TAB to honor three Texas broadcasters

posted on 5.19.2009

Annual Awards Gala
Renaissance Austin Hotel

Texas broadcasters will salute the achievements of three outstanding colleagues at TAB's Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

The event is the highlight of the 56th Annual Convention & Trade Show.

Fourteen broadcasters were nominated for this year's awards.

The awards honor individuals for outstanding service to the industry or for significant accomplishments in the past year.

Nominations are evaluated by committees of active and retired broadcasters.

Pioneer of the Year - Dick Oppenheimer

TAB's most prestigious award goes to a successful businessman, savvy radio station owner and operator, and a true broadcast pioneer who has mentored legions of successful broadcasters now working throughout the industry.

Dick Oppenheimer was one of the pioneers of urban radio, launching KYOK-AM Houston in 1966.

He also helped transform religious radio stations to operate on par with traditional formats.

For more than 50 years, Oppenheimer has shared his excellent talents for coaching, mentoring, and teaching both skills and philosophy within all areas of broadcasting.

Broadcaster of the Year - Jason Hightower

Former TAB Chairman Jason Hightower, owner/operator of KMOO Mineola, passed away earlier this year after a lengthy battle with brain cancer.

Hightower's broadcast career is a model for local, community radio and for the business opportunities aspiring young broadcasters can still anticipate today.

He vigorously championed broadcasters' issues before state and federal policymakers and brought a high degree of professionalism and sophistication to small market radio.

His widow and business partner, Ingrid, will join the KMOO staff at the event to accept the award.

Associate of the Year - Laura Prather

Laura Prather, partner with TAB Associate Member law firm Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold, has established a reputation as a fierce advocate for broadcasters in the legal arena.

Prather has been a longtime leader on TAB's Open Government Task Force and was instrumental in the passage this year of the Texas Free Flow of Information Act.

In addition to representing television and radio stations in a wide variety of court cases, Prather has been an avid supporter of TAB programs and events that foster greater understanding of issues confronting broadcasters.

She is the first TAB Associate Member to be honored with this award since 2006.

Full convention registration packages include the gala (RSVP required).

Individual tickets to the event are $75 each and must be purchased before July 31.

 Download registration form

Questions?

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