Courtesy of Hispanic Media
The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) has officially revealed its 2025 list of fifty finalists eligible for induction into its next Hall of Fame class — and longtime Tejano radio favorite Rudy Treviño is among the standout nominees.
Treviño, the acclaimed producer and host of Tejano Gold Countdown, joins a distinguished list of radio professionals who have shaped the Lone Star State’s broadcasting landscape. The veteran radio personality reacted to the nomination with heartfelt gratitude, telling Tejano Nation, “I am beyond honored to have made the nomination list and to be in the company of so many icons who shine a light on our beloved industry.” He added, “At the age of 13 when I first sat behind the mic at a 250-watt AM radio, I began living my dream. Today’s nomination announcement makes that dream reality.”
Rudy Treviño’s passion for radio began in 1965 when, at just 10 years old, his grandmother gave him a small transistor radio—a gift that sparked a lifelong love for broadcasting. At 13, he visited a local station and instantly knew radio was his calling. He landed his first job at KIBL 1490 AM in Beeville, later adding shifts at KAML 990, serving both country and Spanish-language audiences. After high school, Rudy served as a journalist with American Forces Radio in the Navy, earned a degree from George Washington University, and returned to radio, working at KTSA/KTFM San Antonio alongside future Texas Radio Hall of Famers. His bilingual skills led to roles in both English and Spanish markets, including KCCT in Corpus Christi and eventually a position with ABC/Disney as a radio and TV anchor. In 1996, he launched Tejano Gold Countdown, a syndicated show that remains a vital part of Tejano music culture. Broadcast on over 100 stations across the U.S. and Mexico, the show has been recognized by Billboard, People Magazine, and the Texas Legislature as the state’s “Official Tejano Music Countdown.” Rudy, a two-time Emmy-winning journalist, has dedicated over 40 years to informing and entertaining audiences—a legacy that firmly places him among the most deserving nominees for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
The 2025 finalist ballot was curated from over 160 nominations submitted earlier this year. The TRHOF’s Internal Review Committee narrowed that pool to the fifty top candidates, and now it’s up to TRHOF voting members to select twenty inductees. Voting is currently open at TRHOF.net and will remain available through midnight on Thursday, August 7.
“This year’s list reflects the diversity and excellence that define Texas radio,” said TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris. “From behind-the-scenes innovators to on-air icons, the nominees represent a broad range of markets, formats, and roles in broadcasting.”
In addition to the primary finalists, TRHOF is launching a new tradition in 2025 with the debut of its Lonestar Legacies category — an honor that posthumously recognizes broadcasters whose legendary work continues to impact Texas radio. This year’s inaugural Lonestar Legacy honorees are:
- Alberto Alegre Calvo
- Randy Lemmon
- Gary Mason (Aycock)
- Susan O’Donnell
- Tom Perryman
Harris explained the importance of keeping the memory of these influential voices alive. “With the passing of each year,” Harris said, “the voting membership’s familiarity with some of the most accomplished and influential figures in Texas Radio history fades a bit more. Our Lonestar Legacies, selected by an ad hoc committee of TRHOF board members and advisors from our 2025 submissions, have earned their rightful place on the diadem of our Hall of Fame crown.”
The 2025 Texas Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held November 1 at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore. The event will also include the annual TRHOF Radio Reunion, bringing together members of the state’s vibrant broadcasting community.
For a complete list of the 2025 finalists and to learn more about the organization or how to become a voting member, visit TRHOF.net.
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