RHOF Class Of 2017!
The 29th Annual National Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Chicago was an emotional evening full of laughs, standing ovations and reflection. Host Dave Ramsey welcomed the sold-out crowd, commenting, “We’re sitting in the midst of greatness tonight.” Inductee Bill Handel remarked, “I have one person I’m talking to, just a million times. Radio is truly a magic medium.” Entercom President/CEO David Field introduced his father, 2017 inductee Joseph Field, saying, “What I most admire about my Dad is who he is as a human being. He’s the model of honesty and decency. Working together with my Dad has been rewarding and fulfilling.” Joseph stated, “I know I wouldn’t be receiving this honor tonight without David’s extraordinary record.”
John Records Landecker spoke about knowing “Radio’s Best Friend,” Art Vuolo, since high school and that Art shared with him that Nov. 2 was the 97th anniversary of radio in the U.S., making the event more special. The late Bob Sievers‘ daughter Caroline accepted the award on his behalf, saying, “My father was blessed with the gift of voice, which was unmistakable and always resonated with good will and enthusiasm.” Tom Barnard said, “It’s about working with great people,” adding he plans to be around “until I drop dead, I love [radio] so much.”
Bobby Bones becomes the youngest-ever person inducted into the NRHOF. He was congratulated via video by iHeartMedia Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini and more. Bones thanked his listeners via TuneIn and acknowledged their help in raising more than $10 million for charity over the last three years, closing with, “This is a ‘we’ thing, not a ‘me’ thing.”
Pictured, (l-r): NRHOF Chairman Kraig Kitchin, John Records Landecker, Joseph Field, Bobby Bones, Tom Barnard, Bill Handel and MBC Founder Bruce Dumont. Not pictured: Inductees Sean Hannity and Robin Quivers, who were unable to attend.
