With fifty years of entertainment under his belt and no signs of stopping anytime soon, actor/comedian Bob Newhart was inducted into the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s (IBA) Hall of Fame on Friday, October 21, in a private ceremony at the Chicago Theatre, the very venue he’s scheduled to perform at the following night.
“He’s a remarkable actor, a comedic genius, and clearly a legend in his own time,” remarked Dennis Lyle, president and CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association. “There is no question he has rightfully earned his place in the IBA Hall of Fame.”
When it comes to the IBA’s Hall of Fame, Newhart finds himself in good company. Oprah Winfrey was inducted earlier this spring, just days before ending her 25-year broadcast television run in Chicago of her Oprah Winfrey Show, adding her name to a long list of broadcasting icons previously inducted over the past 48 years since the award’s inception, including Steve Allen, Jack Benny, Jack Parr, Danny Thomas, and Orson Wells. Dick Biondi, Roger Ebert, Bill Kurtis, Larry Lujack, and Orion Samuelson are among the Chicago “hometown” favorites previously inducted into Illinois’ famed Hall.
Criteria for qualification in nominating candidates for IBA’s Hall of Fame induction consideration require nominees to have either been born in the state of Illinois or having spent a significant amount of time perfecting their craft while in the state. Newhart qualified on both accounts.
The son of Julia and George Newhart, Newhart was born and raised on the west side of Chicago in Oak Park, Illinois, graduating from Loyola University of Chicago in 1952 with a degree in business management. After being drafted in the U.S. Army and serving in the Korean War, Newhart returned to Illinois to make a brief attempt at a law degree at Loyola Law School. After a short stint as a professional accountant, Newhart landed a job as an advertiser copywriter for a major independent film and TV producer in Chicago which eventually lead to him recording a series of successful comedy albums, numerous network television appearances, followed by the first of two successful network sitcoms including a six-season, 142 episode run of “The Bob Newhart Show” in the 70’s and eight seasons and 182 episodes of “Newhart” in the 80’s.
Broadcast honors are no stranger to Newhart, having been inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame, the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and now the Illinois Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. In 2010, the Paley Center and TV Academy honored Newhart for his half-century in show business milestone.
Oprah Winfrey, whose meteoric rise from Chicago talk show host to one of Illinois’ most renowned broadcasters, was inducted into the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame on May 3, 2011. Winfrey entered the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame as its sole inductee at the May 3rd ceremony. ABC 7 Anchor/Reporter Cheryl Burton served as the emcee of the luncheon. Fellow Hall of Famers Dick Biondi, Roger Ebert, Bill Kurtis, and Orion Samuelson were on hand to welcome Ms. Winfrey. IBA's Dennis Lyle kindly asked these gentlemen as they were gathered on stage, "Move over gentlemen and make room for one more," as Ms. Winfrey accepted her award.
Perry Sook, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nexstar Broadcasting Group, has worked in all facets of the business – from radio sales and on-air talent to television news, sales, management and ownership. Sook was honored as the 2011 IBA Vincent T. Wasilewski “Broadcaster of the Year” during lunch as part of IBA2011 Academy on June 15, 2011.
Sook's dedication to the industry and public service is evident in his company's involvement in IBA legislative events and his encouragement of local station executives' active participation in IBA lobbying initiatives and leadership efforts.