Broadcasters Association honors Reid, inducts new members into Hall of Fame

More than 500 guests attended the Nevada Broadcasters Association's 20th annual Hall of Fame Gala at the Four Seasons Aug. 15. Sixty-two broadcasters were inducted into the hall for their excellence in Nevada's radio and television industry.

In addition, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and his wife, Landra, received the Pinnacle award. Reid, who came from humble beginnings in Searchlight, became one of the most powerful and influential men in the U.S. Senate, where he is minority leader. He has served longer in the Senate than any other Nevadan.

"Every child in America should recognize with hard work and perseverance their dreams can come true," said former Sen. Richard Bryan regarding Reid's career.

Bob Fisher, former president and CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association, received special honors for his leadership over the years. Current President Mary Beth Sewald credited him with "building a strong foundation for the organization."

"We are committed to advocacy and paving the way for new broadcasters," she said.

Linda Bonnici, former vice president and general sales manager at KLAS-TV, Channel 8, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Tony and Linda Bonnici Scholarship Fund awarded 55 scholarships in the past five years. Linda Bonnici also introduced the first Jim and Beverly Rogers scholarship recipients. A video of the scholarship winners was shown and the students received a standing ovation when they took the stage.

MGM Resorts received the Community Achievement Award. It was the first casino company to adopt a diversity policy. Also, MGM employees have donated more than 100,000 hours in volunteer service and raised nearly $5 million this year for nonprofit organizations.

Master of ceremonies and auctioneer was Chet Buchanan of KLUC-FM, 98.5. Todd Brown, chairman of the association's board of directors, welcomed guests. Travis Cloer from the show "Jersey Boys," sang the national anthem, and the Des Quartet provided violin music at the reception.

Guests dined on a salad of baby greens with spiced poached pears and candied pecans wrapped with sliced cucumbers. The entree was a trio plate of blackened salmon, braised short ribs in a mushroom saute and root vegetables with an asparagus bundle. Mango cheesecake and raspberry gelato completed the dinner.

Among the inductees was Don Lewis Barnhart, who directed "Mork and Mindy" and "Saved by the Bell" among many other TV shows. Former KLAS and KTNV-TV, Channel 13 news anchor Casey Smith also was inducted, as was Dave Anthony, who went from being the paper boy for boxer Sonny Liston to becoming a top radio personality.

KCEP-FM, 88.1, had a strong showing of inductees with Nicky Scott, Lanice Rodgers, Ben "DJBenzo," Patricia Cunningham, Pastor Henry Black, Elijah Pullins, Commissioner Lawrence Weekly and Margo Tyrell.

Broadcasters with 50-plus years inducted were: Barnhart, Hank Tester, Lloyd Higuera and Len Howard.

For a complete list of the inductees, visit http://nvbagala.com/inductees.htm.

Among the guests were Alan Stavitsky, Lawrence Mullen, Jim and Heather Murren, Gary and Debbie Ackerman, Todd Brown, Dane Wilt, Bubba and Kathleen Knight, Amie Chapman, Chis Roman, Lori Heeron, Ramiro Lopez, Alaina Leadbeter, Kristine Anderson, Jim McKusick, Tom Axtell, Ken Sutherland, Tony Bonnici, Pat Gunn, Edrinna Moosman and Courtney Bonnici Wadham.

Eric Bonnici, executive director of the Nevada Broadcasters Association Foundation, noted money raised from the live and silent auctions is used to help fund scholarships. Auction items included tickets to the Browns-Chargers game and VIP party in San Diego, a private Wolfgang Puck dinner for 12, and tickets for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

Sponsors were the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Gaudin Motor Co. and Look Style Society.