The countdown has officially begun for one of the most anticipated honors in broadcasting.
After evaluating more than 160 nominations from across the Lone Star State, the Texas Radio Hall of Fame has revealed the 50 finalists for its Class of 2026. Hall of Fame members now have until August 10 to cast their ballots, with the 20 newest inductees set to be celebrated during the annual induction ceremony on November 7 at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore, Texas.
This year’s ballot is a celebration of Texas broadcasting at every level.
The nominees represent virtually every discipline that powers great radio—morning personalities, programmers, engineers, news professionals, production directors, sales executives, owners, managers, and behind-the-scenes innovators whose work has entertained, informed, and inspired listeners for generations.
The Hall also continues to expand its recognition of broadcasters from every corner of the state through its Small Markets Big Voices initiative while honoring the pioneers who built Texas broadcasting through its Lone Star Legacies program. Together, they reflect the Hall’s commitment to recognizing excellence regardless of market size or era.
2026 Texas Radio Hall Of Fame Nominees
| Doug Abernethy | Brenda Adriance Fox | David Anderson |
| Brad Austin | Lisa “Lisa Lisa” Bonanni | Bill Bradford |
| Raul Brindis | Bruce “Jim Edwards” Buchanan | John Butler |
| Jay Cresswell | Dave E. Crockett | Diane Day |
| Anna de Haro | Paris Eley | John Frost |
| Rex Gabriel | Jimmy “JD” Gonzalez | Ric Gonzales |
| Mark Grubbs | John L. Hanson | Frank Hicks |
| JoJo and Patches | Sam Jones | Joyce King |
| Kevin Kline | Tim McDermott | Charlie McGregor |
| Hank Moore | John “The Lama” Oakes | Ray Odom |
| Mona Parker | Phil Parr | Dave “Stone” Pinkston |
| Eric Raines | Tom Richards | Clyde “Kooter” Roberson |
| Chrissie Roberts | Woody Roberts | Mel Rodriguez |
| JD Rose | Buzz Russell | Nathan Safir |
| Gary Saunders | Jack Sellmeyer | Dr. J. Thomas Smith |
| Ted Stecker | Gary Stelly | Gary “Blue Eyes” Walker |
| Pam Wells | Scott West | Barry Wolverton |
Only 20 broadcasters will hear their names called this fall.
For those selected, the honor represents far more than a trophy or plaque. It is recognition that their careers have helped define Texas broadcasting and influenced generations of listeners, colleagues, and communities throughout the state.
The competition will undoubtedly be fierce, but one thing is already certain—every individual on this year’s ballot has made a lasting impact on the Texas radio industry.
When the final votes are counted, another remarkable chapter in Texas broadcasting history will be written.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States. Congratulations to every nominee for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and best of luck as the voting process gets underway.
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