The Radio Hall of Fame inducted the class of 2026 last night (9/8) at the Fairmont Chicago, Millenium Park. Pictured above (from l-r) is the class of 2026: Rickey Smiley, Dennis Green, Helen Little, Bob Pittman, Fred Winston, Charlie Van Dyke, and Shotgun Tom Kelly (not pictured is inductee Boomer Esiason). Photo: Sophia Castro
Above is the Class of 2026 (l-r): Heather Gersten, morning host, WWLI, Providence “Lite 105”; Jim Hummel, host “The Hummel Report” and WPRO Radio; Les Breault, longtime news photographer, WPRI-TV, Providence; Sara Wye, trailblazing WJAR-TV, Providence anchor and reporter; Will Gilbert, host of WPRI-TV’S “The Rhode Show” and WPRO-FM DJ; Art “Spencer” Soares, evening host WWLI, Providence “Lite 105”; Georgia Boyer, accepting posthumously for her father Bill Rappleye, longtime WJAR-TV, Providence reporter. Photo: Rob Rainville
Picture above are broadcasters who attended the dinner to support the inductees (from l-r): Joe Connolly, longtime WCBS, New York business editor; Phil Zachary, retired market manager, Saga Portland Radio Group; Doug Stephan, host, “The American Family Farmer” and “Talk Radio Countdown Show”; Bill Haberman, news director, WPRO, Providence; Chris Camp, retired news director, WSB, Atlanta, and previously WPRO; Holland Cooke, News/Talk consultant and TALKERS columnist; front: Dan Paquet, assistant news director, WJAR-TV, Providence.
KNSS, Wichita talk host Ted Woodward is named a 2026 inductee into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Audacy summarizes Woodward’s media career, stating, “Woodward is a 
deeply rooted community fixture who has worked across nearly every local media outlet. He spent five years as a sportswriter for The Wichita Eagle before joining KNSS Radio in 1995. There, he co-hosted “Steve and Ted in the Morning” alongside fellow Hall of Famer Steve McIntosh for 28 years, where they won a Marconi Award for Outstanding Talent in 2017. Fans also know him as “Ted, the Sports Head,” a familiar voice on KFH Radio (KNSS-FM) for more than three decades.” Woodward and his fellow 2026 inductees will be honored at the KAB Hall of Fame Dinner on October 18 at the Wichita Marriott.
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct John Knicely, Kevin Kugler, Steve Lundy and Ken Siemek into the NBA Hall of Fame on Tuesday, August 11, in Lincoln during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 127 members with these pending inductees.
From his start as a TV sportscaster through his 34 years as a news anchor on Omaha’s WOWT-TV, John Knicely set a long-term standard for credibility and trust in Nebraska’s most competitive television market before retiring in 2025.
Kevin Kugler has the most extensive play-by-play résumé of any Nebraskan, and he continues scaling new heights on a national level.
In a career approaching 50 years and still counting, Steve Lundy has entertained listeners and served local communities on some of Nebraska’s most legendary radio stations. He got his on-air start in 1977 at KHUB in Fremont, and over the next 23 years, Steve was heard in Omaha on WOW, KOIL, KEFM, KQKQ and KKAR. After four years on Lincoln’s KLIN, Steve joined Omaha’s country music-formatted KXKT in 2004, where he currently serves as co-host of “Steve & Gina in the Morning.”
Over the course of his 44 years on KOLN, Lincoln, and KGIN-TV, Grand Island, meteorologist Ken Siemek led the stations’ weather department through massive technological changes—from handwritten weather symbols and temperature readings to the latest radar and satellite weather-forecasting technology. He retired in 2025.
The Radio Hall of Fame announced today (8/3) the selection of nine 2026 Legends inductees. These individuals were selected by the Radio Hall of Fame’s 2026 Nominating Committee, which meets annually to recognize deceased individuals who made significant contributions to the radio industry. The Radio Hall of Fame is housed within the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.
