Bill Walker inducted into Charlotte Broadcast Hall of Fame

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Long-time WSOC-TV anchor Bill Walker was inducted into the inaugural class of the Charlotte Broadcast Hall of Fame on Friday.

Walker began his Charlotte broadcasting career as a radio news anchor in 1968.

He went on to become the longest-running news anchor in Charlotte history with WSOC-TV. Walker retired from WSOC-TV in 2005.

Walker interviewed a wide variety of newsmakers, including evangelist Billy Graham, late UNC basketball coach Dean Smith and chef Julia Child. Numerous political office holders and candidates reached WSOC-TV viewers through interviews with Walker, including Sam Ervin, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Wallace, Jesse Helms, Terry Sanford, Jim Hunt, John Edwards and George W. Bush.

In 1976, Walker interviewed President Gerald Ford in the Oval Office at the White House.

“I can truly say that I have always loved my work,” Walker said when he retired in 2005. “I am lucky to have worked with so many talented people over the years."

Former WSOC-TV and WBTV anchor Doug Mayes will also be a part of the inaugural class.

READ: Bill Walker's full bio

The Rev. Billy Graham will also be inducted. Graham is a Christian evangelist whose indoor and outdoor rallies were broadcast on radio and television.

The inaugural class will be announced during a special luncheon celebration at the Charlotte City Club.

WATCH: His Family: A Look At Bill Walker's support system

The Charlotte Broadcast Hall of Fame was conceptualized in 2010 by a group of Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) staff and community volunteers to honor the many individuals who have played a major role in the region's radio and television broadcasting history.

Charlotte ranks as the nation's 24th largest media market.

WSOC