ANNOUNCING THE 2024 INDUCTEES

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of eight new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2024. This year’s inductees will be honored at the in-person 2024 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, TN.

Tickets are on sale now. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

THE 2024 RADIO HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ARE:

• The Crook & Chase Countdown (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase)

• Lee Harris

• Phil Hendrie

• Jaime Jarrin

• Kraig Kitchin

• Barry Mayo

• Mary McCoy

• Matt Siegel

Six inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of more than 900 industry professionals and two inductees were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. The confidential ballot was conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen.

Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “The Radio Hall of Fame welcomes eight new members that have made a lasting impact on the industry. This class, like the ones before it, exemplifies the highest standards of excellence that radio broadcasters have upheld throughout radio’s rich history, making this medium so special to generations of listeners. These individuals have entertained, informed, and enriched listeners with their special talents, and it is an honor to recognize them as the Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2024.”

David Plier, Chairman, The Museum of Broadcast Communications, said: “Congratulations to each of our inductees this year on this well-deserved recognition. I am grateful to the members of the Nominating Committee for presenting a diverse and inclusive group of nominees again this year for industry consideration.” He added: “Co-Chairmen Dennis Green and Kraig Kitchin are providing excellent leadership in involving so many industry voices to this annual induction process. I am appreciative of their many years of service and leadership.”  

Tribute Book ads for the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony are available for purchase now. Contact Linde Thurman at: Linde@radiohalloffame.com for more information and to buy a Tribute Book ad for the September 19th event.

ANNOUNCING THE 2023 LEGENDS

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of 12 new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2023, recognizing the talents and efforts of on-air personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away.

The following 12 radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately.

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Bob Grant - On-Air Personality

Dave Robbins - Programming Executive

Ed Christian - Executive

Eduardo Caballero - Executive

Jack “The Rapper” Gibson - On-Air Personality / Writer

Joe “Butterball” Tamburro - Programming Executive

Long John Nebel - On-Air Personality

Marty Glickman - Play-by-Play Host / Executive

Mary Turner - On-Air Personality

Steve Rivers - Programming Executive

Terry Dorsey - On-Air Personality

Tom Rounds - Executive

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Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “It’s heartfelt recognition to see these individuals and their career contributions to the radio industry recognized with this induction. They’ve made a forever impact on the audiences and businesses they interacted with and for that, we’re grateful.”

Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, remarked: “Gone but never forgotten, these Legends of the radio industry deserve to be recognized as Hall of Famers and it is an honor to induct them to the Radio Hall of Fame. From programmers to talent to executives, these individuals are the best of the best.”

The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2023 class of inductees at the 2023 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, November 2nd, at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in New York City.

2022 Radio Hall of Fame Inductee, Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Tickets are on sale now.

A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

ANNOUNCING THE 2023 INDUCTEES

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of eight new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2023.

The 2023 Radio Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the in-person 2023 Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on Thursday, November 2nd, at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in New York City. 2022 Radio Hall of Fame Inductee, Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Tickets are on sale now. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

2023 INDUCTEES:

John DeBella

Gerry House

Deborah Parenti

Bob Rivers

Pat St. John

Shadoe Stevens

Nina Totenberg

Charles Warfield

Six inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of more than 950 industry professionals and two inductees were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. The confidential ballot was conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen.

Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, commented: “My congratulations to our newest inductees. I’m thrilled to see each individual receive this recognition from the industry they’ve devoted their professional lives to. My thanks to the members of the 2023 Nominating Committee for their tireless work and contributions, as well as to the hundreds of industry members who took time to vote.”

Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, remarked: “On behalf of the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, we are proud to induct eight individuals into the Radio Hall of Fame who have made an indelible impact upon the industry. It is a pleasure to honor the careers of these individuals who quite simply define excellence in the industry and have earned the right to be called a Hall of Famer. Congratulations!”

2022 LEGENDS OF RADIO INDUCTEES

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of 10 new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2022, recognizing the talents and efforts of air personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away.

The following 10 radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately:

Mr. Doug Banks
Nationally syndicated on-air personality.

