FRANKLIN, TN (WGNS) - Franklin was buzzing Saturday (7/25/2026) evening as several hundred broadcasters from every corner of the Volunteer State filled the Performing Arts Center at Battle Ground Academy. It was the annual Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and the room had that unmistakable “family reunion” feel — the kind only radio folks can create. Longtime Nashville sports broadcaster George Plaster kept the evening moving as emcee, sprinkling in humor, warmth, and the occasional good‑natured jab.
One of the biggest moments of the night wasn’t an induction at all, but a surprise. The Hall of Fame announced a brand‑new scholarship for college students pursuing a career in broadcasting. And when the name was revealed — THE GEORGE DeVAULT SCHOLARSHIP — the crowd erupted. Kingsport radio-TV broadcast leader George DeVault looked genuinely stunned. Hall of Fame President Bob Kesling had reportedly been quietly zig‑zagging across East Tennessee in recent weeks, visiting broadcasters in DeVault’s home region to secure donations and get the scholarship off the ground quickly. Judging by the reaction, he succeeded.
The ceremony also paused to honor four voices now silent but forever part of Tennessee’s broadcast story. Dale Evans, who sang on WMC and WREC in Memphis, was remembered for her radio days prior to Roy Rogers. So was Mark Howard, known to listeners of 104.5 The Zone and viewers of NewsChannel 5. Carl Stump, founder of WECO in Wartburg, joined the Legacy Class, along with Arthur Wilkerson, whose career touched stations in Shelbyville, Crossville, and Newport. Their contributions still echo across the state.
In the large‑market category, Whit Adamson — who led the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters for an unmatched 33 years — was inducted. WSM’s Bill Cody was honored as well, and Plaster noted with emotion that many in the room had not realized how ill Cody had been before his passing on June 9. Memphis broadcaster Steve Conley and Nashville Predators voice Pete Weber rounded out the class, each receiving enthusiastic applause.
Smaller markets had their moment too, with four passionate communicators stepping into the spotlight. South Pittsburgh’s Travis Hickman, owner of WEPG, was recognized, along with Marty McFly, whose popularity stretches from Cookeville to Nashville and even satellite radio. Sports broadcaster Bobby Rader of WIKQ-WGRV in Greeneville joined the class, and then came Johnny Shaw — an about to retire 26‑year Tennessee State Representative and longtime West Tennessee broadcaster and owner of Bolivar's WBOL-WOJG. Shaw had the audience laughing, whistling, and cheering within seconds. As he walked offstage, Plaster quipped, “Don’t miss Johnny later at Zanies,” drawing another round of laughter.
WGNS salutes the newest members of the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame — men and women who continue to blaze a trail for the next generation, showing that radio done with heart still matters in Tennessee.
