CLASS OF 1998
Born in North Platte, Ray Lockhart started his broadcast career in his hometown at KNOP-TV in 1959.
In 1967, Ray was named General Manager of KOGA AM in Ogallala. Two years later he bought into the company, Ogallala Broadcasting Company, Inc. By 1974, Ray purchased control of KOGA. Lockhart then slowly but steadily upgraded his 500-watt daytime-only station to full-time with 5000 watts. He also built KOGA FM in 1978 and in 1993 bought competing KMCX FM forming a duopoly.
Ray served the broadcast industry for decades including two terms on the Nebraska Broadcasters Association Board of Directors and was elected president in 1992. He also served eight years on the Radio Board of the National Association of Broadcasters.
In 1989 Ray and his son developed a digital automation system for their stations. Proving success, he founded Prophet Systems specializing in digital broadcast automated systems. He sold his stations KOGA AM/FM and KMCX along with Prophet Systems to Capstar Broadcasting Corporation in 1998.
