Express & Star

Frank Skinner walking on airwaves as he's inducted into radio Hall of Fame

Black Country comic Frank Skinner had a bostin' time being named in the radio Hall of Fame – speaking of his pride at the prestigious honour.

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The stand up comic turned radio presenter was among the names inducted into the Radio Academy's Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Birmingham.

He received the honour for his weekly Saturday morning show

Former Radio WM and BRMB presenter Tony Butler was also honoured at the event held at the new Resorts World, near Birmingham's NEC yesterday, just ahead of the BBC Music Awards.

Read our interview with Frank Skinner talking about his new radio show here

They joined broadcasters including Radio One DJ Pete Tong and former Radio 5Live and BRMB presenter Victoria Derbyshire being inducted during the lunchtime event. Skinner, a keen West Brom fan who grew up in Oldbury, was nominated for his role presenting his show on Absolute Radio.

The show won Best Speech Programme in 2014 and Best Entertainment Programme at the Radio Academy Awards.

The 58-year-old said: "When I heard I was to become a Hall of Famer, I felt properly proud.

"Does this mean I'll finally get my publicity postcard in the reception area?

"The one with me looking preoccupied, in headphones. My 'Mr Radio' jingle suddenly seems much less ironic." Wolverhampton-born Tony Butler, aged 80, was the first sports editor of BRMB in 1974 and introduced the football phone-in. In 1987 he moved to Radio WM, hosting the breakfast show. He retired form radio in 2012.

Well know Radio One DJ Pete Tong Pete said he was ' truly flattered' by the honour, adding: "I'm a huge fan of the medium which at its best is still so simple so powerful and so personal."

Roger Cutsforth, Managing Director of The Radio Academy, said: "It is a privilege to induct them into the Hall of Fame and highlights just how blessed with talent our industry is."

Previous inductees have included Trevor Nelson, Nick Ferrari, Annie Nightingale, Margherita Taylor and John Peel.

The event was hosted by Heart West Midlands Breakfast presenter Ed James at The Vox Centre at Resorts World.

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