Posted by chicagomedia.org on August 06, 2009 at 19:50:07:
NATIONAL RADIO HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2009
Voters select Neal Boortz, Dr. Demento, Ed Walker and Wendy Williams for the Hall---Radio Executive Norman Pattiz also set for induction on November 7th
The National Radio Hall of Fame (NRHOF) announces the results of its national online balloting process for induction into America's only National Radio Hall of Fame. The public selected:
Neal Boortz - the conservative WSB/Atlanta-based host of "The Neal Boortz Show", which airs throughout the United States and is syndicated by Dial Global.
Dr. Demento - a weekly syndicated program of novelty songs and comedy skits hosted by Barret Hansen and formerly heard on the Westwood One Network.
Ed Walker ? the Washington, DC host of "Play it Again, Ed" that aired on WMAL?AM and garnered one of the largest audiences in DC radio history. Walker and radio partner Willard Scott were known as the "Joy Boys" on WWDC and WRC. Walker now hosts "The Big Broadcast" on WAMU-FM featuring classic programs from the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Wendy Williams - talk show host for more than 20 years, Williams began her career on WOL/Washington DC. Former host of "The Wendy Williams Experience" on WBLS/New York, Williams recently left radio to focus on her television career.
The NRHOF Steering Committee also selected radio executive Norman Pattiz for induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Pattiz is Founder and Chairman of Westwood One, America's largest radio network organization, and a pioneer in the national radio syndication business.
Previously the Steering Committee had announced its posthumous inductees for 2009, who are:
Jose Miguel Agrelot (deceased) ? the first Hispanic ever inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, Agrelot 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." He started the longest running program in Puerto Rican radio history, "Su Tu Alegre Despertar," which aired for over 50 years.
Harry Kalas (deceased) ? a Philadelphia radio icon who began his career in 1961 calling minor league games while he was in the U.S. Army stationed in Hawaii. Kalas 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." Kalas passed away on April 13, 2009 in a broadcast booth while preparing to do what he loved most ? call a Phillies game.
Studs Terkel (deceased) ? the legendary host of his own program on WFMT/Chicago from 1958 to 1998. Terkel was known for his unique interviewing style which showcased his personal curiosity for the common man and for politicians and celebrities alike. An internationally acclaimed personality and best selling author, Terkel was also an inspirational figure and mentor to a younger generation of journalists and literary figures. He passed away at the age of 96 on October 31, 2008.
Premiere Radio Networks will produce and distribute the live induction broadcast from Chicago on Saturday November 7, 2009 at 10PM (ET). George Noory, of Coast to Coast AM, will host the broadcast with Radio Hall of Famer Jim Bohannon of Westwood One serving as the announcer. Promotional support provided by American Airlines, official airline of the Radio Hall of Fame.
Tickets for the black-tie induction gala benefit are $350.00 each and may be purchased online at www.RadioHOF.org. Tables of ten are available for purchase at the following levels of support: $3,500, $10,000 and $15,000.
Votenet Solutions, Inc., a respected online vote tabulation firm, supervised and tabulated the 2009 National Radio Hall of Fame ballots. To learn and hear more about past National Radio Hall of Fame inductees please visit www.radiohof.org.