Posted by chicagomedia.org on June 18, 2009 at 14:28:48:
Radio Hall Of Fame Names '09 Posthumous Inductees
Three giant radio personalities have been selected for posthumous induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame (NRHOF). The three inductees are Puerto Rico air personality Jose Miguel Agrelot, Philadelpha radio icon Harry Kalas and legendary Chicago host Studs Terkel.
Jose Miguel Agrelot, the first Hispanic inducted into the NRHOF, was the most dominant media personality in Puerto Rico until his death in 2004. Known as "The Puerto Rican Bob Hope," Agrelot developed hundreds of different characters during his radio career, including his best known "Don Cholito."
Harry Kalas began his career in 1961 calling minor league games while he was in the U.S. Army stationed in Hawaii. He made his major league debut in 1965 calling games for the Houston Astros before being hired as the "voice of the Philadelphia Phillies" in 1971. Kalas, who was also the voice of NFL Films, was nicknamed "Harry the K". He died last April.
Studs Terkel host his own program on WFMT/Chicago from 1958 to 1998. He was known for his unique interviewing style, which showcased his personal curiosity for the common man as well as the politicians and celebrities who passed his way. He died at age 96 in October, 2008.
"The Radio Hall of Fame this year is pleased to welcome a pioneer in the world of Spanish speaking broadcasters and a beloved figure who defined radio in Puerto Rico -- as well as two icons of Philadelphia and Chicago radio who left their marks on two great cities," said NRHOF Steering Committee Chairman Bruce DuMont.
In addition to the three 2009 posthumous inductions, DuMont announced that a list of NRHOF nominees -- in four additional categories -- will be released on June 29. (06-17-09 Radio Online)