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FOX Business Anchor Liz Claman Inducted into Cable Hall of Fame

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Longtime FOX Business anchor Liz Claman was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the Ziegfield Theatre in New York on April 19. Claman is host of “The Claman Countdown” and was joined at the event by show executive producer Brad Hirst and senior producer Milanee Kapadia. Also attending in support of Claman was FBN SVP of programming Ralph Giordano and vice president Charlie Brady. Claman stated, “I value this award more than you’ll ever know.”

Industry Views

Mysteries Explained: The Radio Hall of Fame

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media Implementers
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, “Sterling On Sunday”
Talk Media Network

imFor several years I’ve had the surprising privilege of serving as a member of the nominating committee of the Radio Hall of Fame. How does the process work? Let me clear up some of the mystery. FAQ:

Who chooses the nominations? You have input. Right now, the Hall is seeking recommendations from you without restriction. Who do you think belongs in the ROF? Suggest your nominations until March 31 https://www.radiohalloffame.com/nominate. After the nominations close, a list of hundreds of respected names are reviewed by the nominating committee.

Who is on the Nominating committee? The members are listed on the website: https://www.radiohalloffame.com/committee. They represent radio companies of all sizes and no one company is over-represented. Many of the members are not affiliated with any one company. Some are inductees, themselves.

Do committee members “push” people just from their own company? Not from my experience.

Can companies buy favor with sponsorship participations? No. The event sponsorship process happens after inductees are determined.

Is there geographic favoritism? Every nominee is considered for accomplishment, tenure, geography, format. It is fair to say that the committee agonizes over each of those qualities.

Who votes? The committee of 25 narrows it down to 24 nominees and that list is sent to approximately 1,000 broadcasters representing all formats, parts of the country and owners. An accounting firm receives and counts those votes.

Can’t the committee unilaterally select an inductee? Yes, but it is usually just one person, someone who is not an on-air talent.

What are the terms of the committee members? The positions rotate. Three to seven years seems to be the typical tenure.

What is a Legacy?  If a broadcaster is deceased, they can be fully honored as an inductee in the Legacy category.

Support is needed. Every year the induction ceremony is a beautiful, well-executed event celebrating our passion for quality radio. At the moment, it is one of the few pure “radio” gatherings. (Don’t annoy me about the NAB – they used to have a pure, big tent radio event but now that’s a sales event.).

The constant refrain that radio does not get appropriate credit as a viable, MAJOR medium can be mitigated when our Hall of Fame evening is a sell-out. Every single company should buy tables, ads and send their C-suite. The well-produced show is available for broadcast and should be broadcast! The speeches are much funnier than the Oscars or Emmys.

Walter Sabo is a leading media industry consultant and syndicated talk radio personality.  He can be emailed at Walter@Sabomedia.com. Website: www.waltersterlingshow.com

Industry News

BFoA Chair Scott Herman to Be Inducted into B+C Hall of Fame

Broadcasters Foundation of America chair and former CBS Radio COO Scott Herman will beim inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame on September 26, 2024. A portion of the net proceeds from the Hall of Fame gala is donated to The Broadcasters Foundation. Herman says, “I’m humbled to be in the company of some of the broadcast greats who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and I’m proud to represent radio in the Class of 2024.” The annual Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame pays tribute to the pioneers, innovators and stars of broadcast, cable, broadband and streaming television.

Industry News

KYW, Philadelphia Inducts Adkins and Brooks into Hall of Fame

Audacy’s all-news KYW, Philadelphia inducts longtime reporter and anchor Lynne Adkins and anchor Brandon Brooks into its Hall of Fame. The inductees were nominated and elected by the current KYWim Newsradio staff and join other distinct Hall of Famers, including NBC NewsAndrea Mitchell and longtime suburban bureau chief Jay Lloyd. Lynne Adkins spent 34 years as an anchor, reporter and mentor at KYW Newsradio. Brandon Brooks was the voice of news in Philadelphia for more than 30 years. He first came to KYW Newsradio as a part-time anchor and reporter in 1989. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “This honor is long overdue for these two inductees who have devoted over three decades of their lives to being reliable news sources for the Philadelphia region. Not only has their professionalism set a high standard for our content, but their extensive backgrounds have taught the next generation of KYW Newsradio broadcasters to aspire to a new level.”

Industry News

NYSBA Inducts 2023 Hall of Fame Class

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The New York State Broadcasters Association inducted their Hall of Fame class for 2023 with Galaxy Media Partners CEO Ed Levine – chair of NYSBA’s Hall of Fame committee – serving as emcee. Pictured above are (from l-r) Levine, inductee Irv Gikofsky, Craig Stevens Harris, Dan Cummings, Angie Martinez, Bob Matthews, and NYSBA president David Donovan.

Industry News

Radio Hall of Fame Inducts 2023 Legends

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of 12 Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2023. The Legends inductees recognize the talents and efforts of on-airim personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away. The 2023 class includes: talk radio personality Bob Grant, Saga Communications chief Ed Christian, and talk personality Long John Nebel. Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig T. Kitchin comments, “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.” See more about the Legends here.

