2 Nexstar current, former employees in 2025 West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame class

WEST VIRGINIA (WOWK) — The West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 inductees. This year’s class marks the 20th anniversary of the HOF, and two Nexstar Media Group, Inc. employees are in the lineup.

Seven television and radio professionals will be inducted into the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame on Oct. 14 at a 6 p.m. ceremony at the West Virginia Museum of Radio and Technology in Huntington.

Among those seven professionals are Mark Curtis, who served as political correspondent for West Virginia’s Nexstar stations until his retirement in December 2024, and Larry Cottrill, current WCMH-Columbus vice president and general manager.

Curtis, a proud Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, spent 38 years in broadcasting, contributing to news and politics across not only West Virginia, but also California, Washington DC, Florida, Alabama and more. In June 2024, Curtis was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Silver Circle.

During Curtis’ retirement party in December, Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin gave him the Key to the City, and the Kanawha County Commission declared Dec. 18, 2024, “Mark Curtis Day.”

Cottrill’s career has taken him through West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio. He has served as the vice president and general manager for not only Nexstar’s WCMH in Columbus, but also at WRIC in Richmond and right here in Clarksburg at WBOY! Cotrill has also served in the role for the West Virginia Radio Corporation.

Cottrill, a graduate of West Virginia University, has also worked in various professional capacities at WOWK, WTRF in Wheeling and WVNS in Ghent, according to WRIC.

Five more radio and television personalities whose work and careers have had a major impact on the Mountain State and broadcasting are also being inducted in October.

Bill Cornwell is a veteran reporter and radio personality known for his work at Kindred Communications, WDGG, WXBW and many other stations.

Williard Earle is being honored after 65 years in broadcasting. He is the current owner and operator of WELD AM and FM in Fisher, West Virginia.

Richard “Dick” Martin is the owner and operator of several radio stations in the Huntington area.

Al Martine is the former general manager and owner of WWNR in Beckley.

Jim Little is a former deejay at WCAW and WKAZ in Charleston.

Tom Resler, HOF committee chairman, says the selection committee has chosen a talented field of individuals from around the state for this year’s class.

“It’s hard to believe that 20 years has passed since the start of the Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees demonstrated excellence in the field of broadcasting – in front of the cameras, on the mic, or behind the scenes – informing and entertaining the public for many years,” Resler said.

Those inducted would join the likes of former StormTracker 12 Meteorologist Spencer Adkins, who now works at WOWK. Some famous names also in the HOF include such as Bob Denver, Don Knotts, Little Jimmy Dickens, Peter Marshall and Chuck Woolery.

To see a full list of previous inductees, click here, and if you want to check out the Hall of Fame exhibit, you can go to the Museum of Radio and Technology at 1640 Florence Avenue in Huntington.