Mysteries Explained: The Radio Hall of Fame
By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media Implementers
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, “Sterling On Sunday”
Talk Media Network
For several years I’ve had the surprising privilege of serving as a member of the nominating committee of the Radio Hall of Fame. How does the process work? Let me clear up some of the mystery. FAQ:
Who chooses the nominations? You have input. Right now, the Hall is seeking recommendations from you without restriction. Who do you think belongs in the ROF? Suggest your nominations until March 31 https://www.radiohalloffame.com/nominate. After the nominations close, a list of hundreds of respected names are reviewed by the nominating committee.
Who is on the Nominating committee? The members are listed on the website: https://www.radiohalloffame.com/committee. They represent radio companies of all sizes and no one company is over-represented. Many of the members are not affiliated with any one company. Some are inductees, themselves.
Do committee members “push” people just from their own company? Not from my experience.
Can companies buy favor with sponsorship participations? No. The event sponsorship process happens after inductees are determined.
Is there geographic favoritism? Every nominee is considered for accomplishment, tenure, geography, format. It is fair to say that the committee agonizes over each of those qualities.
Who votes? The committee of 25 narrows it down to 24 nominees and that list is sent to approximately 1,000 broadcasters representing all formats, parts of the country and owners. An accounting firm receives and counts those votes.
Can’t the committee unilaterally select an inductee? Yes, but it is usually just one person, someone who is not an on-air talent.
What are the terms of the committee members? The positions rotate. Three to seven years seems to be the typical tenure.
What is a Legacy? If a broadcaster is deceased, they can be fully honored as an inductee in the Legacy category.
Support is needed. Every year the induction ceremony is a beautiful, well-executed event celebrating our passion for quality radio. At the moment, it is one of the few pure “radio” gatherings. (Don’t annoy me about the NAB – they used to have a pure, big tent radio event but now that’s a sales event.).
The constant refrain that radio does not get appropriate credit as a viable, MAJOR medium can be mitigated when our Hall of Fame evening is a sell-out. Every single company should buy tables, ads and send their C-suite. The well-produced show is available for broadcast and should be broadcast! The speeches are much funnier than the Oscars or Emmys.
Walter Sabo is a leading media industry consultant and syndicated talk radio personality. He can be emailed at Walter@Sabomedia.com. Website: www.waltersterlingshow.com
nominees to be voted upon by industry personnel later this year, leading to the selection of the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Class. Kraig T. Kitchin, co-chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame, comments, “The input from fellow radio industry members and listeners alike helps our nominating committee contemplate so many more individuals worthy of a nomination. We’re grateful for the input and the ideas offered.”
and listeners has provided for excellent conversations and deliberations amongst our nominating committee members, each of them also bringing their own suggestions to the difficult decision making that goes on. When we hear from as many interested people as we do with suggestions, it only reinforces the value of a nomination, let alone an induction.”