Omaha, NE – July 19 – Omaha’s own 1620AM KOZN "The Zone" has been recognized as one the top sports radio stations in the nation. The station was named today as a finalist for a Marconi Radio Award joining a distinguished list of only five selected by the National Association of Broadcasters Award Selection Academy. Other format-specific stations up for the honor include KBUN-AM in Bemidji, MN; WAXY-AM in Miami, FL and legendary format leaders WFAN-AM in New York and WXYT-FM in Detroit.

1620AM The Zone Program Director Neil Nelkin was overwhelmed by the news stating, "This is something we have worked intensely for over the past decade. Our entire on-air talent lineup and top sportscasters like Kevin Kugler have helped build this station into one that delivers exactly what our audience wants from a sports station. To be named a finalist for a Marconi Award is the ultimate honor to show we have accomplished just that!"

The Zone offers Omaha and Nebraska sports fan a programming lineup chalked full of talent included five-time Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year Kevin Kugler, his co-host Mike’l Severe of the top-rated "Unsportsmanlike Conduct" program airing weekdays from 2pm-6pm; Matt Schick and Nick Bahe of "Schick and Nick" fame airing weekday mornings and an array of sports franchises the station is proud of including the locally hosted and hugely popular College World Series contest.

Station General Manager Rhonda Gerrard said to be a finalist of a Marconi Award showcases the commitment The Zone is making to the community. "Our number one goal is to serve our loyal listeners and to provide them with compelling content and sports programming they have come to expect. We are honored to be a finalist and proud that the industry recognizes 1620AM The Zone as a leader in sports/talk programming," stated Gerrard.

The winning station to receive the coveted Marconi will be announced during the National Association of Broadcasters convention on September 30th in Washington, D.C.