The Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame has just unveiled its Class of 2026, a diverse group of 19 new inductees who have left an indelible mark on the region's airwaves. This year's selection process, which ran from June 1 to July 1, was a collaborative effort involving current Hall of Fame members, the California Historical Radio Society, and the public through the 'Donate To Vote' program. The result is a class that celebrates the breadth and depth of radio talent in the Bay Area, from programming and news to sports and management.
One of the standout inductees is Marla Davies, a radio veteran whose career has spanned three decades in the Bay Area. From KEZR to KOME, KFRC, and beyond, Davies has been a fixture on local radio, and her work with the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival showcases her dedication to the community.
Another notable inductee is Bill Lee, whose broadcasting journey began in Hartford, CT, in 1972. Lee, known by his birth name, Bill Lenkey, became a household name in the Bay Area through his work at KFRC and later as part of KMEL's iconic 'New Jack Zoo' morning show in the 1990s.
The Hall of Fame also recognizes the late Jeffrey 'JV' Vandergrift and Dan 'Elvis' Lay, whose 'The Dog House' morning show was a staple of Bay Area radio in the 1990s and 2000s. Originally launched on KHQT in San Jose, the show moved to KSAN and KYLD, solidifying its status as one of the region's most popular and influential programs.
In the news category, Ken Bastida is honored for a radio career that preceded his long tenure as lead anchor at KPIX-TV. Bastida's journey began as an intern at KFRC, and he went on to hold newsroom positions at several stations before transitioning to television in 1990.
The sports category pays tribute to Duane Kuiper, a former Major League Baseball player who joined the San Francisco Giants' radio broadcast team in 1986. Except for a brief stint with the Colorado Rockies in 1993, Kuiper has been a consistent presence on Giants radio and television broadcasts, a testament to his enduring popularity.
Keith Naftaly, selected in the management category, began his career answering phones at KFRC but quickly rose through the ranks to become program director at KMEL at just 24 years old. His contributions are credited with helping establish KMEL as a leading Top 40 FM station.
Larry Wood, an inductee in the engineering category, is a certified professional broadcast engineer with a long career in the Bay Area. Starting at KDIA in 1976, Wood held engineering positions at numerous stations before retiring as chief engineer at KQED-FM.
Jack Perry, honored in the specialty category, is recognized for his production work at San Jose rock stations KOME and KSJO from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. Perry later spent two decades with CBS as creative services director, producing imaging and commercials for KCBS and KRQR.
This year's class of inductees showcases the rich history and diverse talent of Bay Area radio. From programming and news to sports and engineering, these individuals have shaped the region's airwaves and left a lasting impact on the industry. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of their contributions to the vibrant world of Bay Area broadcasting.
