On the evening of April 2, two new members were formally inducted into the Regional Media Hall of Fame at Missouri Southern.

The 2015 honorees were Robert Foos and Dale Switzer, who have both served the four-states area for several years.

Foos has been a staple in area news, primarily as the owner and editor of the Webb City Sentinel, since 1979 when he took the paper under his wing and brought it out of obscurity. To this day, Foos still produces a weekly paper in Webb City, focusing on community journalism.

Rhonda Clark, who serves as an assistant professor in the communication department at Southern, introduced Foos and talked about why she thinks he deserves the honor.

“First and foremost is his photography,” said Clark. “I’m sure you will agree that they [his photos] are spectacular and moving.”

Foos is a member of the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame.

The other member inducted into the Regional Media Hall of Fame was Switzer, who has worked at KOAM since 1975. In the past 40 years, Switzer has held a number of different positions at KOAM, continually changing with the times. In 1993, Switzer became the creative services director, a title he has held since.

Known as a behind-the-curtain person, Switzer acted reluctant to go the front of the room. Once he took the floor, he elicited a number of laughs from the crowd.

“My first thought was I have to buy a tie, tie clip, shoes, coat,” joked Switzer. “I tried everything on this morning and on the way home, stopped by and bought slacks.”

The Missouri Broadcasters Association and the Kansas Broadcasters Association have recognized Switzer’s work as exceptional. He is also a recipient of the CBS Eye of Excellence Award.

Since 2006, a banquet has been held annually to honor the newest inductees into the Hall of Fame. The event includes a dinner, video commemorations and award presentations. Foos and Switzer become the 18th and 19th members to be honored.

“It’s really an honor to be here tonight,” said Foos. “It’s all about community pride for me.”