Industry News

Broadcasters Inducted into Rhode Island Hall of Fame

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Pictured above is WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence morning host and WJAR-TV, Providence 6:00 pm anchor Gene Valicenti (right) with consultants Holland Cooke (left) and Mike McVay (center). Valicenti was one of those inducted into Rhode Island Radio & TV Hall of Fame last night (9/21). This year’s other radio inductee is former WPRO news director Chris Camp, who recently retired back to Rhode Island after 28 years as news director at Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta.

Industry News

FSR’s Rob Parker Enters NABJ Hall of Fame

FOX Sports Radio personality Rob Parker – co-host of “The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard and Rob Parker,” MLB Network analyst, and founder/editor of MLBbro.com, was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Hall of Fame on August 4, in Birmingham. NABJ says Parker was honored for hisim 37-year career in journalism, during which he broke barriers and uplifted young sports writers. Parker says, “There’s nothing better than being honored by your own people, your peers, so this is very special to me. I want to thank my family, my friends, all the people who have supported me throughout the years, all my mentees – they fuel me, they inspire me every day. How I got here is that plenty of people helped me along the way, and that’s what it’s all about.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “We couldn’t be more proud of Rob. He truly deserves this recognition for his trailblazing career in sports journalism, and for his continuing efforts to elevate and mentor the next generation.”

Industry News

Dr. Asa Andrew To Present at the 2023 Pro Football Hall Of Fame

Talk media personality Dr. Asa Andrew will be presenting this year at the annual 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fameim weekend on behalf of the NFL Alumni Health. A special panel has been put together that will be led and moderated by Doctor Asa on the topics of mental health, performance, imlongevity, and living a healthier lifestyle. In partnership with Hall of Fame legend Ray Lewis, Doctor Asa will be leading some powerful fireside chats with some of the all-time NFL greats, including Emmitt Smith, Terrell Owens, Warren Sapp, and more. Doctor Asa says, “It’s an honor to be invited to speak at such a prestigious event. Being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the league’s highest honor. It means that these champions used their natural talent, overcame tremendous adversity, and found a way to win in every area of life.” Hall of Fame weekend takes place August 4-6 in Canton, Ohio. 

Industry News

Nebraska Broadcasters Association to Induct Three into Hall of Fame

The Nebraska Broadcasters Association announces the class of 2023 for its NBA Hall of Fame to be inductedim on August 8 during the organization’s annual convention. Among the three 2023 inductees is former talk radio personality and current classical music KVNO-FM, Omaha morning host Otis Twelve. His radio career began in 1973 and in 1993 he became morning host at news/talk KFAB, Omaha. He served as a talk host on crosstown KKAR, Omaha from 1999 through 2001. He also served as a movie critic for TV stations KETV and then KPTM from 1984 to 1996.

Industry News

Rochester Sports Media Legend Bob Matthews Among NYSBA’s Hall of Fame Class of 2023

Rochester market sportswriter and sports talk host Bob Matthews is one of five New York State broadcastersim being inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame this year. Matthews served as host of the WHAM-AM, Rochester evening sports talk show for 35 years. He was also a newspaper sports columnist and a regular contributor to the Gannett News Service.

Industry News

WSCR Honoring Hall of Famer Hughes

Pat HughesIn celebration of Chicago Cubs play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes’ induction next week into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the team’s flagship – Audacy sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” – will air a series of special programming. WSCR vice president and brand manager Mitch Rosen opines that, “Pat’s induction into baseball’s Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional broadcasting career and unwavering dedication to the Cubs and ‘670 The Score.’ For 28 seasons, Pat’s voice has captured the essence of Cubs baseball. We’re delighted to recount the franchise’s cornerstone moments sound-tracked by his unforgettable calls and honor a fixture in Chicago sports.” Next Friday (7/21), WSCR will air “Pat’s Call to the Hall,” a three-hour (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm) audio retrospective of Hughes’ career. Hosted by Hughes’ radio booth partners Ron Coomer and Zach Zaidman, the special will feature interviews with – among others – former Cubs manager Joe Maddon; current Cubs skipper David Ross; sports broadcaster Bob Costas; and musician/songwriter Eddie Vedder. Next Saturday (7/22) following its broadcast of the Cubs game, the station will air Hughes’ induction speech from Cooperstown (New York) and will rebroadcast “Pat’s Call to the Hall.” In addition, WSCR is airing vignettes saluting Hughes’ career. The Baseball Hall of Fame named Hughes this year’s winner of the Ford Frick Award, which recognizes excellence in broadcasting. A nine-time Illinois Sportscaster of the Year, Hughes won the award three times in Wisconsin as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Industry News