Mr. James Brown
Legendary singer, to be inducted as a radio station owner of WJBE Knoxville, TN.

Mr. Bob Coburn
Host of the syndicated Rockline show.

Mr. Chick Hearn
Play-by-play announcer/voice of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ms. Bernice Judis
Owner and General Manager, WNEW-AM, 1930’s–1950’s.

Mr. Sid Mark
Host of syndicated program, Sounds of Sinatra show for 60+ years.

Mr. Bobby O’Jay
On-air personality, WDIA-AM/Memphis.

Mr. Pervis Spann
On-air personality, WVON-AM/Chicago.

Mr. James Thompson
Group W Broadcasting President and President of the Broadcasters Foundation.

Ms. Rosalie Trombley
Music Director of CKLW-AM/Detroit in the 1960’s–1970’s.

Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chairman, Radio Hall of Fame, said: “The Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing the individuals who have made the greatest impact on our 100+ year old industry. I’m thrilled to see the Nominating Committee confirm the induction of these 10 individuals who each made such an impact on our industry in their time.”    

Dennis Green, Co-Chairman, Radio Hall of Fame, noted: “We are proud to honor these legendary figures who made an indelible impact on the radio industry. Their legacy lives on as Radio Hall of Fame inductees of this year’s Legends class.”

The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2022 class of inductees at the in-person 2022 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Tuesday, November 1st, at Chicago’s Radisson Blu Acqua Hotel. Tickets are on sale now. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.  

ANNOUNCING THE 2022 INDUCTEES

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of nine new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2022. The inductees will be honored at the in-person induction ceremony on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel.

Tickets are on sale now. Pricing and information can be found on our Tickets page. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

2022 RADIO HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Marv Dyson
(Radio Executive)

Lon Helton
(Country Countdown USA)

Ellen K
(KOST-FM Los Angeles)

Broadway Bill Lee
(WCBS-FM New York)

Walt “Baby” Love
(Gospel Traxx)

Carol Miller
(WAXQ-FM New York)

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo
(Sirius XM)

Jeff Smulyan
(Emmis Communications President & CEO)

Suzyn Waldman
(New York Yankees Radio Network, WFAN-A/F New York)

Six inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of more than 800 industry professionals and three inductees were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. The confidential ballot was conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen.

Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, commented: “Congratulations to each member of the 2022 Class of Inductees. Our forthcoming inductees have made a wonderful impact on the lives of their listeners and our industry. We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate their respective careers and honor them with an induction to the Radio Hall of Fame”.

Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, remarked: “It is an honor to induct nine worthy individuals to the Radio Hall of Fame. This year was our highest voter participation ever and the radio industry picked an amazing, diverse class of broadcasters and executives that we are proud to call Hall of Famers. These individuals have made a lasting impact on this amazing industry, cementing their place as part of the legacy that makes radio special.”

Fans and industry professionals can find more information, including photos of the inductees on the 2022 Inductees page.

ANNOUNCING THE 2021 INDUCTEES

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of eight new inductees as well as a new class of Legacy inductees, into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2021. The 2021 Radio Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the in-person 2021 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Chicago’s Wintrust Grand Banking Hall.

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, September 1st. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.  
 

THE 2021 RADIO HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ARE:

Brother Wease – Radio 95.1, Rochester, NY 
Longstanding Network/Syndication (20 years or more)

Elliot Segal – DC 101, Washington, DC  
Active Local/Regional (10 years or more)

Dan Patrick – The Dan Patrick Show 
Longstanding Networks/Syndication (20 years or more)

Kim Komando – The Kim Komando Show
Active Network/Syndication (10 Years or more)

Javier Romero – WAMR-FM/Amor 107.5, Univision Miami
Music Format On-Air Personality

Preston & Steve – 93.3 WMMR, Philadelphia, PA
Spoken Word On-Air Personality

Erica Farber - President and CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau.

Bill Siemering - Founding Director of Programming and Founding Member of the Board of Directors, NPR.

