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WHO's Ken Root named Farm Broadcaster of the Year

Recognizing his dedication and commitment to the agriculture industry and his professionalism in farm broadcasting, the National Association of Farm Broadcasting has named Ken Root, Lead Farm Broadcaster at WHO Radio, Des Moines, the 2009 Farm Broadcaster of the Year. The honor took place during the NAFB's Annual Convention held Nov. 11 to 13 at the Westin Crown Center, in Kansas City.

"I think of all the things I have wanted, this has been longest in coming," Root said upon receiving the award, the honoree for which is selected by the Association's Awards Committee.

Root has spent more than 35 years in the field, and is the lead broadcaster and producer of WHO's daily "The Big Show." His goal is to keep crop and livestock producers apprised of local and national issues that impact them, such as the production of ethanol, the regulation of greenhouse gasses, and commodity prices.

He maintains direct contact with all agricultural organizations within his state and averages at least 20 speaking engagements each year. Root traveled to Iraq with Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns in 2006 and has covered agricultural news stories in thirty countries during his career.

He was the original host of AgriTalk, a daily, rural issues program and he has worked at radio and television stations in Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa.

For his excellence in broadcasting, he has received numerous awards, including two "Oscars in Agriculture." He has held major NAFB offices, including National President, and served as Executive Director for three years.

"This is always what I've wanted to do," he said. "This is what I enjoy most--to be a farm broadcaster."

Ken Root is a columnist for the High Plains Journal/Midwest Ag Journal.

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article 2009- 49 - 1123RootbroadcasteryearkoPR.cfm

Reader Comments farmgirl — 12/03/2009 06:12:12 Farm broadcaster Ken Root’s employment with Clear Channel Communications (WHO and WMT Radio) was terminated Tuesday, December 1, by his employer. Ken said the company cited a tough business year and the need to reduce expenses. WHO Radio General Manager Joel McCrea indicated that Bob Quinn would take over duties on “The Big Show” and that a part-time employee would be added. Ken said he received the news and his severance papers, then went back to the studio to finish his reports for the day. He made all information available to colleague Quinn, packed his belongings, then walked through the building shaking hands with fellow employees before departing. “I feel great!” he said. “I think there are a lot of things I was missing while carrying the weight of this job, and I’m eager to move ahead.” SOURCE: NAFB News Service Reader Comments steve6345 — 12/02/2009 11:12:31 I herad today on WHo rado that Ken's last day there was yesterday. Was unable to hear show then. What happened? Why is he no longer on WHO? Add Your Comment To post a comment on this story, enter your screen name and email address then click "Add Comment." Your email address will not be displayed. 418 Recommend | 2 Comments

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