hotel room overlooking the site of the terror attacks.
“When Dale joined our team, he brought a very valuable mix of on-air and journalism experience. He’s been an excellent mentor to our young reporters, but on top of that, he’s one of the kindest, most caring journalists I have ever encountered. He sets a positive example every day. I couldn't be happier for Dale to be recognized by the NBA,” said Jay Omar, Nebraska Public Media news director.
After Holdrege, Johnson worked the morning on-air radio shift at KRNY in Kearney, until moving to Omaha in 1979 to work at KFAB. Dale also spent time at KRGI in Grand Island and was a radio host and news director at KFOR in Lincoln for nearly 40 years.
“Dale's vast experience, commitment to ethical journalism and deep Nebraska roots align perfectly with our mission to serve the state as a vital source for trusted news and essential information,” said Nebraska Public Media General Manager and CEO Stacey Decker. “We value his contributions to the work we do to serve Nebraskans and are proud to see him recognized for his success.”
During his career, Johnson has earned many state, regional and national awards for his work, including several “Best Newscast” honors from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association and an award for “Liberty Minutes,” a series of reports on immigrants who passed through Ellis Island and made their homes in Nebraska.
He will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Nebraska Broadcasters Association annual convention in August. Johnson joins other Nebraska Public Media Hall of Fame inductees including Rod Bates, Leta Powell Drake, Don Gill, Ron Hull, Bill Kelly and Jack McBride.
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About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected citizens with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans on television, radio, online, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.