Voting is underway for the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame nominees. Inside Radio spotlights the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame nominees, recognizing their lasting impact on the industry, and on listeners. Today we focus on three more of the 24 nominees for this year’s award.
Larry Elder
Larry Elder—the Sage from
South Central—is a New York Times best-selling author, award-winning documentary filmmaker, a syndicated weekly columnist and has had a thirty-year career in radio and television. His daily radio program, “The Larry Elder Show,” is heard weekdays in all 50 states on more than 300 stations.
Larry graduated from Brown University and has a law degree from the University of Michigan. After running for Governor of California in 2021 in a recall election and securing 3.5 million votes, Larry ran for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in the 2024 election.
His latest book is “As Goes California—My Mission To Rescue The Golden State And Save The Nation.”
Larry was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. His father, who never knew his father, was born in Athens, Georgia, became a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, moved to California and eventually opened his own restaurant. Larry’s mother, raised on a farm in Huntsville, Alabama, was a clerical worker for the U.S. Department of War during World War II and raised three boys as a stay-at-home mom.
Raúl Brindis
Raúl Brindis is a Mexican
American radio personality, host of El Show de Raul Brindis, heard weekday mornings in Houston from 5am – 11am on La Ley 92.1. For more than 20 consecutive years, the program has consistently ranked as the most-listened-to-Hispanic morning radio show, combining humor, music, and cultural commentary. A proven winner, El Show de Raúl Brindis remains established as the number one morning show in the Hispanic community, solidifying Brindis’ status as an iconic name in the radio industry. Raul has been on radio consistently for more than 40 years, starting in 1984.
Brindis is known for his dedication to his craft and the Houston community. His engaging on-air persona and ability to connect with listeners have earned him a loyal following. Brindis has significantly influenced Spanish-language broadcasting, blending entertainment with cultural insight and social issues. Raul Brindis expanded his influence into television and social media, where his versatility and charisma have made him a sought-after personality. He’s also a accomplished singer and songwriter, releasing several albums showcasing his talent in both music and reflective storytelling.
Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me
Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! is
a weekly news quiz from NPR that blends current events with comedy and audience participation. Hosted by Peter Sagal and announced by Bill Kurtis, the program, which airs on 400 NRP affiliates, features a rotating panel of comedians who test their knowledge of the week’s headlines through games, bluff segments, and listener call-ins.
Produced in Chicago, the show typically records in front of a live audience, giving it the feel of a stage performance as much as a radio broadcast. Regular segments include “Bluff the Listener,” “Not My Job,” and lightning-round quizzes that mix satire with real news. Since its debut in 1998, the show has built a loyal following for its sharp writing, quick pacing, and ability to make the news approachable without losing its edge. It remains one of public radio’s most popular and widely syndicated programs.