The Museum of Broadcasting has announced long-time local radio presence and family business owner, Wally Christensen, as a 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee.
The gala ceremony will be held Oct. 10, at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley, Minn. The event, hosted by comedian and Minnesota native Louie Anderson and 5 Eyewitness News anchor, Cyndy Brucato, will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a champagne reception and dinner followed by the induction program. The Museum of Broadcasting's ninth annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held to honor and celebrate those who have worked behind the scenes to bring the news and entertainment of the world to local listening audiences.
Christensen began his career in broadcasting out of high school when he attended Brown Institute, earning a diploma in broadcasting and a first class radio engineer license. He began as an announcer in 1965 at KYNT in Yankton, South Dakota and moved shortly thereafter to Pipestone to work in radio sales and to be a morning announcer for KLOH as, "Wally West."
Christensen became General Manager of KLOH in 1972 and eventually purchased both AM and FM stations in 1976. Christensen Broadcast Group, Inc. was established in 1980 and worked as consultants for other radio groups in the Upper Midwest. In 1990, Christensen purchased stations in Vermillion, South Dakota KVRA and KVRG and turned them into profitable stations. Wally then founded KJOE in Slayton, Minn. in 1990 and continues to be a well-known figure in the community and example of a sustainable and family-owned local media outlet.
"Broadcasting has given me the opportunity to serve our loyal listeners and I feel fortunate to have been able to work with so many dedicated and talented people at our radio stations," Christensen said.
For more information on the Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame or to purchase tickets online visit www.museumofbroadcasting.org.
