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

Hall of Fame Member

John Durkee

Inducted: 2017

JOHN DURKEE (1955- ), with more than 40 years of radio news experience, has been the dean of Tulsa’s radio news scene since 1989 when he joined KRMG, becoming news director in 1991. He was among the first to report on mine tailings pollution at Tar Creek, working with Congressman Mike Synar. In 2008 he served as communications director for the city of Tulsa before becoming news director of the University of Tulsa’s public radio station, KWGS in 2009. He’s a regular guest on RSU-TV public affairs programs. Tulsa Press Club named him the 2016 Media Icon. After attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and OSU, he worked at KTOK in Oklahoma City, KAKC in Tulsa and KFSB in Joplin. Among Durkee’s many awards as a broadcaster, he’s twice won both regional and national RTDNA Murrow Awards, and awards from the AP, UPI, SPJ, and Oklahoma and Missouri associations of broadcasters.

John Durkee

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.

John Durkee

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

Extras

Open Hours

OJHF

Extras

Open Hours