Four inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of more than 600 industry professionals and four inductees were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, two with input from the public.  The outcome of the listener vote for a music format and spoken word format on-air personality counted as one vote among the committee votes. The process was overseen by the certified public accounting firm Miller Kaplan Arase LLP. 

 In addition, to honor the 100th year of radio, the Radio Hall of Fame has established a Legends induction, recognizing the talents and efforts of air personalities, programmers and operators who although they have died, spent their lives contributing their talents to the industry. While the industry celebrates 100 years of existence, the industry’s Hall of Fame is only 33 years into existence. The centennial milestone provides an opportunity to recognize the talents and efforts of 33 individuals in 2021, as well.  

Kraig T. Kitchin, Radio Hall of Fame chairman, commented: “I’m thrilled to welcome this deserving Class of 2021 and look forward to celebrating their inductions in late October in Chicago.  In addition, it’s my honor to announce and recognize the talents of individuals who provided the foundation for so much of our industry’s success, but have not been yet recognized by this institution. These individuals have earned their place within the Radio Hall of Fame. We used the opportunity of this medium’s 100th anniversary to undertake a review  of the industry’s past performers and operators, to identify a select group of industry legends that left us before they could be properly recognized. We honor their contributions and their memory by these inductions.“   

The following 33 radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of radio:
 

Aku aka Hal Lewis - air personality in Honolulu in 1960-1980’s on KGU and KGMB.

Raul Alarcon Sr - radio executive and founder of Spanish Broadcast Systems (SBS).

Jackson Armstrong - air personality in Cleveland in 1960–1980’s on WIXY, WKYC, WKBW and other stations.

Dr. Joy Browne - syndicated talk radio air personality based from WOR-AM / New York City.

Frankie Crocker - air personality in Buffalo and New York City in 1950–1980’s on WUFO, WWRL, WMCA  and WBLS-FM.

Don Cornelius - air personality, WVON-AM, Chicago.

Tom Donahue - air personality in San Francisco in 1960– 1980’s on KYA, KMPX, KSAN.

Bill Drake - programmer and founder, Drake-Chenault Enterprises.

Arlene Francis - air personality in New York City in 1930-1960’s and first female host of NBC’s Monitor.

Barry Gray - talk radio air personality in 1940-1980’s in New York City on WOR and WMCA.

Toni Grant - talk radio air personality in Los Angeles in 1970-1980’s on KABC-AM and others via syndication.

Petey Greene - air personality in Washington D.C. in 1960-1980’s on WOL-AM.

Maurice “Hot Rod“ Hulbert - air personality in Baltimore and Memphis in 1950 -1970’s.

Jocko Henderson - air personality in Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore in 1950-1970’s.

E. Rodney Jones - air personality in Chicago in the 1960’s on WVON-AM.

Chuck Leonard - air personality in New York City in 1960-1970’s on WWRL, WABC, WXLO, WRKS, WBLS and others.

Melvin Lindsey - the originator of the “Quiet Storm“ late-night music programming format and Washington D.C air personality    the 1970-1980’s.

Ron Lundy - air personality in New York City in 1960–1980’s on WABC and WCBS-FM.

Mary Margaret McBride - nationally syndicated talk personality based in New York City, 1930-1970’s.

Ruth Ann Meyer - programmer of New York City radio stations in 1950-1960’s.

Murray “Murray the K” Kaufman - air personality in New York City, 1950-1980’s on stations WINS and WOR-FM.

Manuel “Paco“ Navarro - air personality in New York City in 1970-1980’s on WKTU-FM.

Pat O’Day - air personality, station owner and concert promoter in Seattle in 1960-1980’s.

Eddie O’Jay - air personality and pioneer of R&B radio in Milwaukee and Cleveland in 19960-1980’s.

Stu Olds - radio executive and CEO, Katz Media 1970-2010.

Alison Steele - air personality in New York City in 1960-1980’s on WNEW-AM and WNEW-FM.

“The Real” Don Steele - air personality in 1950-1980’s in Los Angeles on various stations.

Martha Jean “The Queen“ Steinberg - air personality in Memphis and Detroit in 1950-1980’s.

