University of Kentucky College of Communication & Information

The Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame

The Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame was established in 1980 by the University of Kentucky Journalism Alumni Association. The first recipients were inducted on April 13, 1981. New members are inducted each year. The purpose is to recognize Kentuckians who have made significant contributions to the profession of journalism. Selection is made from individuals, living or dead, who are natives of Kentucky, or who have spent a significant portion of their careers in Kentucky. The material that appears here is the copy from the Hall of Fame members' induction plaques. In some cases, Hall of Fame members or their families have provided updated biographical information and/or links to related web sites. The Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame is administered by and housed at the University of Kentucky's School of Journalism and Telecommunications.

The deadline for nominations for the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame is in early January each year; the nomination form (PDF File) is available.

Pioneers of Kentucky Journalism, 1787-1870

Hall of Fame Inductees:

2001 - present
1990 - 2000
1981 - 1989

The 2013 inductees are:

Ralph W. Gabbard, WKYT and WYMT (posthumous induction)

Bill Goodman, KET

Dan Modlin, WKU Public Radio

John Nelson, Schurz Communications

Marla Ridenour, Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal

The inductees will be honored at a luncheon on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.  The luncheon will be held at The Thoroughbred Center, 3380 Paris Pike, Lexington, beginning at noon.  Reservations made be made using the reservation form link below.  Cost is $35 per person.  Reservations must be received by April 16 to insure seat availability.  Please contact Mrs. June Horn at 859-257-1730 with any questions about reservations.