George Brooks

2001 Charter Inductee

George Brooks used the drive that put him on the air at age 16 at KOVC Valley City, North Dakota, to become a master of broadcast management and a leader in the community. After his first appearance in 1940, he worked his way up and became the KOVC's program director. He later served as program director and news director at KDIX Dickinson, North Dakota, and at KFGO, Fargo, North Dakota. In 1952 he moved to Minnesota and became news director at KSUM Fairmont. In 1956 he became general manager of KMRS Morris, moving to KOTE Fergus Falls in 1959. In 1962 he acquired KCUE Red Wing and made it one of the most successful in the region. He added sister FM station KWNG in 1965, and owned and operated the two stations until selling them in 1981. He has served as a director of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association and the National Association of Broadcasters, and as president of both the Minnesota and North Dakota Associated Press organizations. He is recognized as the most prolific writer of resolutions in Minnesota broadcasting history, and was also instrumental in establishing Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

George Luxton Brooks died peacefully on January 21, 2015 after a long battle with Alzheimer 's disease. He was born November 1, 1926 to LeRoy J. Brooks and Edna (Ulhorn) Brooks.