The more than 160 inductees into the National Radio Hall of Fame over the decades represent a broad cross-section of individuals and diverse program formats. And this weekend, that group gets to grow a little larger with the latest inductions.
Last year, for the first time, the general public helped vote to make the final selection for this year's inductees, which were honored during the annual dinner hosted by radio and television personality Adam Carolla.
The nominations to the National Radio Hall of Fame are made by 27 members of a steering committee, which consists of radio executives, academicians, trade journalists and others interested in preserving the rich history of radio and recognizing its role in society. The nomination process follows published criteria and is based solely on the tenure and accomplishments of an individual in the radio industry.
In prior years, voting on the annual nominations was open to the general public only if individuals were members of the Museum of Broadcast Communications (home of the National Radio Hall of Fame), or became new online members by payment of a $15 fee. A change in the voting process for 2008 enabled the general public to vote for nominees online without joining the Museum.
"The very nature of radio often creates large numbers of fans devoted to their favorite personalities, and the number of votes cast in 2008 increased significantly," said National Radio Hall of Fame Chairman Bruce DuMont.
On Saturday, Chicago steps into the radio spotlight for the 2009 National Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It is radio's biggest night of the year----the industry's Oscars, Emmy's and Tony's.
The black-tie gala has been held in Chicago every November since 1992-- with the exception of 2002.
A national broadcast will send the show around the country, with both WGN and WLS carrying the show locally.
Rush Limbaugh, Dennis Miller, Willard Scott and Jonathan Brandmeier are headlining the roster of presenters this Saturday during the live broadcast at 9 p.m. from the Renaissance Hotel.
Bill Giles, Chairman of the National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies, Ana Belaval of the WGN Morning News, Charlamagne tha God, the morning personality on Philly's 100.3 The Beat and Chicago's Steve Darnall, host of "Those Were the Days," will also make presentations.
As for the 2009 NRHOF inductees, they are syndicated Atlanta talker Neil Boortz, the legendary Dr. Demento, Washington DC's Ed Walker, New York City's Wendy Williams and Westwood One Founder Norman Pattiz.
Posthumous inductees this year include Puerto Rico's Jose Miguel Agrelot (the first Hispanic NRHOF inductee), Harry Kalas the former voice of the Philadelphia Phillies and radio icon Studs Terkel of WFMT/Chicago.
George Noory of Premiere's Coast to Coast AM will host the broadcast and Westwood's Jim Bohannon will return as the announcer.
Premiere Radio Networks will also produce and distribute "Backstage at the Radio Hall of Fame" a post-induction entertainment special featuring star interviews and historic clips. This marks the first time the annual induction program has been expanded to two hours.
The program will also be streamed live on the Internet at radiohof.org
Tickets are still available for the black tie induction dinner, priced at $500 each. The event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday with a cocktail reception at the Renaissance Chicago Hotel with dinner following at 7 p.m. in the hotel ballroom and a live broadcast of the induction ceremony live on location starting at 9 p.m.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit radiohof.org or call (312) 245-8200.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.
Today's Celebrity Birthdays
Actress Doris Roberts ("Everybody Loves Raymond") is 79. Actress Loretta Swit ("MASH") is 72. Singer Harry Elston of Friends of Distinction is 71. Singer Delbert McClinton is 69. First Lady Laura Bush is 63. Actress Markie Post is 59. Singer-guitarist Chris Difford of Squeeze and pianist Yanni are 55. Country singer Kim Forester of the Forester Sisters and actress Kathy Griffin are 49. Actor Ralph Macchio and "Survivor" host Jeff Probst are 48. Actor Matthew McConaughey and rapper-producer Diddy aka Sean Combs are 40. Singer Shawn Rivera of Az Yet is 38. Actress Heather Tom ("Bold and the Beautiful," "One Life To Live") is 34. Gospel/R & B singer George Huff is 29.
