Alumni Spotlight: Will Payne named President of Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters

The Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters (OAB) Board of Directors recently named Will Payne to be the new OAB President replacing the retiring Vance Harrison effective at the OAB Annual Convention in April 2026. The Board announced that "Will Payne has the skills, the desire, the enthusiasm, and the institutional knowledge to continue the success of the OAB and take it to new heights."

Will Payne is a third generation Oklahoma owner/broadcaster who has excelled in our ever-changing media landscape. Payne Media Group owns six FM stations in Southeastern Oklahoma and is a leader in advancing new technology for the industry. Payne's company embraces new digital options, video streaming of numerous High School sports events, and a very robust Social Media platform. Vance Harrison says, "Will Payne is exactly who we need to lead the OAB right now. His unparalleled success as an innovative broadcaster will help all Oklahoma broadcasters now and going forward." Payne's commitment to the industry includes being the current Chairman of the OAB Board of Directors and a member of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Board of Directors.

During Vance Harrison's remarkable run of leadership of the OAB for the past 20 years, the OAB has enhanced its member services, won numerous legislative victories, and grown to a Top Ten position of financial strength among the 50 State Broadcasters Associations. Harrison's dedication to local broadcasting earned him induction into the OAB Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2023.

About the OAB

The OAB represents all FCC licensed Radio and Television stations in Oklahoma with 18 television members and just over 125 radio station members. The mission of the OAB is to promote the value and growth of Free Over-The-Air Broadcasting and help its members deliver the greatest good for their local communities. The OAB was founded in 1948 with offices in Oklahoma City.