CLASS OF 2006
Don GIll’s broadcast career extended nearly 60 years. Breaking into radio as a young man in the Army stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War, he later established a longtime career in Lincoln at KLIN and Nebraska Educational TV.
Following his military service, Gill gained more radio experience helping put KNCK Concordia, Kansas on the air in 1954. That was followed by stints at KAYS Hays, Kansas, KFEQ St. Joseph, Missouri, and finally landing in Nebraska as station manager at KCOW Alliance.
In 1972 he moved to Lincoln joining KLIN as sports director. Gill’s Husker play-by-play announcing for the Huskers assisted by Joe Patrick aired over a 16-station network. Gill was named state Sportscaster of the Year five times as the voice of Husker football. Before long Gill was KLIN station manager.
Gill moved on to Nebraska Educational Television in 1985 as Director of Development He also was co-host of the weekly Husker football highlights show on NETV with highlights and interviews of coaches and players.
But Gill’s first love was radio. His mother was a featured radio vocalist in the 1920s and he grew up listening to big bands. Gill began his Big Band Spotlight Show on Nebraska Public Radio’s KUCV-FM in 1990. He continued to host it well past his NETV retirement in 1997.
Don passed away on January 3, 2014.
