NATIONAL RADIO HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2009 POSTHUMOUS INDUCTEES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2009

Three radio giants of historic proportion have been selected for posthumous induction into America's only National Radio Hall of Fame (NRHOF).

Jose Miguel Agrelot – the first Hispanic ever inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, Agrelot was the most dominant media personality in Puerto Rico until his death in 2004. Known as "The Puerto Rican Bob Hope", Agrelot developed hundreds of different characters during his radio career, including his best known "Don Cholito". He started the longest running program in Puerto Rican radio history "Su Tu Alegre Despertar" which aired for over 50 years.

Harry Kalas – a Philadelphia radio icon who began his career in 1961 calling minor league games while he was in the U.S. Army stationed in Hawaii. Kalas made his major league debut in 1965 calling games for the Houston Astros before being hired as the "voice of the Philadelphia Phillies" in 1971. Kalas, who was also the voice of NFL Films, was nicknamed "Harry the K". Kalas won the hearts of Phillies fans and lived to see his team win the World Series. He died on April 13, 2009 in a broadcast booth while preparing to do what he loved most - call a Phillies game.

Studs Terkel – the legendary host of his own program on WFMT/Chicago from 1958 to 1998. Terkel was known for his unique interviewing style, which showcased his personal curiosity for the common man as well as the politicians and celebrities who passed his way. An internationally acclaimed personality and best selling author, Terkel was also an inspirational figure and mentor to a younger generation of journalists and literary figures until his death at age 96 on October 31, 2008.

"The Radio Hall of Fame this year is pleased to welcome a pioneer in the world of Spanish speaking broadcasters and a beloved figure who defined radio in Puerto Rico -- as well as two icons of Philadelphia and Chicago radio who left their marks on two great cities," said Bruce DuMont, Chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee in making the announcement.

In addition to the three 2009 posthumous inductions, DuMont announced that a list of NRHOF nominees---in four additional categories---will be released on June 29th. Online balloting to select the remaining Radio Hall of Fame Class of '09 will begin on June 29th and end at midnight August 1st at www.radiohof.org.

Media Contact:
Gina Loizzo MBC, 312-822-0512
Joan Beaubaire, The Kineo Group, 312-588-3379