CLASS OF 1981
George Kister (pronounced Kee-ster) spent much of his 43-year broadcast career at KMMJ Grand Island. He entered radio almost by chance. He became Assistant Secretary of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce in 1925 which at the time acted as manager of radio station KFKX Hastings. As Assistant Secretary, Kister began his air work as the station’s farm announcer.
In 1927 KFKX was shut down and the call letters moved to Chicago. The USDA market reports were moved to KMMJ in Clay Center under the care of George Kister who had by this time was well acquainted with farm news and reports. KMMJ moved to Grand Island in 1939 and Kister moved with it.
During his tenure with KMMJ, Kister served as Program Director, Farm Director, Public Service Director, but was best known as their long time News Director.
After his retirement from broadcasting in 1968, Kister worked for the City of Hastings.
Kister passed away in 1983.
