Our Stories
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in Journalism
The story of Oklahoma, the nation, and the world has been chronicled through the decades by men and women of diverse backgrounds and interests whose devotion to spreading the word has been recognized by the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. These are the stories of the journalist inducted into the hall of fame as lifetime members.
5o Years of Oklahoma Journalism
Hall of Fame History
50 Years of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame
Our Greatest Journalists
From the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Watergate to the Penn Square Bank collapse and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, these are the stories of how the members of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame embody the pioneering spirit in their own lives. Available for purchase at Best of Books and Amazon.
B.A. BRIDGEWATER
the value of a $2 bill By John D. Ferguson Growing up in the 1950s, my father, John A. Ferguson, would bring home from work around Christmas time an envelope with the card inside addressed to me. The card was from B.A. Bridgewater, who was my dad's boss as the...
A.J. SMITHERMAN
the influence and contributions of “Big Daddy” By Raven Majia Williams In contemplating an appropriate title for the biography I wrote about my great-grandfather, a man my family refers to as “Big Daddy,” it became evident that out of many contributions he made to...
TIM CHAVEZ
short stories about a Hall of Famer who inspired others By Kathi Cox McClure The marker on Tim Chavez's grave says, “For the least of these.” Chavez always sought to include those who were ignored. He spoke up for the least of these all through his journalism...
BLACKBURN, GOODWIN, BETZ, WEBB, FOOTE, & RIDENOUR
the Lifetime Achievers By Emily Siddiqui, Student Editor Journalistic endeavors would not be effective without the support and leadership of fellow truth-seeking, world-changing individuals within the community. The Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame has extended its...
WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE
the journalist who became a war hero By Joe Hight, 2013 Inductee William Russell Moore was a war correspondent who became a war hero. Although the Oklahoma native is listed in some historical texts, he was unknown to most in his home state until Paul Roales sent an...
SCOTT THOMPSON
the ultimate father’s choice about journalism’s ultimate honor By Joe Hight, 2013 Inductee Scott Thompson had to make a choice in early 2019–attend his son’s concert at Princeton University or his induction into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. I had called...
2020
2020 the changes for a special anniversary The rules for the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame were like gold laid in concrete. Nine Hall of Famers had been selected every year since its inception. All were honored at a luncheon or afternoon reception at the University...
RALPH SCHAEFER
‘The Longest Wait’ for Hall of Fame membership By Ralph Schaefer, 2017 Inductee The Longest Day is a war movie starring John Wayne. The Longest Yard is a prison slash sports movie starring Burt Reynolds. “The Longest Wait” isn't a movie—and never will be It's a...
‘I GUESS I’VE GOT EGG ON MY FACE’
the tape confirms it By John Greiner, 1993 Inductee In Governor David Hall's second year in office, he launched an ambitious road program called “Freeway 77” aimed at building and repairing highways and bridges in all 77 counties. The media pressed Hall on which...
THE POLITICAL REPORTERS
covering Oklahoma’s and the nation’s historic moments The story of Oklahoma politics from statehood to today has been written by many men and women who became inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. I was among at least 20 Hall of Famers who covered...