The Vermont Association of Broadcasters has announced the names of the three broadcast veterans to be inducted into its hall of fame this fall. Joe Tymecki, Joe Carroll and John Hill (posthumous) will be celebrated during the VAB Hall of Fame & Awards Gala on Nov. 15, in Burlington, Vt.
Hall of fame inductee Joe Tymecki is the senior vice president of engineering and technology at Vermont Public Radio. Before that, he served as chief technology officer at VPR, Vermont PBS and held chief engineer positions for Sison Broadcasting and then at WCAX(TV).
According to VAB, Tymecki’s early career included on-air radio work at WWPV(FM), WVTC(FM), WCVR(AM), WVMT(AM), WXXX(FM) and Vermont ETV.
“Joe is widely respected as a mentor and trusted voice in the industry, receiving the VAB Snyder-Teffner Award for excellence behind the scenes in a support role in 2015,” said VAB in a press release.
VAB continued: “Joe served on the VAB Board of Directors during one of its most difficult periods, following the passing of Executive Director Jim Condon. His leadership during that time was pivotal — personally recovering essential documents and digital credentials to help ensure the organization’s continuity.”
Tymecki also serves on the Vermont State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC), playing a key role in the recent revision of the state’s EAS Plan, said VAB. He is also the technical liaison between VAB, Vermont Emergency Management and NOAA.
Inductee “Big John” Hill is honored posthumously. VAB describes the longtime broadcaster as “a cornerstone of Vermont’s radio landscape.” After Hill graduated from Champlain College in 1969, his broadcasting journey began at WJOY(AM) before he transitioned to WDOT(AM) in 1970. “During the 1970s, ‘Big John’ played a pivotal role in WDOT’s radio dominance, achieving a remarkable 70 share in the Burlington market’s ratings,” said VAB in the release. “Hill’s tenure continued with WVMT(AM) from 1985 to 1994 and later with Champ 101.3 WCPV(FM) and Star 92.9 WEZF(FM) from 1994 until his passing in 2012.”
The final inductee, Joe Carroll, has spent more than four decades as a photojournalist at WCAX(TV). VAB says his Emmy award-winning series “Super Seniors” has brought attention to the lives and stories of older Vermonters with empathy and respect, and is a testament to Carroll’s distinctive storytelling voice.
“Beyond the lens, Joe has mentored generations of journalists, fostering talent and professionalism in both photographers and reporters alike,” said VAB. “His adaptability in an evolving industry, paired with his unwavering commitment to storytelling, has made him a role model and a cornerstone of the WCAX newsroom.”
