Bemidji Radio Station KB101 Earns 7th NAB Crystal Award, a National Record

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar presents the prestigious honor to the community-focused station.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A serene, painterly image of a radio tower or studio space in warm, golden light, conveying the timeless, community-focused spirit of local broadcasting.KB101's seven NAB Crystal Awards reflect the station's enduring commitment to the Bemidji community.Bemidji Today

KB101, a local radio station in Bemidji, Minnesota, has been awarded its seventh National Association of Broadcasting (NAB) Crystal Award, making it the only station in the country to have earned more than six of the prestigious honors. During a special ceremony, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar presented the award to the station, praising its commitment to serving the local community.

Why it matters

The NAB Crystal Award is one of the highest honors in the broadcasting industry, recognizing stations for their year-round dedication to community service. KB101's seven Crystal Awards, a national record, demonstrate the station's exceptional engagement with the Bemidji area and its ability to foster partnerships that uplift the entire community.

The details

KB101 first won a Crystal Award in 1994 and became only the second station to earn the Crystal Heritage Award in 2011, which is given to stations that have won five Crystal Awards and two NAB Leadership Foundation Service To America Awards. The station's latest award was presented on March 3, 2026, during the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Hubbard Radio President Dan Seeman then invited Senator Klobuchar to personally present the award to KB101 at a ceremony in Bemidji on April 2.

  • KB101 first won a Crystal Award in 1994.
  • In 2011, KB101 became only the second station to win a Crystal Heritage Award.
  • KB101 earned its 7th Crystal Award on March 3, 2026, during the NAB State Leadership Conference.
  • Senator Klobuchar presented the 7th Crystal Award to KB101 on April 2, 2026, in Bemidji.

The players

KB101

A local radio station in Bemidji, Minnesota, that has earned a record-setting seven NAB Crystal Awards for its exceptional community service.

Senator Amy Klobuchar

A U.S. Senator who presented KB101 with its 7th NAB Crystal Award, an uncommon practice, and praised the station's work in the Bemidji community.

Dan Seeman

The President of Hubbard Radio, the parent company of KB101, who invited Senator Klobuchar to personally present the 7th Crystal Award to the station.

Kev Jackson

The Paul Bunyan Broadcasting-Hubbard Radio Operations Manager who has been with KB101 since many of its Crystal Award wins and was honored to accept the 7th award from Senator Klobuchar.

Jorge Prince

The Mayor of Bemidji who congratulated KB101 on its 7th Crystal Award during the presentation ceremony.

Justin Sherwood

The Bemidji Fire Chief who also spoke at the Crystal Award presentation ceremony to celebrate KB101's community impact.

Denae Alamano

The Executive Director of the United Way of Bemidji Area who joined the ceremony to recognize KB101's partnerships with local organizations.

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What they’re saying

“There is no stronger advocate in Washington, D.C. for our beloved business of broadcasting than Senator Amy Klobuchar.”

— Dan Seeman, Hubbard Radio President

“I want to thank Hubbard and it's not just this station, it's how you foster people working together in communities, because if everyone is just doom scrolling all day, they're never going to believe that you can get through a storm like that.”

— Senator Amy Klobuchar

“To me, it really says more about our community than us as a radio station. I do think we do a lot, and I'm very proud of what our staff does and how hard we work. But to get an award for community service, you have to have people who are doing community service that you can walk alongside and partner with and help promote.”

— Kev Jackson, Paul Bunyan Broadcasting-Hubbard Radio Operations Manager

What’s next

The station plans to celebrate its 7th NAB Crystal Award with the Bemidji community at a special event on April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

KB101's record-setting seven NAB Crystal Awards highlight the power of community radio to foster partnerships, amplify local voices, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents. The station's commitment to service serves as an inspiring model for broadcasters nationwide.