The Texas Radio Hall of Fame announces its 2026 class. Twenty broadcasters earn induction November 7th in Kilgore, Texas.
What We Know: The voting members selected twenty radio professionals for the inaugural Class of 2026. The TRHOF induction ceremony takes place Saturday, November 7th at the Texas Broadcast Museum. This year notably features a new “Small Markets/Big Voices” category recognizing regional broadcasters. Additionally, the organization posthumously inducts five heritage broadcasters as “Lone Star Legacies.”
What’s at Stake: The radio industry gets a chance to formally recognize its builders and innovators. Beyond that, honoring these professionals preserves broadcasting history for future generations. The expanded categories show radio’s commitment to recognizing excellence across all market sizes. These inductees shaped Texas radio’s cultural and professional landscape in meaningful ways.
What Remains Unclear: The announcement doesn’t specify individual achievements or market impacts for each honoree. Meanwhile, details about specific career highlights or contributions stay hidden in the press release. We don’t know which markets or formats each broadcaster primarily served. Deeper exploration of their collective influence on Texas radio deserves attention.
What It Means: Radio’s legacy lives through formal recognition and celebration. The new categories reflect how the industry values diverse contributions and history. Importantly, this ceremony demonstrates broadcasting’s commitment to honoring its past. The event ultimately cements Texas radio culture in broadcasting’s official record.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.