Radio Hall of Fame 2026 Inductees Honor Boomer Esiason, Rickey Smiley, Helen Little, Bob Pittman and Others
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of eight distinguished new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2026. The honorees will be recognized during the in-person 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The 2026 class represents an extraordinary group of broadcasters, executives, personalities, and innovators whose careers have shaped the radio industry and influenced generations of listeners across America.
The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame inductees are:
Boomer Esiason (Sportsradio 101.9/660 The Fan WFAN-AM/FM, New York City)
A legendary sports broadcaster and former NFL MVP quarterback, Boomer Esiason has become one of the nation’s most respected voices in sports radio. As co-host of WFAN’s highly rated morning show for more than a decade, Esiason helped redefine sports talk radio with his blend of insight, humor, and candid commentary. Beyond broadcasting, he is widely recognized for his philanthropic leadership through the Boomer Esiason Foundation.
Dennis Green (COO, Sun & Fun Media/Key Networks)
Dennis Green has spent more than four decades advancing the radio industry through executive leadership, programming innovation, and syndication development. As Chief Operating Officer of Sun & Fun Media and Key Networks, Green has helped expand nationally syndicated programming and strategic partnerships while mentoring generations of broadcasters and programmers throughout the industry.
Known for his energetic delivery and unmistakable voice, Shotgun Tom Kelly is one of radio’s most iconic personalities. With a career spanning more than 50 years in major markets including Los Angeles and San Diego, Kelly became a beloved figure during radio’s Top 40 era and continues entertaining audiences nationwide on SiriusXM’s “60s on 6.” His signature style helped define personality-driven radio for generations.
Helen Little has been a trusted and beloved voice in New York radio for decades. As longtime co-host on WLTW-FM’s morning programming, she built a deep connection with listeners through her warmth, authenticity, and community engagement. Little has also been a prominent advocate for diversity and mentorship in broadcasting.
One of the most influential media executives of the modern era, Bob Pittman has transformed the radio business through innovation, digital expansion, and multi-platform integration. As Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Pittman has overseen the evolution of the company into the nation’s leading audio platform. Earlier in his career, he co-founded MTV and helped pioneer new approaches to media programming and branding.
Rickey Smiley (Urban One/Reach Media)
Comedian, entertainer, and nationally syndicated radio host Rickey Smiley has become one of radio’s most impactful personalities through “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.” Known for blending humor, entertainment, and social commentary, Smiley has cultivated a loyal audience while using his platform to engage communities on issues ranging from education to civic involvement and family life.
Charlie Van Dyke
Widely regarded as one of the greatest voice talents in radio history, Charlie Van Dyke became the signature voice of hundreds of radio stations across the country. His legendary imaging work, including his long association with Drake-Chenault programming and major-format stations, helped establish the sound of contemporary radio branding for decades.
Fred Winston
A celebrated Chicago radio personality, Fred Winston built an enduring legacy through his intelligence, wit, and connection with listeners. Best known for his years at WLS and later WXRT, Winston’s versatility across music, talk, and entertainment programming made him one of the most respected broadcasters in radio history.
Six inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of more than 950 industry professionals invited to cast votes, while two inductees were selected by the Radio Hall of Fame 2026 Nominating Committee. The confidential ballot was conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen.
Kraig Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, congratulated the 2026 inductees on receiving the well-deserved honor, noting that each honoree has demonstrated sustained excellence and made significant contributions to the radio industry’s impact on listeners and advertisers alike. He added that he was pleased to see the inductees recognized through the announcement and the upcoming Induction Ceremony in October, while also thanking the 2026 Nominating Committee and the hundreds of voting panel participants for their role in selecting the Class of 2026.
The Radio Hall of Fame honors individuals whose careers have made significant contributions to the radio industry and to the listening public nationwide.
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