Explore our gallery of Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame members. Learn about how to make a nomination.

Hall of Fame Member

W.P. “Bill” Atkinson

Inducted: 1995

W.P. “BILL” ATKINSON (1906-1999) has had a varied career as journalist, builder, educator and politician. He began his journalistic career as a printer’s devil while in high school and later was the founder of the Oklahoma Journal. Atkinson was head of the Oklahoma City University Journalism Department in 1934. Often called the founder of Midwest City, he was president of the National Association of Home Builders in 1951. He has been active in civic affairs and ran for governor of Oklahoma in 1962.

How to Submit a Nomination

Selection Process

Honorees are selected by a committee comprised of hall of fame members, including its director, and distinguished leaders in journalism. The Selection Committee considers all nominations, both new ones and those held over from previous years, before selecting the honorees.

Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame

News from the Hall

Ten journalists and two Lifetime Achievement honorees highlight Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame’s 53rd anniversary

Jan 30, 2023

Ten longtime journalists, the president of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters and the first Black woman in the Oklahoma City broadcast market will be among those honored at the 53rd annual luncheon and induction ceremony of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame....

Joan Gilmore donates $30,000 for future hall of fame museum, scholarship

Nov 22, 2022

Joan Gilmore donates $30,000 for future hall of fame museum, scholarship Hall of fame member Joan Gilmore left $30,000 for the future hall of fame museum and a scholarship in her name. Joan, who died in May, was inducted in 1994. This was her second major donation to...

Hall of fame members gather for the second summer get-together

Nov 22, 2022

Eleven hall of fame members, shown in photo, gathered at the home of Executive Committee member Ralph Schaefer on Aug. 27 for the second summer get-together in Tulsa.

W.P. “Bill” Atkinson

How to Submit a Nomination

Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame

News from the Hall

Ten journalists and two Lifetime Achievement honorees highlight Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame’s 53rd anniversary

Joan Gilmore donates $30,000 for future hall of fame museum, scholarship

Hall of fame members gather for the second summer get-together

OJHF

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OJHF

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