John DeBella entered the Radio Hall of Fame on Nov. 2 as part of their induction ceremony at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel.
The long-time MGK morning host retired on June 30. His contributions to the station, the Philadelphia market, and the radio medium earned him the honor.
DeBella Enters Radio Hall of Fame
The Radio Hall of Fame “honors those who have contributed to the development of the radio medium throughout its history” in the United States.
A committee narrowed down the initial list of about 2500 suggestions to determine the 24 nominees for 2023. Roughly 800 voters who’ve made an impact in the industry voted to determine six inductees. A selection committee also decided on the other two additional choices.
Shadoe Stevens, Charles Warfield, Gerry House, Bob Rivers, Nina Totenberg, Pat St. John, Debra Parent, and John DeBella made up the group of inductees in 2023. MGK program Director Bill Weston and morning producer Steve Vassalotti also made the trip to New York City to celebrate the memorable night.
Lasting Impact in the DeBellaware Valley
John DeBella retired after a legendary career spanning over 48 years. He spent 41 of them in Philadelphia stretching all the way back to his days on The Morning Zoo on WMMR and extending to the past 21 years at MGK.
He earned a nomination for the “on-air success and the audience relationship” that has made him as central to radio in Philadelphia as any personality.
DeBella also received recent honors from the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame and the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia. The tail end of his tenure came with an excellent contribution to the community. He held the biggest Veterans Radiothon ever on Friday, June 16.
He taught listeners to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” and his legacy will last long after his retirement.
