St. Louis Radio Hall of Fame

 

Ribbon StLRadio Hall of Fame Ribbon
Ribbon Ribbon

2008-2009 Inductees:

Charles Brennan, Class of '08-'09Charles Brennan

   Charles Brennan began working at KMOX in 1988, moving from the Boston market. He was a talk show host both alone and paired with others.
   Brennan was named Media Person of the Year by the St. Louis Press Club in 1998 and also appeared as a panel member on the “Donnybrook” TV program on KETC.
   During his KMOX career, Brennan founded a not-for-profit organization, “Rediscover St. Louis” which was responsible for placing 27 historic markers throughout the downtown area.
   He received many local awards and citations for work done toward the betterment of the community, including being named one of St. Louis’ Most Valuable Volunteers by the St. Louis Business Journal.


J. Roy McCarthy, Class of '08-'09J. Roy McCarthy

   J. Roy McCarthy appeared on WTMV, WAMV, KXOK and KMOX using his real name and airnames Roger Bell and Byron Scott. During the early days of his career, McCarthy also taught English literature at McBride and CBC High Schools, but he became a full-time broadcaster when he joined KMOX in the late ‘50s.
   It is believed that McCarthy, under the name Roger Bell, was the host of the market’s first call-in show on KXOK in the late ‘50s.
   He appeared on the first broadcast of KMOX’s “At Your Service” and served as a host of the program from its inception until 1969. He continued to do volunteer work in the local drama community during his entire broadcast career.

 

     Listen to J. Roy McCarthy on KMOX, in 1966


Frank O. Pinion, Class of '08-'09Frank O. Pinion

   Frank O. Pinion began his radio career as a college student working at WRTH and WSIE under his given name, John Craddock.
   After a decade working in advertising agencies and his own company, he returned to St. Louis radio in 1982.
   In the ensuing years he worked at KSD-FM, KUSA, WKKX, and KTRS.
   His shows featured ensembles of talent, some of whom were hired and paid out of his pocket, part of his unique arrangement of selling ads in his own shows rather than being salaried.
   Pinion credited his coworkers for much of his success citing the group dynamic and creativity as one of the main reasons for his consistent high ratings.


Jim Taszarek, Class of '08-'09Jim Taszarek

   Jim Taszarek started his radio career as a jock at WEW and KCFM while still a student at CBC. He also worked as an announcer on KWK and KMOX, did free-lance voiceover work and worked in radio and TV sales.
   He eventually rose to the position of general manager at WRTH, after which he was hired by Pulitzer to run its Phoenix radio stations. While he was manager in Phoenix, his stations won the Peabody Award for Broadcast Excellence.
   Jim served on the boards of the St. Louis Ad Club, the National Association of Broadcasters and the Radio Advertising Bureau, and he mentored many people who rose to management positions in St. Louis media.
   In 1996 he created TazMedia, consulting broadcast, online and print media around the world.


Dick Ulett, Class of '08-'09Dick Ulett

   Dick Ulett’s air work on St. Louis radio stations began in 1966, and over the next two decades he worked at seven different stations under his own name and the airname of Tom Marshall.
   Ten years into his career he built a recording studio in the basement of his Clayton home, which evolved into Clayton Studios.
   He left broadcasting to run his business but remained actively involved in efforts to gather and preserve St. Louis radio history.
   Through his operation of the studio, Ulett’s voice continued to be heard on radio and television spots, and dozens of spots produced at Clayton Studios went on to win local and national awards.