The OAB Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters. Recipients of the OAB Hall of Fame Award are individuals who have attained positions of national prominence in the industry or its allied fields, have been majors contributor to the growth and welfare of radio and television in Oklahoma or nationally, and have been exemplary stewards of broadcasting.
Nominees for the OAB Hall of Fame must have an Oklahoma background by birth, residence, or employment. They must have worked in the broadcast industry or a related field.
The 2008 awards will be presented at the Hall of Fame Dinner on Thursday evening, March 27, 2008, at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. Tickets are $60 per person. Call Nancy Struby at (405) 848-0771, or e-mail OAB for more information.
2008 HALL OF FAME HONOREES
JAN STRATTON
Television Journalist
Jan has been the News Director and principal anchor at KSWO TV 7 in Lawton since 1981. Over the past 26 years, Jan's leadership has earned KSWO TV numerous journalistic awards and during her tenure the news department has grown from under ten persons to over 35. Jan's commitment to excellence is also evidenced by the vast number of journalists she has taught and trained who now lead TV news departments throughout the United States.
CHUCK EDWARDS
Radio Sports Director
Since 1977 Chuck has been the voice of sports at KWEY A/IF in Weatherford. Chuck has called over 3,500 play by play broadcasts of football, basketball and baseball games and has done daily sports reports that have made him an institution in Western Oklahoma sports circles. Chuck's contribution to his community and especially to all sports has given him the credibility that few in our industry have known.
JERRY PARK
Television Sportscaster
For over 40 years Jerry broadcast sports on Radio and then TV. His career started in Texas and in 1974 he became the Sports director at KOCO TV 5 in Oklahoma City, a job he held until 1999. Jerry's enthusiasm for people and his infectious delivery made him an icon in Oklahoma television. And while he was covering the sports stars, Jerry always found time to work with everyone in the community; making Oklahoma a better place to live.
DALE WEHBA
Radio On-Air Personality
Starting in the late 1950's, Dale was one of the true innovators in the Rock N Roll era of radio. Dale programmed and was Music Director at three stations in Oklahoma City that were all number 1 in the ratings. His innate understanding of the music also made him a hit as a disc jockey and Dale was consistently a top rated personality at KOCY, KOMA & WKY. Dale's success caught the attention of larger markets and Dale was also number 1 in Detroit and Boston. His signature phrase VIVA LA WEHBA is still an Oklahoma favorite because Dale understood the true relationship of radio and music.