After more than three decades on the air, Dr. James Dobson and his "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame on Saturday.
The Hall of Fame Steering Committee nominated "Focus on the Family" for the honor in May and, for the first time, allowed the public to vote. More than 50,000 people cast their votes for Dr. Dobson — the largest vote total in the group's history.
"We know that radio can entertain and inform. Dr. James Dobson has proven that it can also be a means to impact and elevate lives," talk-show host Hugh Hewitt said as he presented the award to Dr. Dobson. "The Focus on the Family organization counsels and encourages, guides and inspires millions of mothers and fathers and children every single day."
As hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Chicago event, Dr. Dobson took the stage.
"I want to thank Bruce DuMont and the board of directors of the Radio Hall of Fame for having the courage to nominate and support a religious, Christian radio program," he said. "I know it is perhaps a little controversial. ... I'm very, very grateful.
"I simply want to say, 'Thank you, everybody,' and it is a great pleasure to receive this award."
For months, gay activists had protested the award. They repeatedly called on DuMont to revoke the honor.
Gary Schneeberger, vice president of media and public relations at Focus on the Family Action, said the Hall of Fame did the right thing by not giving in to the pressure.
"I know it wasn't easy, but it was honorable," he said. "Those 50,000 people who voted for Dr. Dobson represent just a fraction of the millions whose lives the broadcast has touched over the last three decades."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
You can watch the induction ceremony online. Scroll to the 54:00 mark to see Dr. Dobson accept his award.
Watch a retrospective video honoring Focus on the Family.
(NOTE: Referral to Web sites not produced by Focus on the Family is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites' content.)