Todd Storz - radio executive and owner of Storz Broadcasting Company.

Jay Thomas - air personality in New York and Los Angeles in 1970-1990’s.

Rufus Thomas - air personality in Memphis in 1950-1980’s.

McHenry “Mac” Tichenor - radio executive, broadcast station owner of Tichenor Media (Heftel).

Nat D. Williams - air personality in Memphis in 1940-1970’s on WDIA-AM.

Dennis Green, Radio Hall of Fame’s Nominating Committee chair, remarked: “We are excited to not only announce a fantastic group of inductees for the Class of 2021, but on the 100th anniversary of radio, we honor legends of our industry for their contributions. The best part is having an in-person induction to honor this year’s inductees as well as members of the 2020 Radio Hall of Fame class. It’s an honor to recognize the new class of inductees, as well as legends of our industry this year.”

David Plier, Chairman of the Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC), noted: “I’m proud to see the list of ‘Legends’ in this inaugural year and the Class of 2021 Radio Hall of Fame inductees, chosen by this year’s Nominating Committee. The combined list is the most diverse group of nominees in the hall of fame’s history, which is reflective of the audiences that are and have been listening to radio stations across America all these years.”

The Mix Group is the presenting sponsor of the Radio Hall of Fame 2021 induction ceremony.

ANNOUNCING THE 2020 CLASS OF INDUCTEES

The results are in for the 2020 class of Radio Hall of Fame inductees, who will be honored Thursday, Oct. 29 during a live radio broadcast from multiple locations and across multiple audio platforms.  The Radio Hall of Fame is part of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, located in Chicago, IL since 1991.  Additional details about the exciting event to honor radio’s best and brightest will be coming soon.

The 2020 Inductees are:

Mark & Brian - KLOS-FM
- Longstanding Local/Regional (20 years or more)

Cokie Roberts - Political Reporter, NPR 
- Longstanding Network/Syndication (20 years or more)

Angie Martinez - WWPR-FM New York City
- Active Local/Regional (10 years or more)

The Breakfast Club - Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, DJ Envy, Premiere Networks, WWPR-FM
- Active Network/Syndication (10 years or more)

Sway Calloway - Sirius XM Shade 45 Channel
- Public Vote Music Format On-Air Personality

Glenn Beck - The Glenn Beck Show, Premiere Networks
- Public Vote Spoken Word On-Air Personality

Donnie Simpson - WMMJ-FM Washington D.C.
- Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee inductee

“Each year, I continue to be impressed by the caliber of our inductees, who deserve recognition for the high-quality radio they bring to listeners,” said Kraig Kitchin, chair of the Radio Hall of Fame. “I’d like to thank the Nominating Committee members for their valuable time to being part of the voting process.”

“The 2020 Class of inductees represents the diversity of voices that is heard on radio stations all across America,” said Dennis Green, chief revenue officer for Sun & Fun Media and Key Networks as well as chair of the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. “It’s an honor to contribute my time to leading this committee.” 

“The Museum of Broadcast Communications has been proud to be the home of the Radio Hall of Fame since 1991,” said David Plier, the museum’s board chair. “And this class of inductees is especially important as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of this still vital medium.”

Four inductees were determined by a voting participant panel of 600 industry professionals and three were voted by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, two with input from the listening public. The outcome of the listener vote for music and spoken word format on-air personalities counted as one vote among the committee votes. The votes were monitored by certified public accounting firm Miller Kaplan Arase, LLP.

Sponsors of the 2020 Radio Hall of Fame induction include Premiere Networks and the Weiss Agency. 

Announcing the 2019 Class of Inductees

The results are in for the class of 2019 Radio Hall of Fame inductees who will be honored on Nov. 8, in New York City at one of midtown-Manhattan’s landmarks, Gotham Hall.

