15-Nov-13 – Representatives of the nation’s radio and entertainment industries sold out the penthouse at River North’s Museum of Broadcast Communications for this year’s Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

It was “radio’s biggest night,” according to broadcast legend Larry King, who emceed the November 9 event. Individual tickets sold for $350 but groups such as WGN Radio, Illinois Broadcasters Association, and Clear Channel paid closer to $5,000 for tables.

Of the eight people inducted this year, only two did not show up – radio manufacturer Powel Crosley, Jr., who died in 1961, and Chicago radio personality Steve Dahl. His longtime radio partner Garry Meier, also inducted, thanked 17 people in his acceptance speech, none of which were Steve Dahl.

“The reason I’m even standing here tonight was initially ignited when I was in high school,” recalled Meier (right). “A transistor radio in those days was carried around like we carry smart-phones today. Everything we thought worth knowing came through that tiny speaker – and it didn’t have thousands of apps, just an on-off button, volume control, and that little wheel to dial in your favorite station.”

Also inducted were Blair Garner of WNSH New York, John Lanigan of WMJI Cleveland, Paul W. Smith of WJR Detroit, Eddie Sotelo of SiriusXM, and former ESPN anchor Charley Steiner.

Presenters included Reba McEntire, WGN Radio host Bob Sirott, Grammy award winner KC Porter, and U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI).

(Above) Larry King, Marianne Murciano and her husband, Bob Sirott execute a “selfie.” (Below) Country music artist and actress Reba McEntire arrives on North State Street, greeted by Bruce DuMont, founder and president of The Museum of Broadcast Communications. Photos by Richard Shay. (Click on images to view larger versions.)