The 157 inductees into the National Radio Hall of Fame over the decades represent a broad cross-section of individuals and diverse program formats. And this year, for the first time, the general public helped vote to make the final selection for this years inductees, which will be honored during a dinner next month hosted by radio and television personality Adam Carolla.

The nominations to the National Radio Hall of Fame are made by the 27 members of a Steering Committee, which consists of radio executives, academicians, trade journalists and others interested in preserving the rich history of radio and recognizing its role in society. The nomination process follows published criteria and is based solely on the tenure and accomplishments of an individual in the radio industry.

And since we're right on the verge of the election, I should also specify that a broadcaster's political, social or religious views are never considered when deciding to include or exclude a candidate. Likewise, the National Radio Hall of Fame does not endorse or support the views voiced by any nominee or inductee on the air or via any other platform.

This year, after nominations were made on April 16, open online balloting began in May and ran through July 15. Eligible voters who cast "virtual ballots" included the general public, members of the National Radio Hall of Fame and more than 2,000 radio historians, educators and industry leaders. The voting was supervised and certified by Votenet, a highly respected online vote tabulating firm.

In prior years, voting on the annual nominations was open to the general public only if individuals were members of the Museum of Broadcast Communications (home of the National Radio Hall of Fame), or became new online members by payment of a $15 fee. A change in the voting process for 2008 enabled the general public to vote for nominees online without joining the Museum.

"The very nature of radio often creates large numbers of fans devoted to their favorite personalities, and the number of votes cast in 2008 increased significantly," said National Radio Hall of Fame Chairman Bruce DuMont.

As for any complaints or questions about the new process, DuMont explained the new system provided a better balance.

"The change in the voting process was not designed to make membership to the broadcasting shrine a mere popularity contest," he said.

"As is common when any procedures are modified, the National Radio Hall of Fame will re-evaluate the voting and nominating processes for future elections."

As for this year's inductees to the National Radio Hall of Fame, they include:

* Art Bell - - Host of the political radio talk show "Coast to Coast AM," this syndicated radio show was broadcast by 500 radio stations around the country, reaching more than 15 million readers.

* Howie Carr - - This award winning columnist for "The Boston Herald" is also the longtime host of a popular syndicated radio show that bears his name and saturates a listenership along the East Coast.

* Michael "Mickey" Luckhoff - - This president and general manager of one of the most successful radio stations in the country, KGO-AM in San Francisco, is also one of the most respected businessmen in the radio field.

* Charlie Tuna - - Including his 25-year run on military radio, he has logged more than 40 year in the broadcast industry.

* "Focus on the Family" with Dr. James Dobson - - Focused on conservative Christian values and founded in the mid-70s by Dr. Dobson, this show is syndicated by more than 4,000 Christian radio stations.

There are also three posthumous inductees this year: WGN Radio's Bob Collins, longtime Boston morning radio voice Jess Cain and film and television actor-turned morning radio DJ Dick Whittinghill.

Tickets are still available for the black tie induction dinner, priced at $500 each. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception at the Renaissance Chicago Hotel Nov. 8, with dinner following at 7 p.m. in the hotel ballroom and a live broadcast of the induction ceremony live on location starting at 9 p.m.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit radiohof.org or call (312) 245-8200.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

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