Don Egert

Inducted September 18, 2021

Don Egert’s interest in radio ignited in September of 1948 while he was still in high school in Watertown South Dakota. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1951 and worked as a full-time announcer for KWAT. Don enrolled at USD in Vermillion, SD, in 1952, where, in addition to his course work, he was a full-time announcer at the school station, while also working weekends at KSOO in Sioux Falls, KYNT in Yankton, and KWAT. He graduated USD with a degree in Communications in 1956.

Don reconnected with two Watertown friends who also shared his interest in building and owning a radio station of their own. The trio formed Tri-State Broadcasting, Inc., and in June of 1956 the FCC granted them the license for KDIO on 1350 AM in Ortonville, Minnesota. As an owner of a small market radio station, Don was active in every aspect of the business; from sales to management and, of course, as an announcer.

In 1990 following the retirement of the other two partners, Don became sole owner of KDIO and was joined by his younger son, Jim Egert. Together, father and son modernized the broadcast infrastructure of KDIO and put KAHF FM 106.3 on the air. Don sold Tri-State broadcasting and retired in 1997.

As he reflects on his career in broadcasting, he takes great pride in the fact that several people who began their careers at KDIO went on to achieve noteworthy success in major markets across the Midwest and other places. He credits his family – late wife, Sally, and sons Steve and Jim – for his success at KDIO.

Don Egert passed away peacefully on December 28, 2022.