HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Chris Lawrence, longtime MetroNews Morning News co-host and West Virginia Outdoors creator and host, was inducted Saturday night into the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Lawrence, a native of Big Stone Gap Va., was honored during ceremonies along other inductees of the 2021 class and those chosen in 2020 for the Hall of Fame. There was no ceremony last year because of the pandemic.
Lawrence, who was hired by West Virginia Radio Corporation in 1990 after graduating from the University of Tennessee, held up a small radio during his speech, one like his grandmother had purchased him when he was a young boy. He called it his “window to the world.”
Lawrence talked about his early years with West Virginia Radio’s WAJR-AM in Morgantown before the MetroNews newsroom was transferred to Charleston in 2000. He also talked about his love for the outdoors and his award-winning West Virginia hunting and fishing show, West Virginia Outdoors.
“As I stand before you tonight I am absolutely dumbfounded that I am here. I am so grateful,” he said chocking back tears.
He thanked his late father, mother, sisters and brother. He also recognized his children, grandchildren and his wife, Sam.
“Thank you to all of the listeners. I don’t get here unless you turn on that radio every morning,” he said.
The 2021 class also included Marshall play-by-play man Steve Cotton, 40-year radio programmer Mike McVey and former WOWK news director the late Rod Jackson.
The ceremony took place at the Hall’s location at the Museum of Radio and Technology in Huntington.