Tri States Public Radio (TSPR) News Director Rich Egger recently was named the recipient of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association's (INBA) Distinguished Service Award for more than 40 years of commitment to the INBA and dedication to its mission of supporting journalists statewide. Egger received the honor at the INBA's Best of Broadcast Awards April 18 in Champaign.
Egger has been TSPR’s news director since July 1998. A Northern Illinois University graduate, Egger began his broadcasting career working part-time at WRMN-AM/WJKL-FM in Elgin in December 1982.
He remained at Elgin until April 1997, and then joined WJBC-AM in Bloomington. “It's amazing and an honor to be recognized by my peers from across the state. I did not expect this.
I cherish the friends I've made through INBA and appreciate everything I've learned during my many years in this statewide professional development organization,” Egger said. “What really surprised me on Saturday night was seeing my three sisters, two of my nieces and my girlfriend walk into the ballroom just before the banquet started.
The organizers collaborated with my colleague Jane Carlson to go the extra mile and make this a truly special evening.'
In addition to the Distinguished Service Award, the TSPR news team swept the Small Market Crystal Mic Award “Use of Sound” category. Egger received first place, while TSPR Reporter Jane Carlson received second place. Egger also received second class in the podcasting category for “Welcome to Forgottonia - 'Camp Ellis: Kind of Like Brigadoon.”
