Radio Hall of Fame facts for kids

The Radio Hall of Fame is an American group that honors people who have made a big difference in the world of radio. It was started in 1988 by the Emerson Radio Corporation.

A few years later, in 1991, Bruce DuMont took over the Hall of Fame. He was the founder of the Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC). He moved the Hall of Fame to Chicago and made it part of the MBC. The Hall of Fame celebrates those who have helped radio grow and become what it is today in the United States. The Hall of Fame's exhibit used to be on the second floor of the MBC building in Chicago.

How People Get Into the Hall of Fame

People are chosen for the Radio Hall of Fame through a special process. A group of 24 experts, called the Nominating Committee, suggests names. These experts work in radio or study it. They get ideas from people in the radio industry and from listeners like you!

The committee then picks 24 nominees.

• 16 of these nominees are voted on by people who work in the radio industry.
• 8 nominees are voted on by the public.
• The Nominating Committee can also choose up to four more people. These can be radio hosts, program creators, or managers.

The public used to vote from 2008 to 2010. Then, public voting stopped for a few years (2011-2014). But don't worry, public voting started again in 2015 and is still happening today!

Who Can Be Nominated?

The Nominating Committee suggests people in different categories. Here are some of the main ones:

• Long-time Local/Regional Radio Stars: People who have worked in local or regional radio for 20 years or more.
• Active Local/Regional Radio Stars: People who have worked in local or regional radio for 10 years or more and are still active.
• Long-time National Radio Stars: People who have worked on national radio shows for 20 years or more.
• Active National Radio Stars: People who have worked on national radio shows for 10 years or more and are still active.
• Music Radio Hosts: People who host shows that play music.
• Spoken Word Radio Hosts: People who host shows where they talk, like news or talk shows.

Hall of Fame Members

Here are some of the amazing people and shows that are part of the Radio Hall of Fame, including the newest members from the Class of 2023.

Individuals and Duos

Famous Radio Programs

More About Radio History

If you want to learn more about radio, check out these other places:

• NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame
• American Museum of Radio and Electricity
• Museum of Radio and Technology