2026 LEGENDS INDUCTEES

The Radio Hall of Fame announced today the selection of nine 2026 Legends inductees. These individuals have received induction by the determination of the Radio Hall of Fame 2026 Nominating Committee, who annually meet to determine inductees who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away. The Radio Hall of Fame is housed within the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.

The following nine radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately:

• Lin Brehmer- On-Air Personality

• Vivian Carter- On-Air Personality and Record Company Executive 

• Dale Dorman- On-Air Personality

• Gary Krantz- Network Radio and Syndication Executive

• Wink Martindale- On-Air Personality, Game Show Host, and Television Producer 

• B. Mitchell Reed- On-Air Personality 

• Pierre Robert- On-Air Personality 

• Polito Vega- On-Air Personality 

• D.E. “Duke” Wright- Radio Station Owner and Executive 

Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “The Radio Hall of Fame is proud to honor this year’s Legends inductees, whose extraordinary careers have helped define the history and enduring impact of radio. From iconic on-air personalities to visionary executives, each has left an indelible mark on our industry and earned their rightful place in the Radio Hall of Fame.”

Kraig Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “It’s an honor and privilege to witness the induction of these radio industry legends. We hope this recognition of their industry contributions benefits their family, colleagues, friends and listeners.” 

The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2026 class of inductees at the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL. Tickets are on sale now. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

Tribute Book ads for the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony are also available for purchase now. Contact Linde Thurman at: Linde@radiohalloffame.com for more information and to buy a Tribute Book ad for the October 8thevent.

2026 INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of eight new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2026. The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored at the in-person 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Tickets are on sale now.

A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, home to the Radio Hall of Fame.  

The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame inductees include:

• Boomer Esiason (WFAN – AM/FM, New York City)

• Dennis Green (COO Sun & Fun Media/Key Networks)

• Shotgun Tom Kelly (60’s on 6 - Sirius XM)

• Helen Little (WLTW-FM, New York City)

• Bob Pittman (Chairman and CEO, iHeartMedia, Inc.)

• Rickey Smiley (Urban One/Reach Media)

• Charlie Van Dyke

• Fred Winston

Six inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of more than 950 industry professionals invited to cast votes and two inductees were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame 2026 Nominating Committee. The confidential ballot was conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen.

Kraig Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “Our congratulations to each of our 2026 Inductees, on this well-deserved recognition. Each of these inductees has performed at the highest levels for a sustained period of time to make our industry that much more impactful to listeners and advertisers as a result. I’m thrilled to see them properly recognized by this announcement and the forthcoming Induction ceremony this October. Thank you to our 2026 Nominating Committee and to the hundreds of voting panel participants for confirming our 2026 Class of Inductees.”

Tribute Book ads for the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony are available for purchase now. Contact Linde Thurman at: Linde@radiohalloffame.com for more information and to buy a Tribute Book ad for the October 8th event.

2026 Nominees Announced

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of the Radio Hall of Fame 2026 nominees. The 24 nominees were chosen by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, with input from the radio industry and listeners.

Voting for inductees begins Friday, April 24th, 2026, and runs through Friday, May 8th, 2026. The top six vote recipients will gain induction as part of the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction class. The additional inductees that will make up the induction class will be selected by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee.

Nearly 1000 industry members will receive a ballot on Friday, April 24th, to cast votes for up to six nominated individuals. The confidential ballot will be conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan‘s Andrew Rosen.

The Radio Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 will be announced on Wednesday, May 20th, and will be honored at the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, October 8th at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. Information on tickets for the event will be available soon.

THE 2026 RADIO HALL OF FAME NOMINEES TO BE VOTED ON BY INDUSTRY VOTING PANEL ARE (ALPHABETICAL BY FIRST NAME):

• Andie Summers

• Big D & Bubba

• Bob Stroud

• Boomer Esiason

• Charlie Van Dyke

• Enrique Santos

• Fred Winston

• Funkmaster Flex

• Helen Little

• Joey Reynolds

• John & Ken

• Johnny Magic

• Kevin Matthews

• Kid Leo

• Larry Elder

• Lee Arnold

• Monica May

• Pat Hughes

• Raul Brindis

• Rickey Smiley

• Ryan Cameron

• Shotgun Tom Kelly

• The Electrifying Mojo

• Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!

Dennis Green, Co-Chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame, stated: “An outstanding group of broadcasters has been nominated for induction into the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame class. This year marks the 38th class of inductees as we celebrate those who have made a lasting impact on the industry—many of whom continue to shape it today. Congratulations to all the nominees.”

Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chairman, Radio Hall of Fame, commented: “This special group of individuals and programs nominated for induction in 2026 epitomizes the wide spectrum of talented individuals our industry is fortunate to rely on and build large audiences around. My congratulations to each of them. What they’ve accomplished is truly special.”  

Suggestions for Nominations Begin Sunday, February 1st

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces that the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee will accept suggestions for 2026 nominees beginning Sunday, February 1, 2026, through Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:59pm PST. To submit suggestions for possible honorees for consideration by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, please visit the Nominations page.

The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in Chicago at the Fairmont Chicago Hotel on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

24 names will be selected as nominees to be voted upon by industry personnel later this year, leading to the selection of the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Class. 

Dennis Green, Co-Chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame, stated: “We look forward to receiving suggestions from around the country of worthy broadcasters deserving to be nominated for Radio Hall of Fame induction. There are so many deserving candidates worthy of earning the radio industry’s highest honor as we begin the process of inducting this year’s Hall of Fame class in October.”

Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chairman, Radio Hall of Fame, commented: “We rely on industry and listener input and suggestions in this process. Our 24-person Nominating Committee gains valuable additional insight and knowledge as a result of the suggestions coming from thousands of individuals each year.”