The information below is the actual nomination language used by the person who submitted the nomination. All submissions had to answer three questions: one about the nominee's career, one about their contribution to the communist they served, and finally, about their contribution to the broadcasting industry in Arkansas.

Career and accomplishments as an Arkansas Broadcaster

Trey Stafford has established one of the most distinguished and enduring careers in Arkansas broadcasting, spanning more than 55 years of continuous service as an on-air personality, station owner, and broadcast executive.

A native of Marked Tree, Arkansas, he began his career at age nine at KPCA-AM, reading school news on the air. By sixth grade, he hosted his own program, reflecting an early and sustained commitment to broadcasting.

At age 14, he began his first paid position at KTMN-AM in Trumann. Following his graduation from high school in 1979, he returned to KPCA-AM and was named General Manager within three months, serving in that capacity for five years while attending Arkansas State University.

In 1984, Trey moved to Jonesboro to manage KNEA-AM. Later that year, he partnered with Bill Little to acquire KDXY-FM in Paragould. In 1993, he joined with Bill Pressly, Bob Pressly, and Kevin Neathery to form the Triple FM Radio Group, adding KEGI-FM and KJBX-FM to the group.

In 2002, the group was acquired by Saga Communications, where he continues to serve as President and General Manager of the Jonesboro Media Group. Under his leadership, the group has expanded to six stations: KDXY (104.9 The Fox), KEGI (100.5 The Eagle), KJBX (Mix 106.3), Hot 107.5, EZ 92.7, and 98.5 The Outlaw. In 2024, he led the launch of JonesboroRightNow.com, a hyperlocal digital news platform that has rapidly achieved significant regional reach.

He has maintained a continuous morning show on-air presence since 1979. He began hosting mornings on KDXY in 1984 and continues in that role 42 years later in 2026. The “Stafford and Frigo” morning show, co-hosted with Jim Frigo, achieved sustained market leadership, holding the number one position in the Jonesboro market from 1999 until ratings were discontinued in 2011.

From 1992 to 1997, he also served as weekend weather anchor at KAIT-TV in Jonesboro, further demonstrating his versatility as a broadcaster.

His career is distinguished by exceptional longevity, consistent audience leadership, successful station ownership and management, and the ability to evolve with the industry while maintaining a strong local focus. He is an incredible leader and a great role model to everyone at the station, and his impact will forever be remembered.

Contributions to their community during their time as an Arkansas Broadcaster

Trey Stafford’s career reflects a sustained and measurable commitment to community service, guided by his long-standing philosophy of “super serving” the communities his stations reach.

Under his leadership, the Jonesboro Media Group has raised more than $10 million for charitable causes, most notably through the Make-A-Wish “Have A Heart Wish-A-Thon.” Additional initiatives have included large-scale food drives benefiting the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas and school supply drives supporting economically challenged students.

He has consistently used broadcasting to strengthen community engagement. The “Jonesboro Community Breakfast,” a weekly live broadcast, has provided a platform for local leaders, nonprofit organizations, and public officials, resulting in thousands of interviews over multiple decades.

His commitment to youth engagement includes school partnerships, student recognition programs, and ongoing support for educational initiatives across the region. His civic involvement includes service on the boards of the United Way of Northeast Arkansas, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, Delta Symphony Orchestra, and Jonesboro Jets Swim Team. He has also served on the advisory board for the Arkansas State University Radio-TV Department and as a trustee of Williams Baptist University.

He has contributed to community development through leadership roles with the Paragould and Greater Jonesboro Chambers of Commerce and as a founding member of the Northeast Arkansas Advertising Federation.

He has also led and organized major community events, including the Loose Caboose Festival in Paragould and regional Independence Day celebrations such as July Jam and Freedom Fest.

In addition, he served for many years as a high school and college basketball referee and high school football official, further demonstrating his commitment to youth and community involvement.

In recognition of his impact, he was named a recipient of the 2026 Talk Business Northeast Arkansas Business Impact Award, honoring his contributions to regional economic and community development.

Contributions to our industry

Trey Stafford has made significant and lasting contributions to the broadcasting industry through leadership, advocacy, innovation, and mentorship.

He has served as Past President and member of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, where he played a key role in supporting and advancing broadcasters across Arkansas. His leadership contributed to strengthening industry collaboration and promoting the value of local media.

At the national level, he has served on the National Association of Broadcasters’ Small Market Radio Committee, providing representation and insight on issues affecting smaller-market broadcasters.

He has demonstrated leadership in adapting to changes within the industry. His direction in launching JonesboroRightNow.com reflects a strategic integration of digital media with traditional broadcasting, ensuring continued audience relevance and engagement.

His stations have consistently fulfilled the public service mission of broadcasting, particularly during severe weather events, by delivering timely, accurate, and potentially life-saving information to the communities they serve.

Throughout his career, he has mentored and developed numerous broadcasting professionals, fostering talent in on-air performance, sales, programming, and management. His leadership emphasizes operational excellence, community connection, and long-term sustainability. He truly has taught me everything I know as an on-air personality, and he is always willing and able to step in help anyone at the station no matter their role.

He is the husband of former KAIT-TV reporter/anchor Jenna Stafford. He has three sons Treyson, JD and Chaz Stafford who reside in Nashville, Tennessee and are members of an up-and-coming country music band called TRIPPP. I am his daughter, Ellie Stafford Smith, and I have followed my dad into the field of broadcasting. I am an on-air personality and content creator on two of his stations, I’m married to Nick Smith, and we have a newborn son named Weston.

My dad’s career reflects a deep and sustained commitment to the core principles of broadcasting, including localism, public service, and innovation, and he has contributed meaningfully to the strength and evolution of the broadcasting industry in Arkansas. I am proud to nominate him for this award, and I believe he is unbelievably deserving of it.