KEARNEY, NE — One of the most respected sportscasters in Nebraska is being recognized with the top state-level award in his industry.

The National Sports Media Association (NSMA) announced Doug Duda as the Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year on Monday. Duda serves as sports director at ESPN Tri-Cities and 98.9 The Vibe. He also provides sports coverage on News Channel Nebraska TV.

Duda has hosted the “Doug & Daddy Show” on ESPN Tri-Cities for nearly 20 years, providing Central Nebraska with the region’s only daily sports talk show. The Ord native also delivers radio play-by-play and TV sideline reporting for high school sports. His radio sports updates have kept local fans informed for decades.

“Doug’s dedication to covering local sports is unparalleled,” News Channel Nebraska CEO Andy Ruback said. “Nobody is more knowledgeable, entertaining, or better at building relationships with coaches and players than him. We are proud to have Doug on our team.”

Duda is the first sportscaster from outside of the Lincoln and Omaha metros to win the award since Dave Brock of KHAS Radio in Hastings in 1996.

This is far from Duda’s first honor for sportscasting. He has received numerous play-by-play and sports reporting awards from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association and the Nebraska Coaches Association. The Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2015.

Each year, NSMA members in each state elect a State Sportscaster of the Year and State Sportswriter of the Year. Those winners are honored each June in North Carolina at an awards weekend.