KAXE's Dziengel, Morning Show win at 2026 Minnesota Broadcasters Association Awards

HASTINGS — The KAXE Morning Show and KAXE Host/Producer Andrew Dziengel each took home awards from The Minnesota Broadcasters Association (MBA).

The KAXE Morning Show received the 2026 MBA Content Creators Award, which goes to a team or an individual that exhibits how their work keeps people watching and/or listening, "even during a dull day or a heart-wrenching day."

The KAXE Morning Show team was represented at the awards by Host/Producer Jennifer Barr, Dziengel, Phenology Coordinator Charlie Mitchell and KAXE's Director of Content and Public Affairs Heidi Holtan.

Holtan expressed that the award renewed the team's commitment to serving the community and voiced appreciation for her colleagues.

"It is amazing to work with people who genuinely care," she said.

The KAXE Music team was a finalist for the same award. The team is led by Music Director Kari Hedlund and also includes Volunteer Coordinator Dan Gannon and Producer of Minnesota Mixtape & Music Malachy Koons.

Andrew Dziengel, host and producer of Area Voices on the KAXE Morning Show, was named 2026 MBA Young Professional of the Year. The award is given to a young professional under 40 who has made a significant impact on their station and community.

“It’s no surprise to me Andrew’s work was recognized," Holtan said. "He is thoughtful and diligent about not only uplifting the work of area artists but also inspiring listeners to consider creativity themselves.”

Contributed

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Senator Heather Gustafson, Minnesota Broadcaster Association's Legislator of the Year

The Minnesota Broadcasters Association promotes and advocates for broadcasting by representing the radio and television industry and related platforms. The MBA states the Excellence Awards were created to spotlight work that moves Minnesota communities forward and "shows the true power of local radio and television." Recipients were honored at a banquet Oct. 7 during the organization's annual conference.

"These last few years our teams have worked so hard to be intertwined to create a voice that feels like today," Music Director Hedlund said. "We are so proud to be recognized by the Minnesota Broadcasters Association for that work.”

Listeners can tune in to the KAXE Morning Show weekdays from 5-9 a.m. Dziengel can be heard on the KAXE Morning Show each Wednesday, and you can find his Area Voices features on kaxe.org.