Lifetime Achievement

MAB Lifetime Achievement Award

In 1989, the MAB began the tradition of honoring individuals for their outstanding careers with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The highest honor bestowed by the MAB, Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are Michigan broadcast pioneers who have dedicated the majority of their professional careers to broadcasting in the state of Michigan and have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of service as a top manager or owner through excellence in broadcasting in state, national or international industry leadership; service on the MAB, NAB or other industry organizational boards; community involvement; and industry innovation.

Awards are presented at the MAB's Evening of Excellence Banquet in late summer. Click Here to submit a Lifetime Achievement nomination.

Don Backus

Former President and General Manager, WDBI-FM, Tawas City

Don Backus dedicated nearly five decades to broadcasting, building a distinguished career as an on-air personality, station owner, sales executive, technology leader, and industry advocate. Beginning at Michigan State University and later working at stations including WITL, WVIC, and WDBI-FM, Don went on to hold leadership positions with Audio Broadcast Group, ENCO Systems, Broadcast Electronics, and Rohde & Schwarz, where he helped broadcasters across North America embrace emerging technologies.

A passionate supporter of Michigan broadcasting, Don served on the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation Board, where he continues as an Honorary Member. He was also a longtime contributor to the Great Lakes Broadcast Conference (“GLBC”), a nationally recognized presenter on broadcast technology, and an advocate for innovation that strengthens local media.

Throughout his career, Don has championed the belief that technology is most valuable when it empowers broadcasters to better serve their audiences, a philosophy that has made him a respected mentor, educator, and leader throughout the industry.