The following nine radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately:
Dennis Green, co-chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, tells TALKERS: “The Radio Hall of Fame is proud to honor this year’s Legends inductees, whose extraordinary careers have helped define the history and enduring impact of radio. From iconic on-air personalities to visionary executives, each has left an indelible mark on our industry and earned their rightful place in the Radio Hall of Fame.”
Kraig Kitchin, co-chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, adds: “It’s an honor and privilege to witness the induction of these radio industry legends. We hope this recognition of their industry contributions benefits their family, colleagues, friends, and listeners.”
The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2026 class of inductees at the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Fairmont Chicago. Tickets are on sale now at RadioHallOfFame.com. A portion of each ticket purchase is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.`
The New York State Broadcasters Association officially announces the 2026 inductees into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place at the Rainbow Room in October. This year’s class includes WABC, New York 
morning drive host Sid Rosenberg. In addition to Rosenberg, this year’s class includes: Bill Ritter – journalist/ anchor – WABC-TV, New York; Rosanna Scotto – journalist/anchor – WNYW-TV (FOX 5), New York City; Dan Miner – station manager – WCKM-FM, WCQL-FM, WWSC-AM & FM, and WDKM-FM, Glens Falls; Pete Cloutier – morning co-host & sales – WCKM-FM, Glens Falls; Chuck Samuels – VP & general manager – WHAM-TV, Rochester (retired); and Bob Krummenacker – VP & General Manager – WBNG-TV, Binghamton (retired).
WABC, New York morning drive host Sid Rosenberg is being inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of 
Fame. He’ll officially join the Hall on October 22 during a ceremony at the Rainbow Room in New York City. NYSBA says in a letter to Rosenberg,” Your career has been outstanding… while successful at WFAN and 1010 WINS, you have become a radio legend in your 10 years at 77WABC. From co-hosting the “Bernie and Sid” in 2016 to today’s “Sid and Friends in the Morning,” you have blazed a path in the tough New York City market.”
Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley was inducted into the Florida Broadcasters Hall of Fame during a ceremony that took place during the Florida Association of Broadcasters Annual Conference on Thursday, June 18 at The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Pictured above at the event are (from l-r): Dr. Robert Beasley, Brian Beasley, Caroline Beasley, Bruce Beasley and Brad Beasley.
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct John Knicely, Kevin Kugler, Steve Lundy and Ken Siemek into the NBA Hall of Fame on August 11. Kevin Kugler began his career KAWL, York and hosted “Big
Red Wrap Up” and other programs on Nebraska Educational Television. He hosted “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” on Omaha’s KOZN for 12 years. As a play-by-play announcer for FOX, he’s called more than 100 NFL games since 2020 along with college basketball, Major League Baseball, the UFL and other events. Steve Lundy has worked at some of Nebraska’s legendary radio stations, including KOIL, KKAR, and KLIN.
The Radio Hall of Fame inducted its 2025 10-member class of honorees last night (10/30) in Chicago that included Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott who is pictured above at left with fellow inductee and FOX Sports Radio star Colin Cowherd at right, as well as radio industry programmer and consultant Mike McVay (pictured below with RHoF co-chairs Dennis Green at left and Kraig Kitchin at right). 2021 Radio Hall of Fame Inductee Kim Komando served as emcee for the event.
Audacy’s KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia inducts two of its most respected and recognizable voices into the KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame. Reporter/anchor John Ostapkovich and business editor/anchor Vince Hill were selected by their peers and colleagues to join the roster of “journalists who have shaped the legacy of trusted news in the Philadelphia region.” Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “This recognition speaks to the legacy of excellence that John and Vince have helped build at KYW Newsradio. Their voices have been a trusted part of daily life in the region for decades, and their dedication to storytelling, accuracy and integrity continues to resonate across our newsroom.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Yadgaroff, Hill, Ostapkovich, and KYW assistant brand manager Tom Rickert.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of eight new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2025, recognizing radio broadcasters who have passed away. This year’s inductees include longtime WLS-AM, Chicago morning drive cohost Don Wade and nationally syndicated host Dale Sommers “The Truckin’ Bozo.” Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig Kitchin comments, “Each of these individuals contributed to the growth and vibrance of our radio industry and are worthy of induction. I’m thrilled to see recognition for their talents and efforts and heartened that their family, friends and colleagues can witness this well-deserved honor.” See the full slate of inductees here.
