The International Broadcasters’ Idea Bank positions itself as “an exclusive group of accomplished commercial radio broadcasters whose members engage in, and benefit from, the confidential exchange of innovative ideas.”
This group counted the late Russ Withers Jr., founder and owner of Withers Broadcasting Companies, among its early members. Now, Idea Bank is presenting an award named in Withers’ honor to Nebraska Broadcasters.
The Idea Bank honored Nebraska Broadcasters with the “Russ Withers Award” in recognition of the response of state radio broadcasters to the devastating floods that impacted much of the state in March.
“When radio stations pull business and community resources together for the benefit of those in desperate need, it is worth honoring,” said The Idea Bank’s Mike Hulvey.
The honor was announced at the GRAMMY Museum in Cleveland, Miss., during the most recent Idea Bank convention.
Idea Bank member Mark Jensen, who owns radio stations in Broken Bow and Ord, Neb., said, “Collectively, Nebraska’s radio and TV stations generated $442,000 in a one-day statewide fund drive on March 22. Beyond that, multiple stations conducted their own fund drives which have driven the total amount of cash raised to over $1 million. That doesn’t count the value of the dozens of truckloads of bottled water and other supplies that Nebraska stations have encouraged our citizens and businesses to donate.”
Jensen also serves as Vice Chairman on the board of directors of the Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA).
Ariel Roblin, Chairperson of the NBA Board of Directors and KETV-TV in Omaha President/GM, said, “Nebraska Broadcasters are proud to serve our citizens. From lifesaving storm coverage to fundraising over amillion dollars for relief and recovery, we come together for a stronger Nebraska.”