2023 Radio Hall of Fame Nominees Announced

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of the 24 Radio Hall of Fame 2023 nominees chosen by the Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee, with input from the radio industry and listeners. Voting – by more than 800 industry members – for inductees begins tomorrow (6/16) and runs through June 30. The top six vote recipients will gain induction as part of the 2023 Radio Hall of Fame Induction class. The two additional inductees that will make up the eight-person induction class will be selected by theim Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee. The nominees are: Bert Weiss, Bob Rivers, Charles Laquidara, Dyana Williams, Gerry House, Jaime Jarrin, John & Ken, John DeBella, Johnny Magic, Kevin Matthews, Kid Leo (Lawrence Travagliante), Larry Elder, Laurie DeYoung, Lee Harris, Rev. Louise Williams, Bishop, Mark Simone, Mary McCoy, Matt Siegel, Mojo in the Morning, Monica May, Nina Totenberg, Pat St. John, Shadoe Stevens, and Shelley “The Playboy” Stewart. 2023 Radio Hall of Fame inductees will be announced Monday, July 24, and honored in-person at the 2023 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, November 2, at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in New York City. Radio Hall of Fame co-chairman Kraig Kitchin states, “Congratulations to each of this year’s’ nominees on this recognition. Behind this slate of nominees, the nominating committee reviewed more than 2,500 incoming suggestions from industry members and listeners before determining this group of talented individuals. Each nominee is deserving of induction, and I look forward to the results of the forthcoming confidential voting results.”

Industry News

Class of 2023 Inducted into MBA Hall of Fame

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The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association inducted the Class of 2023 into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame at a ceremony attended by almost 300 broadcasters, friends, and fans last Thursday (6/8). The six inductees are: retired long-time former sports anchor Mike Lynch from Boston’s WCVB-TV; the late and beloved videographer Therman Toon from Boston’s Channel 7; the late WBZ-TV, Boston, reporter, the gifted storyteller Bill Shields; from WBZ NewsRadio 1030, Boston, the heralded news reporter and “poet laureate” Carl Stevens; Spanish-language radio station entrepreneur Patrick Costa; and Lesley University communications professor and former rock and roll DJ Donna L. Halper. Halper also received the Hall of Fame Pioneer Award, given, as HOF committee chair Peter Brown explained, “to individuals who have distinguished themselves over decades for lasting contributions made to the broadcast industry and through a leadership role in their particular craft.”

Industry News

Beasleys Honored by B+C Hall of Fame

Beasley Media Group late company founder George Beasley and his daughter, CEO Caroline Beasley, were among the inductees honored at the 2023 Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday (5/3) in New York City. Caroline Beasley (pictured at right accepting the honors) says, “It is very humbling to be aim part of such an outstanding class of inductees. The only thing better would have been to have my late father, George, by my side, to accept this incredible honor together in person.” Other inductees included Deborah Roberts, ABC News national senior affairs correspondent, and contributing anchor of 20/20, and her husband Al Roker, weather and feature anchor and co-host of the third hour of NBC’s “Today Show,” Matt Bond, chairman, content distribution, NBCUniversal; Ray Cole, president and chief operating officer, Citadel Communications; Frank Comerford, CRO and president, local sales, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships; Ray Hopkins, president, U.S. Networks Distribution, Paramount Global; Wonya Lucas, CEO, Hallmark Media; Soledad O’Brien, CEO of SO’B Productions and host/producer of “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien”; and Rachael Ray, TV food personality and host of “The Rachael Ray Show.” In addition, Jim Nantz of CBS Sports received the Lifetime Achievement Award and AMC’s “The Walking Dead” was named the Iconic Series for 2023. Late past president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, Jim Thompson, was posthumously honored with the Chairman’s Award for his career achievements and tireless dedication to helping broadcasters in need.

Industry News

Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame Unveils Class of 2023

The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association announces the 2023 inductees into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. From the radio side, this year’s inductees include former rock jock Donna L. Halper, currently a communications professor at Lesley University, and Spanish music radio station entrepreneur Pat Costa. Halper is also receiving the Hall of Fame Pioneer Award, given “to individuals who have distinguished themselves over decades for lasting contributions made to the broadcast industry and through a leadership role in their particular craft.” Other inductees are WCVB-TV, Boston sports anchor Mike Lynch, the late and beloved WHDH-TV videographer Therman Toon, late WBZ-TV reporter Bill Shields, and WBZ Radio’s heralded news reporter and “poet laureate” Carl Stevens.

Industry News

Talk Host Steve Kass Elected into RI Heritage Hall of Fame

Longtime Rhode Island talk radio host Steve Kass is being elected into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, May 6 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Pavilion inHuman - Face Providence. Kass was inducted into the RI Radio Hall of Fame in 2010. He began his radio career in 1958 as a rock ‘n’ roll disc jockey. He also led the pop group Steve Kass and the Love Larks that was recorded by Bobby Day for Class Records. They performed on TV and toured for a while. Kass changed careers and launched several successful businesses but returned to radio and TV in 1979, hosting shows at WPRO-AM and WHJJ-AM in Providence. Today, he hosts an eponymous podcast.