 Tony Hancock is among those recognised |
Some of the biggest names in the history of UK radio have been honoured with the launch of a radio Hall of Fame. Richard Dimbleby, Tony Hancock, Arthur Askey and cricket commentators Brian Johnston and John Arlott were among those on the Radio Academy's inaugural list of "unseen heroes".
Five living presenters were inducted - BBC Radio 4's John Humphrys and Alistair Cooke and former BBC Radio 1 hosts Alan Freeman, Tony Blackburn and Noel Edmonds.
The Hall of Fame was established to honour broadcasters who have made an "outstanding contribution" to the British radio industry.
 BBC Radio 4's John Humphrys has become a stalwart of the airwaves |
Roy Plomley, creator of BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, was recognised alongside bandleader-host Billy Cotton and news presenter Brian Redhead. Other broadcasters posthumously honoured include presenters Marjorie Anderson, Benny Green, Wilfred Pickles, William Hardcastle, Jack de Manio and Jean Metcalfe.
Comedy acts The Goons, Tommy Handley and Kenneth Horne were remembered, as well as pioneering DJs Jack Jackson, Kenny Everett and Roger Scott.
A Radio Academy spokesman said the event was a celebration of excellence in broadcasting.
"These icons of our broadcasting set a standard to which all those who follow can aspire," he said.
"For many, their performances will live on in the memory, but in case those images fade, here they can be revitalised at will."
One-Minute World News 
News services
Email this to a friend 
Printable version 