Nebraska Broadcasters to Induct Four Into Hall of Fame

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, February 9, 2026 | 3:20pm CT

Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA)

The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct John Knicely, Kevin Kugler, Steve Lundy, and Ken Siemek into the association's Hall of Fame on August 11 during the NBA Annual Convention in Lincoln. Established in 1972, the Hall of Fame will expand to 127 members with the addition of this year's honorees.

Kevin Kugler brings the most extensive play-by-play resume of any Nebraskan, with a career that continues to grow on the national stage. Kugler began his broadcasting career at KAWL in York and later hosted programs on Nebraska Educational Television and Omaha's KOZN. He has served as the radio voice of the UNO Mavericks and, since 2008, has been the radio voice of the NCAA Men's Final Four. Kugler currently calls NFL games, college basketball, and other major events for FOX and Westwood One Sports, while also working college basketball broadcasts for the Big Ten Network.

With a career approaching 50 years, Steve Lundy is being honored for his long-standing impact on Nebraska radio. Lundy began his on-air career in 1977 at KHUB in Fremont and went on to work at several major Omaha stations before joining Lincoln's KLIN and later Omaha's KXKT in 2004. He currently co-hosts "Steve & Gina in the Morning." Beyond his on-air work across multiple formats, Lundy is recognized for his commitment to community service, including reading to elementary school students and supporting at-risk youth.

John Knicely is being recognized for a broadcast career spanning five decades, including 34 years as a news anchor at Omaha's WOWT-TV. Beginning as a television sportscaster, Knicely became a trusted presence in Nebraska's most competitive television market, known for his focus on public safety, government accountability, and community-centered reporting. His calm delivery guided viewers through major events ranging from tornado outbreaks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Knicely also earned a loyal following through features such as "John at Work" and "Knicely Done," while mentoring young journalists on professionalism and ethical reporting before retiring in 2025.

Also being inducted is veteran meteorologist Ken Siemek, who retired in 2025 after 44 years at KOLN-TV in Lincoln and KGIN-TV in Grand Island. Siemek led the stations' weather departments through decades of technological change while providing life-saving coverage during major weather events, including the 1997 snowstorm, the 2004 Hallam tornado, the 2019 floods, and the 2024 Arbor Day tornado outbreak. Known for his steady presence during severe weather, Siemek also mentored colleagues and young journalists, emphasizing compassion and clarity in broadcast journalism.

The 2026 inductions will be formally celebrated during the Nebraska Broadcasters Association's Annual Convention in Lincoln.