Broadcasters to honor four industry leaders

posted on 6.04.2013

The Texas Association of Broadcasters will honor four broadcast leaders at TAB’s Annual Awards Gala.

The gala, part of the association’s 60th Annual Convention & Trade Show, is set for Thursday, Aug. 8 from 7-10 pm at the Renaissance Austin Hotel (9721 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, 78759).

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Pioneer of the Year – Tom Perryman, KKUS-FM 104.1 Tyler

Tom Perryman began his long career in broadcasting in 1947 as a DJ at KEBE Jacksonville.

His storied career includes being named the first regular DJ of an all-night country music show on the legendary WSM Nashville.

He also partnered with Jim Reeves to manage KGRI-AM-FM Henderson.

In addition to his on-air shifts, he served as engineer, newsman, sports announcer, sales manager, program director and general manager at various times.

The list of Tom Perryman’s accolades goes on and on.

The Country Music DJ Hall of Fame inducted him in 1988.

At the young age of 85, he is still going strong and playing classic country music at KKUS Tyler-Longview.

Broadcaster of the Year – Mike Wright, KBTX-TV Bryan-College Station

Mike Wright began his career in broadcasting at the age of 11 and last year celebrated his 40^th year in the industry.

He has served as general manager of KBTX-TV since 2003. He previously served as national sales manager and co-anchor of KBTX-TV’s “Brazos Valley This Morning.”

In the past year, Wright oversaw KBTX-TV’s complete reconstruction of the station’s newsroom and studio.

KBTX-TV was able to shop local” and use a local, top-quality construction company in the studio redesign. At the same time, Wright was leading efforts to rebrand his second-tier station as CW8 Aggieland and has since seen an increase in both revenue and viewership.

Wright also continues to host a weekly segment known as “Wright Response,” where he addresses viewers’ emails and comments regarding the station’s programming and news coverage.

Wright’s commitment to his community, as well as his broadcast family and management continue to make him an example to others in the industry.

Associate Member of the Year – Dick Pickens, Microcom Systems, Inc.

For more than 40 years, Dick Pickens has shown a continuous commitment to the broadcast industry and his knowledge in the fields of engineering and management has been exceptional.

Pickens is owner of TAB Associate Member Microcom Systems, Inc. and continues to serve as an inspector in TAB’s Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program.

His long list of station affiliations includes KSIJ Gladewater, KOKE and KNOW Austin, KASE/KVET Austin and many more.

He was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2012.

Chairman’s Special Award – Brian Jones, Nexstar Broadcasting Group

Brian Jones has served as Co-COO for Nexstar Broadcasting Group since 2008.

He has operating responsibility for the Nexstar-owned stations in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Utah, Montana and California, as well as the company’s New Media and IT initiatives.

Jones has worked hard to use his network of stations to share news content across the state and offer a vastly more-relevant product to his viewers.

This year, Jones is concluding 11 consecutive years of service on the TAB Board of Directors.

During that time, he has led planning efforts for numerous TAB conventions, chaired TAB’s biennial legislative conference, participated in Congressional and FCC advocacy efforts, secured the participation of his Nexstar colleagues in TAB programs and arranged significant sponsorships for several major TAB events.

“Few broadcasters have done as much for TAB over so long a period of time as Brian,” said TAB Chairman Mary Mike Hatcher.

“The breadth of his contributions and service is truly extraordinary.  I’m proud to have served with him and delighted to bestow this honor on one of the hardest working persons in broadcasting.”

Questions?  Contact TAB or call (512) 322-9944.

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