The Iowa Broadcasters Association has named Joe Hladky, President and CEO of KCRG-AM/TV in Cedar Rapids as recipient of its Broadcaster of the Year award for 2002.

Nominated for his "integrity, sense of community and strong work ethic" Hladky is President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Cedar Rapids Television Company which owns and operates KCRG-AM and KCRG-TV. As President of the Cedar Rapids Television Company, Hladky’s leadership and vision have made KCRG-TV one of the top television stations in Iowa and one of the strongest ABC affiliates in the country. His commitment to local news has resulted in KCRG recently being awarded "Best 10 PM News in Iowa" by the Associated Press.

A graduate of the University of Iowa, Hladky has served the Cedar Rapids community on numerous boards and committees including the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation; Partnership for a Drug-Free Iowa; the Cedar Rapids Art Center; Cedar Rapids Community Theater and Junior Achievement. He currently serves on the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce Priority One Committee, the Board of Directors of the Iowa Group for Economic Development; Mercy Hospital; The Associated Press; the National Czech & Slovak Museum/Library; and the Board of Trustees of the United Way and Indian Creek Nature Center. He is a member of the Professional Advisory Council of the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The Iowa Broadcaster of the Year award recognizes Iowa radio and television station managers, who have provided exceptional leadership to their stations, staff and service to their community.