One year later, and those selected for induction into the 2012 Class of the National Radio Hall of Fame have been announced. Bob Crane is not among them. Instead, the nod goes to Howard Stern, who for several years has been by-passed by the National Radio Hall of Fame selection process, and as a result, has openly attacked their process.
As was the case in 2011, public voting has been suspended in lieu of the Steering Committee hand-selecting key individuals they believe have been overlooked in the past. In June 2011, the Steering Committee had made it very clear that Bob Crane's nomination would be retained on file, and that he would be considered for future classes.
While we do not deny Mr. Stern and the other members of the Class of 2012 their rightful place for their work in the broadcasting industry, we do wish those in charge of the selection process would recognize Bob Crane's extensive and unprecedented work in radio/broadcasting. We also wish they would let his colleagues, friends, family, and fans be heard through a public voting process, which for two years now, has been denied them.
Today, June 29, 2012, marks the 34th anniversary of Bob Crane's death. On this day in 1978, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bob was murdered at 49 years of age. Although many suspect Bob's murderer to be John Henry Carpenter, who stood trial in 1994 and was acquitted, the crime remains officially unsolved to this day. Since his death, however, Bob has become one of the most misunderstood and ridiculed public figures in the world.
Today, June 29, 2012, marks the 34th anniversary of Bob Crane's death. On this day in 1978, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bob was murdered at 49 years of age. Although many suspect Bob's murderer to be John Henry Carpenter, who stood trial in 1994 and was acquitted, the crime remains officially unsolved to this day. Since his death, however, Bob has become one of the most misunderstood and ridiculed public figures in the world.
Some Key Facts about Bob Crane
- He was a pioneer in radio and broadcasting, inventing styles and techniques still used today by countless radio personalities, including Mr. Stern and many others who have been inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
- He has been called a "genius" in the radio industry by those who worked with him.
- He spent nearly 15 consecutive years in the radio industry, and he never fully abandoned it after he left KNX in 1965 to accept the role on Hogan's Heroes.
- He was driven toward success and had a rich career that included music, radio, television, theatre, and film; in addition to acting, he was also a writer, a director, and a producer.
- He donated much of his time to countless charities, including the U.S. Armed Forces Radio Network, Operation Entertainment, Cerebral Palsy Foundation, the Arthritis Foundation, and many more. He also was a frequent guest speaker at conferences and events, and in one year alone made more than 300 personal appearances for different charities, fundraisers, and community service events.
- Just before his death, Bob recognized that his addiction - which he himself called an addiction - had become a destructive force in his life. He sought professional help to overcome it, and he did so for his children, all of whom he loved dearly.
- People who knew Bob and loved him have called him a ray of light with a sunny personality. He could brighten any room just by walking into it. They are saddened and angered at how he has been remembered. Had he lived, he would have gone on to do many more great things in the entertainment industry.
Looking Toward the Future - 2013 and Beyond
We will not be deterred! We will now set our sights on 2013 and beyond. Whether there will be a public voting in 2013 or if the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee will suspended public voting indefinitely remains to be seen. Regardless, your vote truly does count with us. And these things do take time. So please keep checking back for updates and continue to spread the word about Bob Crane. Write letters to the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee on Bob's behalf. He deserves proper recognition, and we will see that he receives it!
Update - June 30, 2012: It has come to our attention that public voting for the National Radio Hall of Fame has been suspended indefinitely, and individuals for future Classes will be chosen by the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee. We will, however, continue to petition the Steering Committee for Bob Crane's inclusion in the National Radio Hall of Fame. Our campaign will now also become a general awareness campaign, not only for the National Radio Hall of Fame, but for other similar causes. Stay tuned! We're not done yet!