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct (husband-wife team) Dennis & Kathi Brown, along with prominent broadcasters Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into its Hall of Fame tomorrow (8/12) in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees. For more information, please click here. www.ne-ba.org
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces 10 new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for
2025. The inductees will be honored at the in-person 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on October 30 at the Swissotel Hotel in Chicago. Among this year’s inductees are: Colin Cowherd, host of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”; Mike McVay of McVay Media; and Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks. See the complete list of nominees here.
Hundreds of Hofstra alumni, students, faculty, staff, and administrators gathered to celebrate the induction of seven alumni into the University’s Radio Hall of Fame this past Saturday (10/19) at the Hofstra University Club on the school campus in Hempstead, NY. Over its 65 years, WRHU-88.7 (previously WHCH and WVHC) has won some of the industry’s most coveted awards, including four Marconi Awards for College Radio Station of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters. Student reporters have won national and regional honors and worked alongside professional journalists in covering events ranging from political conventions, presidential debates, and inaugurations to the Super Bowl and major league playoff and championship games. At WRHU, Hofstra students create multiplatform live game content for Hofstra D1 teams and the NBA G League Long Island Nets. They produce and distribute all NY Islanders live NHL games to ESPN Radio NYC, SiriusXM, NHL.com, WRCN-FM, and WRHU-FM. Students also produce and perform on-air roles for the Long Island Ducks baseball franchise. The evening’s celebration was emceed by Lee Harris (front row, far left), a 2009 WRHU Hall of Fame award winner and recent inductee into the national Radio Hall of Fame, and Jamie Morris ’07 (not pictured), host of K-JOY, Long Island’s “Mornings with Jamie and You.” This year’s inductees for the Radio Hall of Fame are Danielle Dellilo ’01 (front row, second from left); Shannan Ferry ’14 (front row, fourth from left); Jared Greenberg ’05 (back row, far left); Damon (Dave) Mock ’00 (posthumously); Shawn Novatt ’00 (first row, second from right); Stu Rushfield ’89 (back row, second from left); and John Santucci ’11 (not pictured). Also pictured: noted agent and president of the executive board of Hofstra University’s Alumni Organization, Heather Cohen (front row, third from left); Mike Kluger (back row, third from left); Steve Graziano (back row, third from right); George Musgrave (back row, second from right); Jim Helfgott (back row, far right); WRHU general manager, John T. Mullen (front row, fourth from right); and current president Hofstra Radio Alumni Association, Liane Sousa (front row, far right). (HRAA photo)
More than 320 broadcasters from the vibrant Rhode Island radio and television industries turned out last night (9/25) in celebration of the state’s industry Hall of Fame inductions at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI.
Six members of the state’s broadcasting community were inducted including Betty-Jo Cugini of WERI/WRX Radio/WLNE-TV/WJAR-TV; Chris DiPaola of WBLQ-AM Radio (posthumously); Joe Hassett, color commentator Providence College Basketball; Dan Yorke of WPRO-AM Radio/WPRI-TV; Paul Zangari of WEAN-AM Radio/RI PBS/ WPRO-AM Radio; and Sean Daly, WLNE-TV/WPRI-TV. An emotional high-point of the ceremony took place when the late Chris DiPaola was inducted as the inaugural recipient of the Ron St. Pierre Radio Innovator Award – named after the late RI radio legend who passed away earlier this year. The award was accepted by DiPaola’s father and son. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison attended the event, noting, “Last night’s beautiful gathering was a reminder that local radio and television are very much alive and well in Rhode Island. There were laughs, tears, pride, camaraderie, and an abundance of good vibes. It was inspirational!”
For more information, please click here.
