CLASS OF 1982
Joe Di Natale spent 35 years at KODY North Platte working up from sales to part owner. He was a tireless promoter of North Platte, Nebaskaland Days, the University of Nebraska, and Nebraska itself.
Joe’s family moved from Ohio to Lincoln when he was nine. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 1932.
His broadcasting career began in 1934 with Central States Broadcasting System as promotion manager for KFOR Lincoln.
In 1938 Joe moved to North Platte joining KGNF (the calls were changed to KODY in 1943) working as sales manager, sports director, interviewer, and eventually becoming general manager and part-owner.
Joe had an intense interest in sports. He announced the Big Ten High School Conference Track Meet for 25 years starting in 1943. In 1945 Joe spent a season broadcasting University of Nebraska Football games through a joint arrangement with Omaha’s WOW which at the time owned KODY. For years he mentored young sportscasters wanting to do play-by-play.
Mr. Di Natale was Chairman of the Sports Committee for the Nebraska Association of Broadcasters several times. He was also the Association’s president in 1967 as well as having served two three-year terms on the Board of Directors.
Joe passed away December 4, 1987.
