It was a euphoric night, with Hall of the Fame recognition in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Toasts in the name of Al Roker were raised and echoed in the auditorium. This honor is a dream of many that Al Roker lived yesterday (May 3). TODAY’s favorite weatherman, along with his wife, Deborah Roberts, received induction into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame on Wednesday night.
As per its website, this yearly event endeavors to mark pioneers, innovators, and stars in the broadcasting, cable, and broadband TV industry. Roker was proud of his wife’s achievements and says he married one of the greatest broadcast journalists of today. He complimented his wife with a sweet nod.
TODAY co-anchor Craig Melvin presented the ceremony and felicitated Al Roker for his humbleness, elegance, love, and professionalism. Craig appreciated his colleague saying, “never self-absorbed, and always self-deprecating.” For Al, Induction into the Hall of Fame is his lifetime achievement, and glories and applauses were in store for him.
Credits: Hello! magazine
The 30th-anniversary gala that took place in the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City also honored Al Roker’s wife, Deborah Roberts. Rokers “Today” family lavished him with laurels and affection on Wednesday. “There are still few honors left? I thought you got em’ all,” Al’s co-host Hoda Kotb joked.
The ceremony was attended by more than 800 decision-makers, cable TV, broadcast, and other media industries. The event, which celebrated ESPN with the pioneering Iconic Network Award, was co-hosted by Al Roker and Hannah Storm. Former awardees have included Oprah Winfrey, Dr. John Malone, Dr. Phil McGraw, Robert A. Iger, and Michael Powell.
Al Roker went through a health crisis last year.
The popular weather reporter’s Hall of Fame induction arrives months after he was admitted to the hospital for blood clot treatments. In the middle of November, he notified his fans and supporters about his disappearance from “Today”. He had got blood clots in his leg, which sent some clots to his lungs. He kept his followers up to date about his ongoing health conditions while he was admitted and discharged from the hospital. Roker opened up about his struggles and challenges of treatments on “Today” nearly a year ago.
Credits: Times Square Chronicles
He showered his gratitude to his followers for supporting him and praying for him. Rocker opens up about his days in the hospital, saying, ” I will not deny it, this has been the most difficult hospitalization I have ever had, and I have had my fair share of surgeries.” He feels overwhelmed by the avalanche of prayers he received. He returned “Today” on January 6 this year.
Other Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame inductees includes the names of Soledad O’Brien, Rachael Ray, Ray Hopkins, and Wonya Lucas, with Jim Nantz, a sports commentator, getting an award for lifetime achievement.
Al Roker’s Thanksgiving speech
In his acceptance speech, Al Roker recalled the support of his parents and mentors through the years, including the late Willard Scott, who encouraged Al always to be himself. He also thanked co-workers both working in front and behind the camera coming from his time in local news to this day at “Today”. Of course, he also thanked his family for their love and support.
Credits: Times Square Chronicles
For those who do not know about The Hall of Fame ceremony, let’s go to the basics to learn. The Hall of Fame was established in 2009 to honor members who have made significant, influential, and long-running contributions to the professions and to the associations. Members of the Hall of Fame have an established history of professional excellence, an unwavering dedication to the promotion of the profession, and an aura of professionalism among peers.
The Hall of Fame Award differs from the Marian Gould Gallagher Distinguished Service Award, which is given to an individual who has finished or is about to complete an active professional career and recognizes a career of exceptional, extensive, and sustained service.
