What does Mel Karmazin have in common with Gene Autry? Radio, of course. Now both are members of the Radio Hall of Fame.
Joining the broadcast businessman and the late singing cowboy are network talk host Jim Bohannon, L.A. talker Michael Jackson and farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson of WGN/Chicago. The induction ceremony will be broadcast on Nov. 8 from the Radio Hall of Fame in the Chicago Cultural Center. Larry King will host.
The organizations provided these career snapshots of the inductees:
Gene Autry (deceased). Originally a yodeling cowboy on KVOO/Tulsa in 1930, Autry moved to the “WLS National Barn Dance” in the early 1930s and reached radio stardom in 1940 as the host of “Melody Ranch” on CBS Radio and eventually show biz icon status.
Jim Bohannon, veteran Westwood One talk show host, whose strong interviewing skills have made him a favorite of radio listeners for more than 20 years. He also hosts “America in the Morning.”
Michael Jackson, the highly-respected Los Angeles talk show host for more than 30 years, formerly heard on KABC and KRLA, is known for his articulate and incisive commentary and strong interviewing skills.
Mel Karmazin, the president and chief operating officer of Viacom Inc. Karmazin built his reputation as the dynamic leader of Infinity Broadcasting and has demonstrated a boundless belief in the future of the medium.
Orion Samuelson, WGN/Chicago’s “voice of agriculture” since 1960. Samuelson is one of the country’s most prolific broadcasters, whose coverage and concern for the American farm community is unparalleled.