Gene Birk

Gene Birk, a news anchor at WBKO-TV in Bowling Green, has been named a 2024 Legacy Award recipient by the Kentucky Broadcasters Association.

Birk is among five inductees who were named to the KBA Mic Hall of Fame, which is considered to be the highest award given by the KBA and is presented to those who have made outstanding personal contributions to the broadcasting profession in Kentucky.

Birk’s various roles at WBKO have included sports director, managing editor and evening anchor.

He has made significant contributions to the community beyond his work in journalism, serving in various leadership positions for the Advisory Council of the Foster Grandparent Program, Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Diabetes Association, the Capitol Arts Alliance and Court Appointed Special Advocate.

After his graduation from Southern Illinois University in 1972, he served in various radio and television roles across the country before making his home in Bowling Green.