The Radio Hall of Fame has announced its nominees for the class of 2024, and news/talk radio saw several names among the options, like Larry Elder, Lee Harris, and John & Ken.
A longtime talk radio host, Larry Elder has been nominated for the honor several times previously. He worked as a nationally syndicated host — first for ABC Radio Networks before moving to Salem Radio Network — from 2002 to 2022. Most recently, Elder has run for Governor of California and launched a 2024 Presidential campaign — both as a Republican — but neither was successful.
Former 1010 WINS anchor Lee Harris joins the list of nominees in 2024. Harris spent nearly 30 years with the New York all-news outlet before departing in 2023 to join NewsNation. He worked as the top-of-the-hour morning news anchor on the Audacy-owned station from 1995 until his exit.
John Kobylt and Ken Chimapou are also nominated this year. John & Ken ended in December after Chiampou’s retirement as what is believed to be talk radio’s longest-running duo. Had the show continued into January 2024, it would have marked 36 years together. The pair hosted the show together in Atlantic City, Trenton, San Francisco, before moving to Los Angeles at KFI AM-640 from 1992-1997 and again from 2001-2023.
Former WAMU host and current podcast host Diane Rehm is also nominated for the distinction. The 87-year-old began hosting at the Washington D.C. public radio station in 1979, before helming The Diane Rehm Show in 1984. The program lasted until her retirement in 2016, when she began hosting a weekly podcast for the outlet.
Lincoln Ware, the longtime host of The Lincoln Ware Show, makes the list of nominees in 2024. He has been on the airwaves for more than 50 years in Cincinnati, currently heard on 120 AM WDBZ The Buzz.
Finally, Phil Hendrie is on the list of nominees. Hendrie worked in the format from 1973-2013, hosting shows in a variety of markets like New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Minneapolis, among others. He also has an impressive list of acting credits to his name, including roles on King of the Hill, The Unit, and Modern Family, among others.
“It is an honor to nominate this amazing class of talented individuals and shows that have made their mark on the radio. The 2024 nominees to the Radio Hall of Fame represent one of the most diverse group of talents we have honored with the highest level of recognition one can achieve from the radio industry,” said Radio Hall of Fame co-chairman Dennis Green. “Kudos to the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee for recognizing this year’s class of nominees whose careers only add to the special place radio holds in the hearts and minds of generations of listeners across the country.”
The full list of nominees includes:
- Bert Weiss
- Big D & Bubba
- Big Tigger
- Bob and Sheri
- Bob Stroud
- Crook & Chase
- Dede McGuire
- Diane Rehm
- Free Beer and Hot Wings
- Funkmaster Flex
- Jaime Jarrin
- John & Ken
- Johnny Magic
- Kid Leo
- Larry Elder
- Laurie DeYoung
- Lee Harris
- Lincoln Ware
- Mary McCoy
- Matt Siegel
- Mojo in the Morning
- Phil Hendrie
- Richard Blade
- Shelley “The Playboy” Stewart
“Congratulations to our 2024 nominees for induction! I encourage each industry member receiving a confidential ballot to participate in the selection of this years’ inductees,” added Kraig T. Kitchin, Radio Hall of Fame co-chairman. “It’s an honor and a privilege to see well-established on-air careers recognized with an induction; every vote makes a difference in the outcome.”
Eight inductees from the list will be announced on Monday, June 17th. The class of 2024 will be inducted in a ceremony at the Omni Hotel in Nashville on Thursday, September 19th.