The Radio Hall of Fame inducted its 2024 class of honorees last night (9/19) during a gala ceremony and dinner at the Omni Nashville. 2022 inductee, Lon Helton was emcee for the event, with Radio Hall of Fame co-chairmen, Kraig Kitchin (also one of this year’s inductees) and Dennis Green, welcoming attendees with opening remarks. Pictured above: 2024 inductee Lee Harris (r) director of integrated operations, NewsNation (and of 1010 WINS, New York fame) and Scott Herman (l) chairman, Broadcasters Foundation of America who inducted Harris. Herman and Harris worked together at 1010 WINS when the all-news operation was part of the CBS Radio fold and Herman served as the company’s COO. For more information about the Radio Hall of Fame and the eight 2024 Inductees, visit: www.radiohalloffame.com.
TALKERS vice president and executive editor Kevin Casey recently made a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. He says that in addition to the expected music memorabilia – guitars, clothing, and ephemera – there was an exhibit that told the story of radio’s crucial role in the rock and roll explosion of the 1950s and early 1960s. Another exhibit revealed the backlash against rock music from religious and conservative factions in the U.S. Casey is pictured above by an image of his musical hero Frank Zappa testifying before a congressional committee that was exploring mandatory labeling of records with “dirty” words. Casey muses, “It’s interesting to note that ‘culture warriors’ have always existed. Today, people assume they are Republicans, but in 1985 they were ‘bi-partisan’ on the matter of rock lyrics and led by Democratic U.S. Senator Al Gore’s then-wife, Tipper Gore. There was no legislation necessary because, sadly, the record industry caved to the pressure.”
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of eight new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2024, 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 eight radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately are: Chuck Blore – On-Air Personality; Alan Colmes – On-Air Personality; Charlie Douglas – On-Air Personality; Jim Ladd – On-Air Personality; Maria Martin – Journalist; Byron McGregor – On-Air Personality; Percy Sutton – Executive; and Rusty Walker – Programming Executive and On-Air Personality. The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2024 class of inductees at the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on September 19, at the Omni Nashville in Nashville.
This past Saturday (7/20), Boston Red Sox radio play-by-play announcer Joe Castiglione, whose signature catchphrase is, “Can you believe it,?” was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. “Joe Castig” received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence. During his acceptance speech, the 77-year-old Hamden, Connecticut native remarked, “Broadcasting baseball is my vocation. It’s the only thing I ever wanted to do, at least since I realized I wasn’t good enough to be a player. At my 50th college reunion, a classmate said to me, ‘You’re the one guy who did exactly what he said he wanted to do,’ and I’m still doing it. What a blessing.” Castiglione’s more than four decades doing Red Sox radio play-by-play marks the longest tenure of any Boston broadcaster on radio or television. In 2004, Castiglione published Broadcast Rites and Sites: I Saw It on the Radio with the Boston Red Sox. Prior to joining the Red Sox broadcasting team in 1983, Castiglione called Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) games (1979) and did some Milwaukee Brewers games two years later. 
Ford Frick was a driving force behind the creation of the Baseball Hall of Fame and helped foster the relationship between radio and baseball. The Hall of Fame has presented the award every year since 1978. To be considered for the award, an active or retired broadcaster must have a minimum of 10 years of continuous major league broadcast service with a ball club, network or a combination of the two.
The New York State Broadcasters Association announces the addition of six inductees into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. This year’s class includes Craig Carton, who currently hosts the morning
show on FOX Sports 1 and the weekend program “Hello, My Name is Craig,” on WFAN, New York. Carton began his radio career on WGR-AM, Buffalo and rose to fame nationally as co-host of the WFAN, New York morning show alongside Boomer Esiason. Also being inducted this year is John Murphy, radio host, TV sports director and longtime radio voice of Buffalo Bills play-by-play. The induction ceremony will take place at the NYSBA’s gala luncheon in the Rainbow Room, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the eight 2024 inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame
who will be honored at the ceremony on September 19, at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Six of the inductees were elected 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. This year’s inductees are: “The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase); Lee Harris; Phil Hendrie; Jaime Jarrin; Kraig Kitchin; Barry Mayo; Mary McCoy; and Matt Siegel.
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.”
By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media Implementers
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, “Sterling On Sunday”
Talk Media Network
For 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
Broadcasters Foundation of America chair and former CBS Radio COO Scott Herman will be
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.