Karl Stefan

Who was Karl Stefan?

Karl Stefan was a US State of Nebraska Republican politician.

He was born on a farm in Zebrakov, Bohemia on March 1, 1884. In 1885 he moved with his parents to Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A.. He was taught in the public schools and later a Y.M.C.A. night school. He joined the United States National Guard, being first a private in the Illinois National Guard and then a lieutenant in the Nebraska National Guard. He was an inspector of telegraphs in the Philippine Constabulary from 1904 to 1906.

He moved to Norfolk, Nebraska in 1909 to serve as a telegrapher. He became an editor of the Norfolk Daily News until 1924 and a radio commentator and contributor to newspapers and magazines until 1934. He was president of the Stefan Co. and publishers’ agent for magazines and newspapers.

During his years as WJAG's first announcer, Stefan is credited with developing much of WJAG's programming, including a noontime show. Stefan, who announced WJAG’s noon news report, opened his daily broadcast with a trademark greeting: “Hello friends. Hello everybody! You are listening to WJAG, the Norfolk Daily News station, and we’re located at Norfolk, IN Nebraska. On the air with the regular noon-day program –– the lunch-hour session of WJAG’s radio family.” One of WJAG’s first announcers, Art Breyer, who worked sans pay at the Norfolk station “for the fun of it,” labeled Stefan the “backbone” of WJAG. Breyer said Stefan’s “personality enabled him to become intimately acquainted with the listeners.” In typical charismatic fashion, the local newscaster personalized a livestock quote on one of his noon reports. “Sam Kent,” Stefan declared, “I’ve got good news for you today. Understand the price of hogs is 6½ cents today, and that’s going to make everything all right.” Stefan’s radio persona, says Breyer, “endeared himself to the public.” But Stefan had more than an appealing personality to draw listeners, he dispensed information. WJAG’s first announcer not only peppered his noon broadcasts with local affairs but also news from the Norfolk Daily News’ Associated Press newspaper wire.