KCNI/KBBN Radio was recently awarded four Eric Sevareid Awards from the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association (MBJA). Named for the journalist best known for his work as a correspondent for CBS Radio and Television, the awards are given to broadcast news operations and journalists for the best work done in the organization’s six state region.
The awards won by KCNI/KBBN are as follows:
First Place (Breaking News)- Power plant explosions wake Broken Bow residents, cause widespread outage
During a frigid February morning, four loud bangs woke residents of Broken Bow. Later confirmed to be an explosion at the Broken Bow power plant, a subsequent fire occurred as well as widespread power outages. Coverage included initial live reporting on the morning show on KCNI & KBBN, several story updates, pictures, video, and a press conference livestream. LINK TO THE INITIAL STORY
Award of Merit (Video Journalism)- Custer County schoolhouse travels nearly 20 miles to new home
A 140-year-old one-room schoolhouse made an unforgettable journey across Custer County as the historic District 58 West Dale School—known locally as the Moroney School—was moved nearly 20 miles from northwest of Merna to the Sandhills National Scenic Byway Visitor Center east of Broken Bow in the fall of 2025. Doug Grafel and Jeremy Shipe gave updates live on KCNI & KBBN Radio as the school made its journey. A video, which can be seen here, was produced compiling on-air reports, video clips, photos, and audio.
Award of Merit (Multimedia journalist/solo storyteller)- Jeremy Shipe reporting
This award recognizes a compilation of work from a single journalist. The three stories submitted are linked here: Custer County complex fires.. Dog with gunshot wounds captures hearts.. Schoolhouse travels nearly 20 miles to new home
Award of Merit (Sports play-by-play)- Broken Bow girls set new school 3 pointer record
The Broken Bow girls set a new 3 pointer record against Wood River on January 17, 2025, knocking in 17. Below is the clip of the game submitted:
