Radio Hall of Fame Inducts Eight in Class of 2026

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 9, 2026 | 11:04am CT

Radio Hall of Fame

The Radio Hall of Fame welcomed eight new members during its 2026 induction ceremony and dinner Thursday, October 8, at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, recognizing broadcasters and industry executives whose careers have made significant contributions to radio.

The Class of 2026 includes Boomer Esiason of WFAN-AM/FM in New York; Dennis Green, COO of Sun & Fun Media/Key Networks; Shotgun Tom Kelly of SiriusXM's 60s Gold; Helen Little of WLTW-FM in New York; iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman; Rickey Smiley of Urban One/Reach Media; and veteran radio personalities Charlie Van Dyke and Fred Winston.

The ceremony was hosted by nationally syndicated radio personality Bobby Bones, who was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2017.

Radio Hall of Fame Co-Chairmen Kraig Kitchin and Dennis Green, himself a member of the 2026 induction class, welcomed attendees and delivered opening remarks.

Paul Harvey Aurandt Jr., son of legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey, also participated in the evening, presenting a special introductory tribute honoring the inductees, the Radio Hall of Fame and the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

The annual induction ceremony celebrates the achievements of radio personalities, programmers and executives whose work has helped shape the broadcasting industry.

Photo credit: Sophie Castro.