Welcome to the portion of my ID page where I spotlight some of my favorite (and not so favorite) IDs of all-time. I realize the "Hall of Fame" moniker is somewhat of a misnomer; after all, what makes a great ID? The answer is probably different for each person, and in many cases some of my selections below are based on memories that are evoked when I hear the IDs, such as vacations or unusual reception ("DX"). For others, though, it hopefully illustrates my personal definition of a great ID.

Can I state my criteria in words? I'm not sure, but I'll try. Some of my favorite types of IDs include the plain and simple spoken public radio ones, especially the state network kind where the IDs are identical, save for insertion of local calls. I've always liked when those network ID's are preceded by push button telephone-like tones. Similarly, a TV ID which clearly states calls, city of license and channel number is special. Background music is okay so long as it sets the mood. Again, state network IDs are enjoyable so long as local calls are stated (so rare nowadays).

On the other hand, if an FM station wants to make a big deal out of an ID, that's fine too... all I ask is that it's not done in a drawn out manner, with previews of upcoming songs, country stars saying hello, and all that. If you want to tout the age, rating status, or what not, please do-but don't drag it out forever. I like jingles, but lately those have taken an annoying turn. Some of the vocal styles used (top 40s are especially bad about this) really ruin an ID, especially those used as background, echo-like voices. The soft AC stations seem to have the right idea, where they make an ID pleasing to the ear without harsh vocals. Oh, and if you want to throw in some extra cities after stating the city of license, go right ahead!

Rather than fill this page with text, let me provide some audio examples of great (and not-so-great) IDs.

2007 Inductees

Commercial Radio

With translators and national parks mentioned, this is a nice one: KMTN-96.9.

As far as rough vocals go, here's one from KSWW-102.1 in Montesano, WA. It's so bad it's good!

Inaugural Members

Commercial Radio

Remember how many stations in the 80s had IDs like this? WMEE-97.3, KKEZ-94.5 or WDCG-105.1.

Another 80s classic: I love that XM's 80s channel uses this style: WZYP-104.3 or WJMX-103.3.

It's hard to pull off a good, sung ID, but two fine examples: WBBN-95.9 and KITE-93.3. Unfortunately, more often it just sounds off key: WZXY-104.9.

Here are a pair of delightful beachy IDs from WAVV-101.1 in Marco, FL: ID 1 and ID 2.

Beautiful music stations tend to have laid-back IDs. Some of my favorites include KEZS-102.9, WNCT-107.9 and KRVN-93.1.

I don't know what the background sound was supposed to be, but I liked it! WBBQ-104.3.

From 1991, a weird one from Hawaii: KPOA-93.5.

Better sit down... this could take awhile. KJIL-99.1.

He almost shouts at times. Who can blame him? A great ID from WHTK-99.7.

If you run out of time, just sing faster: WIOG-102.5.

So long as they don't fly the flag... WXBM-102.7.

Because it sounds weird, that's why: WAXL-103.3.

A toe-tapping, Texas-sized ID from KPLX-99.5.

The legendary Don Pardo lends his pipes to this mid-1980s ID: WXRC-95.7.

Well, someone's lying here: WQBE-97.5 or WXBQ-96.9.

I never found KK-93 to be an endearing slogan, but I always liked the ID: KKYA-93.1.

OK, so what *is* a Hodag? WHDG-97.5. Oh, and thanks for having 4 cities mentioned in the ID!

Something for everyone in this ID: WWMS-97.5. The third city changed from ID to ID: WWMS-97.5 again.

This is one of the first IDs I recall hearing when I was in college at NC State: WQOK-97.5.

Say no to drugs! WJLB-97.9. How many B's do you hear?

From the school of unintelligible calls: KKJK-103.1.

This ID would be great if the announcer didn't sound so bad: KBKH-92.9.

Public Radio

Here's a fun 1989 ID from WJPZ-89.1, a top 40 (!?) Syracuse University-run station.

I like the fact that music signaled the ID, but it always struck me as a weird-sounding, distorted piece: WNSC-88.9.

Music, telephone tones, and not in the 88-92 MHz band? What's not to love about this public radio station? KPSD-97.1.

Bad attempt at 1980s techno music alert: WPAR-88.1.

Commercial TV

Now THAT'S a thorough ID! WBTW-13 from the early 1980s.

A good announcer never hurt... it makes the ID sound important! For example these pre-2000 IDs from: KNOP-2, WSIL-3 and KVIA-7.

On the other hand, if you'd like to ruin an ID, try using kids: KSMQ-15.

This magical music comes to you courtesy of KGMB-9 in Honolulu, HI in 1991.

Banjoes never hurt in a TV ID. A catchy one from east Tennessee: WETO-39 from the late 1980s.

Public TV

Georgia's PBS network has produced some great IDs. The music really sets the tone for this 1990 ID from WCES-20. And back in 1982 a neat animation of the circular network logo accompanied the audio on this WXGA-8 ID.

This jazzy little number from 1982 on KENW-3 in Portales, NM makes you feel good!

One of the oldest IDs I have on tape is this 1976 gem from WUNF-33 in Asheville, NC. Yes, even as a 6-year-old I was taping IDs!

A simple, yet satisfying, ID from the 1980s: WITF-33.

If this guy did the sign-off, everyone would be asleep before the national anthem played! WYES-12.

NWR

I've always liked this guy's Elmer Fudd'esque voice. Too bad he was replaced by a computer! KEB98.

A slogan? Sure, why not? From 1984, it's WXK87 in Clinton, Oklahoma.