The Arkansas Broadcasters Association has announced the 2026 class of the Arkansas Broadcasters Hall of Fame, recognizing 5 broadcasters whose careers have shaped Arkansas radio, television, journalism and local communities.
Mike Horne
Mike Horne built a broadcasting career spanning decades through station ownership, innovation and community leadership across Arkansas.
A former president of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, Horne owned and operated radio stations in several Arkansas communities while mentoring numerous broadcasters who later became leaders in the industry. His contributions extended beyond broadcasting through leadership roles in civic organizations, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to serving the communities where he worked.
Trey Stafford
Trey Stafford’s broadcasting career spans 55 years and continues today in Jonesboro.
Just 3 months after graduating from high school, Stafford became general manager of KPCA. He later worked as a weekend weather anchor for KAIT Television while building one of Northeast Arkansas’ most successful radio operations.
After graduating from Arkansas State University, Stafford and his business partner acquired radio stations in Jonesboro before selling them to Saga Communications. He continues serving as President and General Manager of Jonesboro Media Group while hosting a local morning radio program.
Under Stafford’s leadership, Jonesboro Media Group has helped raise more than $10 million for charitable organizations and community causes throughout Northeast Arkansas.
The 2026 inductees are Richard Benson, Dr. Larry Foley, Mike Horne, Scott Siler and Trey Stafford. They will be honored during the Arkansas Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Banquet on September 13 as part of the 2026 ABA Annual Convention.
Scott Siler
Scott Siler has devoted nearly 40 years to Arkansas broadcasting and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of EAB Media Group.
A past president of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, Siler helped develop the Arkansas Now News Network, the EAB Agriculture Network and the EAB Sports Network, which carries Arkansas State University, Arkansas Tech University and 26 weekly high school football broadcasts.
He also led the launch of EAB Marketing, expanding digital advertising opportunities for Arkansas businesses, and currently serves on the Board of the National Association of State Radio Networks. Throughout his career, Siler has also championed numerous nonprofit fundraising efforts benefiting communities across Arkansas.
Richard Benson
Richard Benson began his broadcasting career in Forrest City in 1973 and continues calling high school football games more than 50 years later. Known throughout the region as the “Voice of East Arkansas,” Benson has become one of the state’s most recognized local sports broadcasters.
Beyond the microphone, Benson has served on the Forrest City City Council and volunteered in numerous community organizations. His Hall of Fame nomination credits him with helping keep local radio an important and trusted source of information throughout East Arkansas while serving generations of listeners and sports fans.
Dr. Larry Foley
Dr. Larry Foley’s broadcasting career began at KATV in Little Rock, where he worked in several broadcast journalism positions before becoming a senior producer at Arkansas PBS.
He later joined the faculty at the University of Arkansas, where he founded UATV, the university’s television station, and helped transform the broadcast journalism program into today’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media. Foley has earned numerous professional awards while mentoring countless students who have gone on to successful careers in television, radio and digital journalism.
Honoring Arkansas Broadcasting Excellence
The Arkansas Broadcasters Hall of Fame was established to recognize broadcasters whose careers have made significant contributions to Arkansas broadcasting while positively impacting their audiences, communities and the industry.
The 2026 inductees were selected by the Hall of Fame Committee from nominations submitted across the state. Committee members independently evaluated each nominee before selecting the 5 highest-scoring candidates for induction.
Arkansas Broadcasters Association President Kristen Speer said the Hall of Fame continues to celebrate broadcasters whose dedication has strengthened local media and the communities they serve.
The Arkansas Broadcasters Hall of Fame Banquet will be held September 13 during the 2026 Arkansas Broadcasters Association Annual Convention. The Hall of Fame is sponsored by AT&T.
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