The votes have been counted and the winners are: Neal Boortz, Dr. Demento, Ed Walker and Wendy Williams. And there’s an additional Hall of Famer: Norm Pattiz.
The nominees were announced in June and voting closed August 1st. The steering committee of the National Radio Hall of Fame (NRHOF) in Chicago had previously announced three posthumous inductees: Jose Miguel Agrelot, Harry Kalas and Studs Terkel.
Here are brief bios for the four inductees selected by your online votes:
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.
RBR/TVBR observation: Executive Editor Jack Messmer proudly notes that his selections went three-for-four this year, but he’s not going to tell which one he missed. And since Norm Pattiz is his former boss, he’s giving a thumbs-up to that inductee as well.
