2024 Hall of Fame

The Arkansas Broadcasters Association is proud to introduce the 2024 inductees to the inaugural Arkansas Broadcasters Hall of Fame. These five individuals will be inducted during the Arkansas Broadcasters Convention on the evening of October 14th at a banquet in their honor.

All five were nominated by friends or colleagues, using a form developed by the ABA Hall of Fame Committee. Once the nominations were submitted, the written answers were sent to the committee for individual evaluation and scoring based on a criteria developed prior to the opening of nominations. Those individuals who’s evaluation scores were the highest are being inducted in 2024. All other nominees are automatically still nominated for the 2025 class.

The Arkansas Broadcaster’s Association Hall of Fame is designed to honor and preserve the legacy of outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of broadcasting in Arkansas.

Through recognition, celebration, and education, we pay tribute to those who have provided the highest level of service to the industry, its viewers, listeners, advertisers, and communities.

We also aim to inspire current and future generations of Arkansas broadcasters to uphold the level of excellence these individuals have demonstrated in their careers.

Previous to the Hall of Fame, the ABA would name a “Pioneer Award Winner” most years. The ABA has not done that in several years. To respect the contribution of those who were Pioneer Award Winners, all are also considered automatic inductees into the Hall of Fame. View all Pioneer Award Winners.

Joe Booker

Better known as “Broadway” Joe Booker, he’s been a long-time presence in Little Rock radio. Beyond his popular morning show, Joe serves as Director of Programming for the Cumulus cluster in Little Rock. “If you have good information, education, and entertainment, you can be successful,” he says. Booker credits community service for his popularity and success.

Bobby Caldwell

Bobby Caldwell grew up listening to KWYN-AM in Wynne. He went on to own that station along with many others as he built East Arkansas Broadcasters, which now has over 60 signals in Arkansas. He is a Past President of the ABA and served on the NAB Board of Directors, representing Arkansas and Tennessee Where others might see an industry in decline, he has proven that going back to basics and super-serving local audiences will lead to success.

Jim Pitcock

Jim Pitcock was a legendary figure in Arkansas television news. He was best known for his work as News Director at KATV, Little Rock, a consistent ratings leader during his years. He is also recognized for leading the effort to preserve Arkansas history by archiving and cataloging newsreels, which are now available for public use at the Pryor Center at the University of Arkansas.

B.J. Sams

B.J. Sams had over 55 years of broadcasting experience. He went from janitor to DJ at his first radio station, before joining the Army where he was a broadcast specialist. His TV career started in Louisiana before he joined KATV in Little Rock, later moving the KTHV. There, he anchored the evening news before joining the morning show. Many enjoyed knowing that away from work, he rocked babies at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Kermit Womack

With a career that started in 1954, Kermit Womack spent 70 years in our industry before retiring earlier this year. He founded KURM in 1979, where he remained until ceasing operations this year. He was a staple in his communities, providing coverage on everything from local events to weather, from news to sports. He had a passion for agriculture programs as well.