Jerry Dahmen's Credentials
Jerry Dahmen, who worked for the Grand Ole Opry's WSM Radio as News Director in Nashville for seventeen years, has earned over one hundred major news/community awards, including three national Edward R. Murrow Awards, a Presidential Citation, two Crystal Awards (the National Association of Broadcaster’s most distinguished honor), the National Sigma Delta Chi’s Outstanding Public Service Award, Country Radio Broadcasters First Place Award, Tennessee Broadcaster of the Year, dozens of Associated Press and United Press International Awards, the National American Leukemia Society’s Media Award, the Ohio State Journalism Award, the National Conference for Community and Justice Unity Award, the Lowell Thomas Good News Award, the President’s Committee for the Employment of People with Disabilities National Media Award, 6 National Headliner Awards, Disabled American Veterans Media Award, the American Women in Radio & Television’s Gracie Allen Award, the National Easter Seals Society’s EDI Award, 7 Northwest Broadcast News Association Awards, the Excellence in Media’s ANGEL Award, 2 National American Speech and Hearing Association’s Media Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Brotherhood Award, 19 March of Dimes Achievement in Radio Awards, 3 Sigma Delta Chi’s Green Eyeshade Awards, the George Washington Medal of Honor, the Tom Brokaw Award, two American Legion’s National Fourth Estate Awards, the Gabriel Award, 3 Scripps Howard Awards, the Abe Lincoln Award, and the Pulitzer prize of broadcasting: the George Foster Peabody Award! Former Presidential Press Secretary James Brady presented Jerry, a former stutterer, with the top accolade from the National Communicative Disorders Organization at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Jerry, who has appeared on Oprah, the 700 Club and numerous radio/television shows, was honored for two years as creating the “Best News Program” in the world from the New York Festival’s International competition. The critically acclaimed book The Decision Making Process in Journalism and the prestigious Washington Journalism Review have recognized the work of Jerry---along with the nation’s top broadcast journalists, including Tom Brokaw, Mike Wallace and the late Peter Jennings.
While in Nashville, Jerry authored a best selling book titled “I Love Life…In Spite of It All.” Jerry recently completed his second book, “I Love Life THE REAL SURVIVORS: 50 STORIES OF HOPE, FAITH AND INSPIRATION.” The book’s proceeds were donated to the Salvation Army. Jerry also produced a series of “I Love Life” CD’S and gave the proceeds to a food pantry for the needy.
For nearly four decades, Jerry has hosted a daily radio program titled "I Love Life," The program features people from all over the country who share their stories of triumph over tragedy!
During his broadcasting career, Jerry has worked tirelessly with NAMI (Natonal Alliance on Mental Illness). That, according to Phillis Arends, Former Executive Director of NAMI South Dakota. "Jerry, this year's honorary chairman for the annual NAMI walk, was an outstanding ambassador for NAMI and the NAMI Walk! Jerry used his talents and energy to increase the outreach efforts for our walk. To top it off, Jerry organized the first in the nation NAMI Walk Radiothon. The radiothon was held April 30th from noon to 3:00pm on AM 1000 KXRB. Local and national mental health professionals, individual and family members affected by mental illness spoke about these medical problems and how NAMI has helped make their lives better. During the radiothon, stories from the "I Love Life" radio show were also shared. Jerry's commitment to NAMI has helped bring a message of hope and inspiration to the thousands of KXRB listeners. NAMI South Dakota really appreciates Jerry for making this our best walk yet"
Aside from his work with NAMI South Dakota, Jerry's commitment to a weekly food giveaway to the needy brought about this comment from Pastor Jeff Hayes of Faith Temple Church, the organizer of the Food Giveaway. "Jerry has promoted this project every day from it's inception fourteen months ago and has been the "number one" supporter! Not only has Jerry graciously announced the Food Giveaway on KXRB every week since its inception, but he has also encouraged other media outlets to promote the Friday Food Giveaway. Because of Jerry's day to day efforts, he along with the Food Giveaway, have given away over 9,000,000 pounds of food which has fed over 900,000 people! We are sincerely grateful for all of Jerry's concern and efforts on our behalf."
Jerry Dahmen, an award winning public speaker and television host, has been honored as “South Dakota Broadcaster Of The Year" for his work in broadcasting and the community.
Contact Jerry: 605-595-5286 (Email: jerry@kxrb.com)
