Each year, the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) recognizes young broadcasters with the Rising Star Award. The recipients are recognized for making a significant impact on their stations and communities. To receive the award, nominees must be under the age of 40 and must have spent a minimum of one year at a radio or TV station in Kansas. Finalists of the award were selected based on their contributions to the industry, spirit of innovation, and community involvement.
Congratulations to our very own Rising Star – Brandon Napier
Brandon Napier is the Vice President & Chief Operations Officer for Ad Astra Radio, and an invaluable asset to the team, helping to integrate all of Ad Astra’s new stations over the past few years and upgrade and update all the technology associated with it. Known to be the ultimate team player and jack of all trades, Brandon is relentless in trying to improve operations.
Before working with Ad Astra, Brandon worked for 14 years at Verizon. In early 2022, he decided to leave the corporate world behind and work for a family business and was eager to get back into local broadcasting.
Two important people in Brandon’s life that have heavily influenced him in the radio industry have been his father, Vernon Napier, who passed away in 2014 and his brother Aaron Napier, who is Ad Astra’s Vice President & Chief Programming Officer.
Vernon was at KLEY KWME for around 25 years. Brandon helped with a lot there, including running the board for KU, Royals, and Wichita Wranglers and did traffic for the stations for many years. At the age of 14, Brandon often covered for his dad with news and operations when he was on vacation. Brandon credits Aaron with getting him back into broadcasting.
Brandon met his wife Danielle at Campus High School in 2005 and later married in 2008. They have a son and a daughter together.
KAB Broadcast Excellence Awards Dinner October 21, 2024
Napier and other Rising Star recipient, Hannah King of KAKE News will be profiled in KAB publications. The winners will both be awarded at the KAB Broadcast Excellence Awards Dinner at the Marriott in Wichita on Oct. 21, 2024.
