Mal Bellairs

[Bellairs]

Is there anybody out there old enough to remember my Dad, Mal Bellairs? He turns 90 this year. He was at WBBM 780 from 1955 to 1969 before they went all news. He then bought and ran his own station, WIVS in suburban Crystal Lake, IL. I am trying to have the Illinois Broadcasters Association recognize him with their 'Pioneer' award. You can recommend him to Dennis Lyle at the Illinois Braodcasters Association at [email protected].

 

[b344077]

Please let your dad know:

I have truly enjoyed listening to your dad through the years.

I especially remember his Christmas show every year. In my opinion, it was one of the best shows of its kind...ever.

While I am no longer in the industry, it was by listening to him that gave me the bug for broadcasting.

I hope he is in good health and spirits.

Bruce

 

[RememberWHEN]

I most assuredly remember him on WBBM on Sundays - coming back from church. Mom had it on while she was preparing the 'big meal' (noon-ish which differed from the normal Monday - Saturday 'big meal' at dinnertime). This would have been in the early 60's for my recollection of the remarkable voice and personality! Happy Birthday to him!

RememberWHEN
South Bend, Indiana

 

[Barefootom]

I, too, was a Sunday Afternooner. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Mal Bellairs over the years. He had that rare ability to sound real and natural on the radio while being totally professional. Looking back on it, I'd have to say he had an influence on my career in radio. Please pass on good wishes. He deserves any recognition we can give him!

 

[cyberdad]

Worked for Mal....and sons Rick and Jerry....at WIVS/WXRD in 77-78. Good folks all Mal was pure class, delightful to be around. Its been over 30 years, but I still think of him from time to time, and am glad to hear he's still with us. Mal was an inspiring figure when I worked for him, but more importantly, he's a genuinely nice man who took the business of entertaining his audience very seriously, but still was still always quick with a smile or a laugh. As gracious off the air as he was on.

By all means I'll be glad to anything I might be able to help him get the recognition he truly deserves. And yes, before I had ever had any inkling I'd ever work for the guy, I recall every Sunday afternoon my mom, "comandeering" the radio to change the dial from 890 to 780.

 

[Bellairs]

Thanks for remembering. I am trying to get Mal Bellairs recognized by the Museum of Broadcast Communications and the Illinois Broadcasters Association. I am asking anybody inlcined to write a nominating letter recommending him. I started this late and the deadline is March 1.

Nominating letter must be received by March 1st. Please share this information if you know anyone who remembers Mal and would be inclined to write a letter. For now I am trying to keep this from Mal.


· Local or Regional Pioneer
A broadcaster who has made at least a 20 year contribution to the radio industry and has distinguished him/herself at the local and/or regional level.

NOMINATIONS
The general public is encouraged to make recommendations to the RHOFSC. All recommendations can be made directly to the National Radio Hall of Fame & Museum.

Recommendations must include a letter stating credentials of the person recommended, as well as background on the individual to be considered.


Please send nominations to:
[email protected]
Or by mail to:
ATTN NRHOF Nominations
676 N. LaSalle Dr.
Suite 424
Chicago, IL 60654


To be considered by the RHOFSC, all recommendations must be received by the President of the National Radio Hall of Fame & Museum no later than March 1st of each year.

I have also written to Dennis Lyle at the Illinois Broadcasters Association regarding the IBA ‘Pioneer’ award. Letters of recommendation can be sent to:



[email protected]



or



Dennis Lyle

Illinois Broadcasters Association

200 Missouri Ave.

Carterville, IL

62918



Again, if you know anyone who would help with a nominating letter please pass this on.


I would appreciate a copy of any nominating letters.

 

[rfichaser]

I remember Mal Bellairs clearly. In my mind he was the very definition of Broadcaster, with his wonderful voice and natural warmth on the air. His Sunday afternoon shows on WBBM were great listening even when I was a kid in the early 1960s.

After he moved to WIVS I heard him less often since reception was spotty in the southwest suburbs, but when I could catch his show it was still a pleasure. I hope he's in good health in his 90th year.

I'll certainly write a letter urging his recognition. Thanks for posting!

 

[radioman148]

His White Fence Farm commercials made me so hungry, I couldn't wait to get out there and eat.

 

[top40ted]

I recall coming home just before noon from kindergarten (1965-66) and hearing my mom listening to a child psychologist, Dr. Wilma Kehm, on WBBM. The anchor for the show was Mal Bellairs. Over 40 years ago, but I remember it like yesterday.

Good luck with your efforts to honor your dad. I was a part of an effort to have the founder of a radio station at a high school in Burlington, WI inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. He was enshrined this past summer. Many successful broadcast and communications careers (including mine) emerged from that station, and it was a great way to pay our broadcast mentor back for the years of sacrifice and counsel he provided for us all.

 

[billscessna]

I do remember your dad. He gave a talk at our pre-cana conference before we got married in 1960. I also listened to him on BBM and WIVS. Tell him he has many fans out there. I think I still have some audio tapes of his Christmas programs. I believe he had a large family, I remember him remarking that he had (I don't remember how many) children and one on the way. Was the possible in 1960?