Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame

The Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame was created by the University of Kentucky Journalism Alumni Association in 1980 and inducts new members annually. It recognizes Kentuckians who have made significant contributions to the profession of journalism. Nominees must be natives of Kentucky or journalists who have spent a significant portion of their careers in Kentucky.
 

Nominations

Nominations for the Hall of Fame may be submitted at any time. For a nominee to be considered for 2024 induction, the nomination must be received electronically or postmarked by Friday, January 24, 2025.

Please read the following information on completing a nomination.

Guidelines for Nomination

1. Nominees should be made from the period of modern Kentucky journalism history, dating from 1870. The Hall includes a recognition of “Pioneers of Kentucky Journalism” before that era.
2. Nominees should have made a significant connection to Kentucky and have been active in journalism long enough to establish that the contributions they have made to the profession are significant (the sole criterion for selection).
3. Those who are Kentucky natives or were raised or educated in Kentucky but practiced journalism elsewhere are eligible for nomination and selection.
4. Posthumous nominations are welcome.
    

Nomination Process

1. To nominate someone for the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame complete a nomination form by clicking the button below:
    

2. Write a Nomination Letter. The Journalism Alumni Association recommends the nominating letters elaborate on the points listed below:
   1. Nominee’s Kentucky connection(s).
   2. Nominee’s current and past employment.
   3. Highlights of the nominee’s career, including awards received.
   4. Nominee’s significant contributions to journalism, in the form of coverage or commentary that illustrate journalism’s central role in democracy and civil society, contributions by the nominee to the stature of journalism and/or the education of journalists.
   5. Nominee’s contributions to society.
3. A nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae can be a useful document but is not required.
4. At least two seconding letters are recommended.
5. A portrait-style photograph of the nominee or an easily accessible source for such a photograph.
    

Inductee Selection Process

1. The complete nomination and seconding letters for the Hall of Fame are distributed to the selection committee.
2. The committee meets to review new submissions and discuss previous nominees who have not been selected.
3. The selection committee consists of the president of the UK Journalism Alumni Association; the director of the UK School of Journalism and Media or the director’s designee; the executive directors of the Kentucky Press Association and the Kentucky Broadcasters Association or their designees and three Hall of Fame inductees chosen by the Journalism Alumni Association president.
4. Those selected by the committee are notified and invited to the Journalism Hall of Fame induction reception. Representatives of posthumous selectees will also be invited to the reception.
    

For information on the history of the Hall of Fame and previous inductees, click the button below: