Shown from left are Cleary, VanOss and Goldsen with Karole White, MAB’s president and CEO The Michigan Association of Broadcasters inducted three people into its Hall of Fame this month.
Thomas J. Cleary is a past executive director of the association and retired lobbyist. Bruce I. Goldsen is president and owner of Jackson Radio Works. Juke VanOss is an air personality at WHTC(AM) in Holland, Mich.
Cleary, the organization stated, “helped to establish the MAB as a robust and influential organization. Moreover, Mr. Cleary served the MAB for nearly 20 years as their legislative and congressional champion. As a respected and registered professional lobbyist, he smoothed the path for the MAB in Lansing and Washington.”
Specs Howard, right, with Karole White Goldsen “has been an active MAB member since the mid-’90s, when he moved from Connecticut to Adrian, Mich., to oversee a radio station. After successfully managing local radio stations in the area, Bruce and his wife and partner Sue, ventured out on their own purchasing Jackson Radio Works.” He also has been an advocate and board member for the NAB, MAB and MAB Foundation.
VanOss “has dedicated his life to the greater Holland area as a local broadcaster for WHTC(AM) … He has served as first-class engineer, announcer, program director, assistant station manager and for 47 years, has hosted ‘Talk of the Town,’ a local radio talk show he helped to create in 1959. His ability to evolve and maintain a diverse audience is a testament to his outstanding contribution to his community and the broadcasting industry.”
The organization also presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Specs Howard, founder of Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, a selection RW reported earlier.
Howard, born Jerry Liebman, began his broadcasting career in 1948. Among other accomplishments, he invested in a small broadcast school in 1970; it has grown into Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. At 83 he actively supervises that organization.