Posted by chicagomedia.org on November 10, 2008 at 14:19:05:
In Reply to: Saturday's National Radio Hall of Fame ceremony: A review posted by chicagomedia.org on November 10, 2008 at 10:47:29:
Stars Shine At Radio Hall Of Fame Induction
By Mike Stern
Originally Posted On Nov 10, 2008 7:58 AM ET
Bruce DuMont, chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame, summed the situation up when he announced, "There's excitement in the air and in the streets as well." As radio luminaries gathered Saturday night (Nov. 9) to induct the Hall of Fame's class of 2008, protestors clogged the streets in front of Chicago's Renaissance hotel, angry about the induction of Dr. James Dobson's "Focus on the Family" program.
While outside protestors chanted "Hey, ho, discrimination's got to go," referencing Dobson's stand against homosexuality, inside a large crowd of supporters gave Dobson the night's loudest cheer when he was first mentioned at the start of Westwood One's live broadcast of the ceremony.
Dumont explained that the hall's 27 member steering committee only considers a candidates longevity and accomplishments, "and has never rendered judgment on a candidate's political or religious beliefs." He also noted that 2008 was the first year voting was open to the public instead of to a limited group of donors creating the opportunity for nominees to campaign amongst their audiences, of which Dobson's is vast.
In his speech inducting Dobson, Salem Radio Network host Hugh Hewitt said Dobson's show has been able to "impact and elevate the lives of more than two million people." He then added that Dobson "Guides, inspires and enlightens," doing so, "with a servant's heart and a servant's humility." Dobson in turn thanked DuMont and the steering committee for having "the courage to nominate and support a Christian radio program," which he noted, "has been a little bit controversial."
Dobson's induction came close to the end of a night that started with host Adam Carolla from Westwood One welcoming the crowd in Chicago, "and the three dozen radio nerds listening in the basement of their mom's house."
The first induction was Art Bell, the legendary host of "Coast to Coast A.M." After a touching videotaped message from Bell's 96-year old mother, Bell talked about going on a journey "beyond politics, the center of the mind." He finished by saying. "It really was fun!"
Celebrating his 50th year in radio and 30 straight years as manager of the number one station in San Francisco, KGO GM Mickey Luckoff graciously acknowledged that inclusion in the hall is usually reserved for talent not management. He ended by saying, "When my last chapter is written, I hope it's said of me I was as good to radio as radio has been to me."
Inducting popular Los Angeles host Charlie Tuna, Hall-of-famer Larry Lujack said when they first met he was skeptical of a host who stole his name from a TV commercial cartoon fish but Tuna told him it was the fish who stole the name. Tuna talked about being inspired by a local host where he grew up named Jack Lewis and being able to hit the post at five years old.
Talking about legendary WRKO/Boston host Howie Carr, Harpo Radio GM John Gehron explained that a call from Carr's show is the most feared phone call any Boston politician can receive. Carr thanked his family, producers and his mentor, host Jerry Williams.
The night also featured several posthumous inductions and tributes:
Long-time Boston host Jess Cain's honor was accepted by his daughter, Jean Cain, who said her dad "was born with the talent to amuse." She described his show as being "intelligent without being offensive."
Accepting for her late husband, WGN/Chicago morning host Bob Collins, Christine Collins said Bob "never lost sight of the magic that is radio. Thank you for not losing sight of the magic Bob brought to the medium."
Honoring her father, Dick Wittinghill, daughter Nora pointed out her dad's pride in being one of the first people to be "named a radio personality, not just a DJ."
Prior to the start of the broadcast, the local audience also watched a video tribute to three broadcast pioneers who have recently passed: Paul Harvey's producer, partner and beloved wife Angel Harvey; Pittsburgh Steelers broadcaster and inventor of the terrible towel, Myron Cope; and WGN/Chicago morning host and founder of the Neediest Kids Fund, Wally Phillips.
(Radio & Records)