The inductees are:

Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton
103.5 KTU New York
Weekly Top 30 Countdown, nationally syndicated by Premiere Networks

Harry Harrison
On-air morning personality, New York’s WMCA-AM, WABC-AM and WCBS-FM
Longstanding Local/Regional, 20+ years

Kevin and Bean (Kevin Ryder, Gene “Bean” Baxter)
The Kevin & Bean Show, KROQ-FM, Los Angeles
Active Local/Regional, 10+ years

Joe Madison
Joe Madison, The Black Eagle, SiriusXM Urban View

Jim Rome
The Jim Rome Show, CBS Sports Radio
(Longstanding Network/Syndication, 20+ years)

Ryan Seacrest
KIIS-FM Los Angeles
On Air with Ryan Seacrest
American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest, nationally syndicated by Premiere Networks

John Tesh
Intelligence for your Life,nationally syndicated by Compass Media Networks
(Active Network/Syndication, 10+ years)

Dr. Ruth Westheimer
The Dr. Ruth Show, NBC Radio
Sexually Speaking, WYNY-FM New York 

“I’m especially proud to welcome these individuals into the Radio Hall of Fame.  Their on-air performances and audience relationships are especially remarkable.  Each of our 2019 nominees are worthy of induction and I’m appreciative of all those who participated in our process of selecting our Class of 2019, who will join the 238 Radio Hall of Fame inductees already recognized for their great work.”

Kraig Kitchin, Chairman/Radio Hall of Fame

Four inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals and four inductees were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, two with input from the public.  The outcome of the listener vote for a music format and spoken word format on-air personality counted as one vote among the committee votes.  The process was administered by Votem and overseen by the certified public accounting firm Miller Kaplan Arase LLP. 

Tickets to the induction ceremony are now available here.  A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.  

The Mix Group is the presenting sponsorof the Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony. 

30th Annual Radio Hall of Famers Treated to Winter Wonderland

The 30th Annual Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony tested everyone’s resolve as they battled traffic, downed trees, street closures and more, courtesy of New York City’s first snow of the season.  Radio Hall of Fame Chairman Kraig T. Kitchin welcomed everyone and announced the rebranding of the organization with a new name, logo, website and more.  The adrenaline-charged evening wasn’t short on laughs, tears and standing ovations.  

Mark Levin was first to receive his honor, commenting that “Rush Limbaugh took me under his wing, a great decent, very nice man,” and that “Sean Hannity is like a brother to me.”  Fred Jacobs acknowledged that he was “the outlier of the night” as the first radio consultant to be inducted.  Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic shared their story about how they looked like the number 10 when they stood next to each other.  Greenberg commented they now look like the number 11, as Golic is much thinner.  Golic also noted, “We didn’t want to be blue, we wanted to be a family show and that’s the route we went.”

Jim Harper introduced Jim Kerr as “The People’s Prince of New York Radio.”  Dr. Laura Schlessinger garnered applause when she said before she was in radio, she listened to Cousin Brucie.”  She also commented, “For me this is not a job, it’s a mission.”  Vice President of Entercom Jimmy DeCastro joked while introducing Jonathon Brandmeier, aka Johnny B, “If this was Chicago, the snow would’ve been plowed, we’d all be in the bar and this would’ve been over two hours ago!” Johnny B added, “Our hotel is six blocks from here, we’re in the car for two hours and my wife of 37 years says, ‘let’s make a run for it’ and we did!  That’s a queen!”

Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning Actor Alan Alda introduced Joan Hamburg saying, “She has the ability to interview anybody with grace and good humor.”  She commented, “We are so lucky because no matter what, [radio] is still about community…We make a difference in peoples’ lives.”  Mike Francesa commented, “How great is it to stand up here at the same microphone as Alan Alda?!  One of my all-time favorite TV stars.  That was a big thrill.”  Final inductee Kid Kelly, who was introduced by Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow) and congratulated via video by Taylor Swift and Dr. Phil, commented, “My aunt gave me the greatest gift, belief in myself.”  Addressing the room, “Thank you for supporting a challenged child and making his dreams come true.”

Additionally, Nanci Donnellan, who was unable to attend, was inducted.

