Congressman Greg Gianforte recognized Jay Kohn of Billings with his Spirit of Montana commendation for his outstanding professionalism, unwavering journalistic integrity, and his decades of trusted service to the people of Montana.
Most recently with KTVQ in Billings, Kohn recently signed off the air after more than 40 years as a reporter, broadcaster, and anchor in Montana. Kohn earned recognition as Montana Broadcaster of the Year in 2005.
Gianforte’s Spirit of Montana is a weekly recognition of Montanans for their accomplishments, dedication, or service. Gianforte highlights the recipient in the U.S. House of Representatives and personally contacts the honorees.
Gianforte encourages anyone to nominate Montanans for the Spirit of Montana award by contacting his office at 202-225-3211 or by e-mail at https://gianforte.house.gov/contact/email.
Gianforte’s statement in the Congressional Record follows:
RECOGNIZING JAY KOHN OF BILLINGS
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jay Kohn of Billings for serving as a reliable source for Montanans as a journalist and anchor for nearly four decades.
Kohn recently signed off the air after more than 20 years as a news anchor with KTVQ in Billings and the Montana Television Network (MTN).
Kohn began his broadcast career in Helena in 1978 and worked as MTN’s Capitol Bureau chief and news director in Butte.
In 1998, Kohn assumed the anchor seat at KTVQ in Billings, the city where he was born and raised. Over the last two decades he has been the face of Q2 news, anchoring the 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. He has covered countless news events, keeping the community informed about local stories and others that span the globe.
Kohn’s exceptional reporting earned him the Montana Broadcasters Association’s Broadcaster of the Year award in 2005.
Though Kohn has retired from his full-time role at the anchor desk, Montanans will continue to enjoy his steady presence in his new role as Anchor Emeritus for KTVQ.
Mr. Speaker, for his outstanding professionalism, unwavering journalistic integrity, and his decades of trusted service to the people of Montana, I recognize Jay Kohn for his spirit of Montana.