Despite a campaign by gay rights groups to block his induction, Dr. James Dobson and “Focus on the Family” won balloting in the national active program category for the National Radio Hall of Fame. His supporters also mounted an Internet campaign to get out the vote. Also winning the public vote were Art Bell, who still guest hosts some weekends on “Coast to Coast AM,” in the national pioneer category, Howie Carr of WRKO-AM Boston for local or regional active and Charlie Tuna, who is still heard on KRTH-FM Los Angeles, for local or regional pioneer. The Hall of Fame will also induct KGO-AM San Francisco President/GM Mickey Luckoff and three deceased broadcasters: Jess Cain of WHDH-AM Boston, Bob Collins of WGN-AM Chicago and Dick Whittinghill of KMPC-AM Los Angeles. The eight will be inducted November 8th in a ceremony in Chicago to be produced and distributed nationally by Westwood One.