Bobby Bones Youngest Ever Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame

The 29th Annual National Radio Hall of Fame class of 2017 induction ceremony was an emotionally filled evening that wasn’t short on laughs, standing ovations and reflection.  Host Dave Ramsey welcomed the sold-out crowd and commented, “We’re sitting in the midst of greatness tonight.”  He spoke about the business being both art and science.

Bill Handel was first to receive his honor.  In a humorous video tribute, Chairman/CEO iHeartMedia Bob Pitman, Big Boy, Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott, Program Director/KFI-AM 640 Robin Bertolucci and others congratulated Handel.  In his acceptance speech, he acknowledged his audience saying “I have one person I’m talking to, just a million times.  Radio is truly a magic medium.”

President/CEO of Entercom David Field then introduced his father Joseph Field on the eve of “one of the largest radio mergers in the history of the industry.” David said, “What I most admire about my Dad is who he is as a human being.  He’s the model of honesty and decency.  Working together with my Dad has been rewarding and fulfilling.” Joseph stated, “I know I wouldn’t be receiving this honor tonight without David’s extraordinary record.”  

Ramsey then commented on working with family, “If you don’t kill each other, you get to have a moment like those two just had…tears of pride in David’s eyes for his Dad.  We just got to witness that.”

John Records Landecker took the opportunity to acknowledge 1988 inductee and Lone Ranger creator Fran Striker.  He was humbled to be in his company, along with all others.  He also talked about knowing “radio’s best friend” Art Vuolo, since high school and that Art shared with him on the red carpet that Nov. 2 was the 97th anniversary of radio in the U. S., making the event more special.

The late Bob Sievers’ daughter Caroline accepted the award on his behalf saying, “My father was blessed with the gift of voice, which was unmistakable and always resonated with good will and enthusiasm.”  She went on to say his audience, “saw him as their neighborhood friend and confidante.  So Daddy thank you. We do remember.  We honor you and we’re all so proud of you.” 

Tom Barnard said “I care deeply about my family and friends.  You all keep me on the straight and narrow by threatening me, which is a good thing!”  He went on to say “it’s about working with great people” and that he plans to be around “until I drop dead, I love [radio] so much.  Thank you for including me in this club.  I’m not even religious, but let me say this…God bless all of you.” He received two standing ovations.

Then NRHOF Chairman Kraig Kitchin surprised Dave Ramsey with a special presentation of his 2015 induction portrait which he couldn’t accept in person due to a commitment he made to speak in front of 4,000 of his fans.  Ramsey accepted with surprise and graciousness.

Bobby Bones, the youngest ever inducted into the NRHOF was congratulated via video by Chairman/CEO iHeartMedia Bob Pitman, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini and more.  Bobby commented, “For me it’s about picking the best people,” which he attributed his success to.  He thanked his listeners via TuneIn and acknowledged their help in raising more than $10 million for charity over the last three years.  He closed with “This is a ‘we’ thing, not a ‘me’ thing.”

Additionally, Sean Hannity and Robin Quivers, who were unable to attend, were inducted.

Announcing the 2017 Class of Inductees

The 25-person National Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee presented 24 individuals and shows worthy of consideration to listeners and industry peers and the voting results are in. 

In just three years since public voting was reinstituted, the National Radio Hall of Fame reports an unprecedented level of audience participation with nearly 300,000 votes cast for Music Format On-Air Personality and Spoken Word On-Air Personality.  The increase is attributed to the ever-more creative campaigning waged by nominees as well as the newly offered online voting mechanism in addition to texting.  The inductees by public vote are:

Bobby Bones, The Bobby Bones Show; syndicated by Premiere Networks
Music Format On-Air Personality

Bill Handel, The Bill Handel Show; KFI AM 640 Los Angeles; Handel on the Law; syndicated by Premiere Networks
Spoken Word On-Air Personality

Four of the categories were decided by a voting participant panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals.  The inductees by this panel are:

Tom Barnard, The Tom Barnard Show, KQRS-FM Minneapolis
Active Local/Regional, 10+ years

John Records Landecker, renowned DJ, most notably on WLS-AM and WJMK-FM, Chicago
Longstanding Local/Regional, 20+ years

Sean Hannity, The Sean Hannity Show; syndicated by Premiere Networks
Active Network/Syndication, 10+ years

Robin Quivers, The Howard Stern Show; SiriusXM
Longstanding Network/Syndication, 20+ years

Public Voting for National Radio Hall of Famers Begins June 5

Starting June 5 through June 19, listeners nationwide can vote for their favorite radio personalities in two categories to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame on Nov. 2, 2017. 

