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<\/p>\nVoting is underway for the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame nominees. Inside Radio spotlights the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame nominees, recognizing their lasting impact on the industry, and on listeners. Today we focus on three more of the 24 nominees for this year\u2019s award.<\/p>\n
Big D and Bubba<\/p>\n
Derek \u201cBig D\u201d Haskins and Sean \u201cBubba\u201d Powell started their radio careers in 1986. Big D at WATX Cookeville, TN, and Bubba at KCIL Houma, LA. They met in 1996 and formed the Big D & Bubba show at WTGE Baton Rouge, LA.<\/p>\n
Big D & Bubba crafted an atmosphere of escapism, filled with laughter, engaging interviews, and moments of hilarious chaos.<\/p>\n
After a move to Nashville, TN in 2003 and a stint on WSIX, the show was picked up by Compass Media Networks with WKDF as their current flagship. The show is heard on over 100 affiliates and the American Forces Network. The duo were inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2025 and have won multiple major industry awards. And their love for radio is clear, telling Inside Radio last year, \u201cRadio is still the place for storytellers to hone their craft. Radio has proved that it is viable, radio is magic, radio is powerful, radio is still very sexy…We consider ourselves very blessed to have been able to be cheerleaders for broadcasting and a part of radio’s ongoing and entertaining story.\u201d<\/p>\n
With nearly three decades of entertaining, Big D & Bubba is a morning staple for country music fans nationwide.<\/p>\n
Monica May<\/p>\n
Monica May is an award-winning radio & television veteran whose voice has been heard Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Montgomery and Orlando, where she is best known. A champion for developing a hyperlocal connection, Monica is a beacon in the community during times of crisis and triumph. Her journalistic approach has garnered notable interviews, including past Presidents and local and regional politicians.![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.insideradio.com\/app\/Images2026\/MonicaMay-200.jpg\")
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Throughout her career, Monica has earned industry recognition from national and local entities and has been inducted into the National Black Radio Hall of Fame. Her non-profit program, Let\u2019s Spill the Tea, came to life after a heart-to- heart with her daughter, Monique, while navigating tough conversations as a teen. Together they co-authored, Let\u2019s Spill the Tea: A 21-Day Mother Daughter Journal. Through the organization, they host workshops & retreats for families.<\/p>\n
Bob Stroud<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t know who Bob Stroud is, you don\u2019t know Chicago Radio. Perhaps that\u2019s a bold statement\u2014here\u2019s why it\u2019s true: Bob Stroud has entertained listeners continuously for 45 years, beginning at WMET \u2013 FM in 1979. His love of music steered his shows and captivated his audiences from his time at WMET-FM, as well as at CD94.7 and then WXRT-FM. In 2001, Stroud took on midday at Chicago\u2019s WDRV -FM (The Drive) where he has dominated the market and is still heard today.![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.insideradio.com\/app\/Images2026\/BobStroud-200.jpg\")
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What has always set Stroud apart is his genuineness: humility, the encyclopedic rock \u2018n roll knowledge, and the deep affection he shows for music and his listeners. His story demonstrates dedication, talent, and love for the medium.<\/p>\n
Bob\u2019s on-air work at The Drive continues today, with his famous \u201cTen at Ten\u201d and his weekly \u201cRock and Roll Roots\u201d show. Those that have worked with him agree that his unique talents and skills are matched by an equally high character. Bob is a Chicago radio icon and one of the most respected voices of rock and roll ever.<\/p>\n
Voting runs through Friday, May 8, with the top six finishers earning spots in the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction class. Additional honorees will be chosen by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee.<\/p>\n
The full 2026 class will be announced Wednesday, May 20, and formally recognized during the induction ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. Ticket details will be released soon.<\/p>\n