The Museum of Broadcast Communications has announced eight new legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame. Honoring a group of on-air personalities, programmers, executives, and innovators whose work helped shape the medium.
The 2025 Legends class includes Amos Brown, Richard Burden, Joanne Church, Jed The Fish, Irna Phillips, Steve Smith, Dale Sommers, and Don Wade. Each left a unique imprint on the industry, from the airwaves to behind-the-scenes leadership.
Brown built a reputation as a respected on-air voice, while Burden’s technical expertise as a broadcast engineer ensured stations reached audiences with reliability. Church, a research executive, influenced programming strategies, while Jed The Fish became a Los Angeles fixture as a quirky, irreverent personality. Phillips, a pioneering writer and producer, brought serialized storytelling to radio and later to television. Smith rose to prominence as a programming executive, Sommers entertained millions as “The Truckin’ Bozo,” and Wade enjoyed success as both a personality and talk host.
Dennis Green, co-chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said the inductees reflect the broad contributions of radio’s past.
“It is with the utmost sense of pride that we bestow Hall of Fame induction upon the Legends of Radio who are gone but will never be forgotten,” Green said. “These iconic broadcasters made a lasting impact on the industry. We honor them and their contributions to the rich history of radio.”
Co-chair Kraig Kitchin added that the honorees each helped grow the medium.
“Each of these individuals contributed to the growth and vibrance of our radio industry and are worthy of induction,” Kitchin said. “I’m thrilled to see recognition for their talents and efforts. I’m heartened that their family, friends, and colleagues can witness this well-deserved honor.”
The 2025 induction ceremony will take place Thursday, October 30, at the Swissotel in Chicago. Tickets are available now at radiohalloffame.com, with a portion of sales benefiting the Museum of Broadcast Communications.
The Radio Hall of Fame, founded by Emerson Radio Corporation in 1988, has been operated by the Museum of Broadcast Communications since 1991. Each year, a nominating committee comprised of industry leaders selects 24 nominees. Inductees are then chosen through a combination of industry voting panels and committee decisions.
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