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This past Saturday night was one of those special ones for
Texas radio broadcasters. It was the 2005 induction dinner
of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Here are some of the highlights:
“This is not a test”. All of us in radio know that this is
the emergency broadcast warning test phrase. Bill Bradford,
a Texas guy, who worked on the technology for the EBS
system, and who came up with that well known phrase was in
attendance and picked up all Hall of Honor award. That
phrase must be one of the most heard over the past three
decades.
Comedian George Carlin was inducted into the TRHF. George
had another commitment (HBO Live Special in New York
City) and could not attend, but he did send a terrific
five minute audio bit about his life at KXOL in Fort Worth
and subsequent departure for California where he went on to
become one of the world’s most known comedians. (I’m not
certain, but this audio clip may be on the TRHF site. If so,
give it a listen).
Newsperson Sam Donaldson worked in El Paso where he learned
his news skills. Sam sent a wonderful two minute video and
proved that he is not only a heavy newsperson, but a
comedian as well. Fun stuff. (This also maybe on the TRHF
site).
Milo Hamilton is the voice of the Houston Astros. As you all
know they were in the World Series this year. I believe he
has been in Houston for 20 years. Prior to that he worked
for several other carriers of professional baseball
including that of the Atlanta Braves. Matter of fact, he has
covered twelve no-hitters in his fifty year span of major
league broadcasting, and described five of them to us….all
very different. Milo is very entertaining, and I hope the
people in Houston understand what a great play by play
announcer he is. He and Gordon McLendon are the two best I
have heard with Vin Skully not far behind. Milo can make a
fortune as a motivational speaker…but I think he prefers to
motivate a radio audience to enjoy a ball game more. He
loves radio…and he loves Houston!! He is not only a member
of the TRHF but also of the Baseball Hall of Fame. (His
comments might be on the TRHF site as well).
Wes Wise, the former MAYOR or Dallas, was a play by play
person for Gordon McLendon’s Liberty Network decades ago. He
was great with play by play, and as a Mayor. He deserved the
TRHF Hall of Fame award.
Ann Arnold, who runs the prestigious Texas Association of
Broadcasters picked up her TRHF hardware. She is well known
in Washington, D.C. circles for her communication thoughts.
She should have won the award the first induction year. I
have nominated her every year. Fabulous worker for all
broadcasters.
Another person I nominated was Caroline Devine who is Market
Manager for the Cox stations in Houston. She is one of the
best sales and management people in this country. I tried to
hire her once…really worked on it…but just couldn’t get it
done. She is fabulous at her job…and as a person. She
received a standing ovation from the sold out Texas crowd.
For sure, they knew of her accomplishments. It was a
pleasure to see her inducted.
Also inducted were Vesta Brandt, Al Caldwell, Vann Kennedy,
Ken Knox, Hugh Lampman, and Steve Lundy. They are all great.
And in closing… a bit of luck. My wife was washing her hands
in the ladies room and spotted two beautiful rings that
someone had left on the lavatory. While her friend, Carla,
stood guard my wife found security. Security took the rings,
and made an announcement to the induction crowd that the
rings had been found….anyone in attendance own them was the
question??? The answer was “yes”. Sharon Young (wife of Bill
Young of Houston…a TRHF original inductee years back)
claimed the rings. And she and my wife are friends…as are
Bill and I. Can you believe that??? Those rocks were
beautiful!!! I’m happy that my wife, Pat, found them!!! I
know it happened because I WAS THERE!!!
e-mail Kent
kent@kentburkhart.com
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