Ian Dempsey and Dave Fanning are still making waves as they're inducted into PPI Radio Awards hall of fame

Four familiar voices from the airwaves have landed on the PPI Radio Awards hall of fame.

Today Fm’s Ian Dempsey; RTÉ 2fm’s Dave Fanning; South East Radio’s Eamonn Buttle; and Downtown Radio’s Trevor Campbell were all honoured for their great contribution to radio.

Their induction into the Hall of Fame was marked with a plaque unveiling ceremony yesterday at the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s offices in Dublin.

Other radio legends previously inducted into the hall of fame include Gay Byrne, Gerry Ryan, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, and Larry Gogan.

Induction into the hall of fame is a major accolade in the radio industry, not only for those in front of the mic but for those working behind the scenes who place radio at the heart of everyday Ireland.

The Today FM chief executive, Keith McCormack, described Ian Dempsey as “the ultimate broadcasting professional” — every day he woke up the nation with the same energy and sense of fun that listeners had come to love.

Head of RTÉ 2fm, Dan Healy, described Dave Fanning as a “pioneer” — the great voice of music and popular culture in Ireland.

RTÉ 2fm’s Dave Fanning was one of the four new member s inducted into the PPI Radio Awards hall of fame. The head of 2fm, Dan Healy, described Fanning as a ‘pioneer’. Picture: Iain White

Eamonn Buttle is the owner and chief executive of South East Radio since 1989 and a founder of Independent Broadcasters of Ireland.

South East Radio general manager, Liam Dwyer, said it was fantastic to see Eamonn’s enthusiasm, passion, and ingenuity recognised and rewarded.

Trevor Campbell’s name is synonymous with country music in Northern Ireland – he has been presenting a daily show over the past 40 years. He is better know as Big T.

Downtown Radio managing director, Mark Mahaffy, said Big T’s evening programme continues to top the listening charts in Northern Ireland.

Hall of fame inductees: South East Radio’s Eamonn Buttle, Trevor Campbell of Downtown Radio, Ian Dempsey, and Dave Fanning.

“The word ‘legend’ can be used flippantly in radio, but when Big T is involved, it is a description that is bang on the money,” he said.

BAI chief executive, Michael O’Keeffe, said the 2016 inductees to the PPI Hall of Fame have all made an exceptional contribution to radio in Ireland.

“The BAI would like to congratulate all the recipients on their dedication and commitment to radio in Ireland,” said Mr O’Keeffe.