The KAB is excited and proud to announce our Hall of Fame inductees, class of 2024! The Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. Recipients of the KAB Hall of Fame Award are individuals who have attained positions of national prominence in the industry or its allied fields, have been major contributors to the growth and welfare of radio and television in Kansas or nationally, and have been exemplary stewards of broadcasting.
Ben Bauman, Holton
A lifelong Kansan, Ben Bauman grew up on a farm near Bern in northeast Kansas. Throughout his broadcasting career, he remained true to his rural roots, living near Holton.
Ben began his career in 1982 as a student part-timer at KTWU, the PBS station licensed to Washburn University. In 1983, he added a weekend radio news job at 580 WIBW. After completing his communications degree in 1985, he joined WIBW AM-FM and their newly added Kansas Information Network.
For much of the next two decades, Ben served as the primary morning anchor for the local flagship and statewide network, including 10 years as News Director. In 2006, Ben transitioned to television, serving as evening anchor for KTKA (KAB Medium Market Station of the Year in 2008), KTMJ-Fox 43, and later KSNT after the stations merged.
In addition to broadcasting, Ben served as Communications Director for Governor Bill Graves’ administration, Public Relations Manager for St. Francis Hospital, Public Affairs Director for the Kansas Adjutant General, and Talent Development Coordinator at Advisors Excel.
Ben has received numerous KAB and AP Broadcast awards. He was selected as a fellow with the RIAS Berlin Commission German-American Journalist Exchange in 1999. He covered the Kansas National Guard delegation visit to Armenia in 2005 and was embedded with a unit from Fort Riley during combat training at Fort Irwin, CA. He is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Kansas.
Ben still satisfies his passion for broadcasting through his voiceover and audio production business, BBSideMedia, and is the “voice” of The Voice of Agriculture-Kansas Farm Bureau and other clients. Ben and his wife, Marj, have three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandsons.
Greg Sharpe, Lincoln, NE
Greg Sharpe has been the Voice of the Huskers since 2008. A two-time Kansas Sportscaster of the Year winner, Greg served as the Voice of the Wildcats for his alma mater, Kansas State, from 1996-2002 and is forever linked to one of the greatest periods in college football history, with the Wildcats posting 59 wins during his six seasons.
Long before he took over as Voice of the Wildcats, Greg was well known as a talented sports anchor for WIBW TV in Topeka for 22 years and hosted 580 Sports Talk for many years.
Kyle Bauer, Clay Center
Kyle Bauer has been one of the owners of Taylor Communications (KCLY and KFRM) since 1994. In 2024, he purchased 10 stations from Rocking M in Colby, Goodland, Liberal, and Dodge City. He serves as the General Manager of KFRM, its National Sales Representative, and is also the co-host of the popular show “Plain Talk.”
Kyle is a native of Clay Center, where he grew up in a farm family. He graduated from Kansas State University and has worked as a farmer, business operator, and commercial real estate owner.
Kyle has served on the KAB Board of Directors and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Board of Directors. He has twice been awarded the National Agri-Marketing Association’s R.C. Ferguson Award and the President’s Award. Additionally, Kyle has been a valuable associate and advisor to the KAB, including participating in trips to Washington, D.C., on behalf of the organization. Under Kyle’s leadership, KCLY and KFRM have earned numerous accolades, including seven consecutive KAB Small Market Station of the Year awards for KCLY and a total of 11 Station of the Year titles.
Kyle is also well-known for his community involvement. He is a Rotary Club member and Past President, Past President of the Pawnee Mental Health Foundation Board, and has served on the Clay Center Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission. He has contributed to numerous community projects, including advocacy and improvements.
Paul Heskett, Colby
Paul Heskett has spent his 40-year career in Kansas, beginning at KAYS, KFNF, and KIOL before finding his home at KXXX in northwest Kansas nearly four decades ago. His iconic “Bop Shop Saturday” show has become a staple, known for his unique style, high energy, crazy humor, and unparalleled connection with listeners.
In 2011, Paul received the KAB Sonny Slater Award for Service to Community and Station. He has also won numerous KAB awards for “Bop Shop Saturday.”
Paul is deeply involved in his community as a member of the Jaycees, a board member of the Wild West Historical Foundation, and a participant on multiple local boards promoting civic engagement and historical preservation. His dedication extends to supporting veterans through the VFW Auxiliary, Run for the Wall, and his work with Kansas Honor Flight. Paul has also emceed many events, including the Kansas Governor’s Hunt.