The nominees for Music Format On-Air Personality are:

Bobby Bones
Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton
Guy Phillips
Ryan Seacrest
Mike & Mike
Bill Handel
Joe Madison
Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!

From 6 a.m. EST June 5, until 11:59 p.m. EST June 19, fans can vote for one personality in each category online at www.radiovote.com or via text to 49400 accordingly: 

Message and data rates may apply.

Music Format On-Air Personality 

For Bobby Bones, text “10”

For Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, text “20”

For Guy Phillips, text “30”

For Ryan Seacrest, text “40”

Spoken Word On-Air Personality

For Bill Handel, text “50”

For Joe Madison, text “60”

For Mike & Mike, text “70”

For Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, text “80”

Chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame Kraig T. Kitchin comments, “This is a great opportunity for fans to weigh in on who they believe should be honored with an induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame.”

Winners of the two categories will be announced June 26.  Fans needing more information can visit each host’s Twitter feed, Facebook page, website, or the National Radio Hall of Fame website.

In addition to the two listener-voting categories, there are four categories being voted on by a panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. 

Those winners will also be announced June 26.  The induction ceremony takes place Nov. 2 at the home of the National Radio Hall of Fame – the Museum of Broadcast Communications in downtown Chicago.  

National Radio Hall of Fame Industry Voting Begins Today

Voting for the 2017 National Radio Hall of Fame Inductees begins today.  The 24 nominations in six categories were determined by the organization’s Nominating Committee.  Four of those categories will be voted on by a voting participant panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals.  They’ll receive confidential ballots from the online voting service, Votem, which is also used by the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.  Votes will be tallied by certified public accounting firm Miller Kaplan Arase, LLP.

The other two categories will be voted on by the public, also via Votem.  Public voting commences June 5 for eight nominations for Music Format On-Air Personality and Spoken Word On-Air Personality.  

National Radio Hall of Fame Chairman Kraig Kitchin says, “As an industry, we should all be proud of our incredibly diverse community of talent who have made and continue to make radio great.  This year’s class of nominees is a fine representation of why millions of people connect to our medium on a daily basis.”

Inductees will be announced June 26.  The induction ceremony will be held Thursday, Nov. 2 at the Museum of Broadcast and Communications in downtown Chicago.  

NOMINEES TO BE VOTED ON BY VOTING PARTICIPANT PANEL:

Longstanding Local/Regional (20 years or more)

Johnny Holliday, Washington, D.C.

John “Records” Landecker, Chicago

Paul Schneider, Boise

Donnie Simpson, Washington, D.C.

Active Local/Regional (10 years or more)

Tom Barnard, Minneapolis

Jack Harris & Tedd Webb, Tampa

Charles Laquidara, Boston

Preston & Steve (Preston Elliot, Steve Morrison), Philadelphia

Active Network/Syndication (10 years or more)

Nanci Donnellan, The Fabulous Sports Babe

Sean Hannity, The Sean Hannity Show

Diane Rehm, The Diane Rehm Show

Bert Weiss, The Bert Show

Longstanding Network/Syndication (20 years or more)

Denny Matthews, Kansas City Royals Play-by-Play Broadcast 

Robin Quivers, The Howard Stern Show 

Jim Rome, The Jim Rome Show

Marketplace

NOMINEES TO BE VOTED ON BY LISTENERS NATIONWIDE:

Music Format On-Air Personality

Bobby Bones

Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton

Guy Phillips

Ryan Seacrest

Spoken Word On-Air Personality

Mike Greenberg & Mike Golic (Mike & Mike)

Bill Handel

Joe Madison

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