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| Terry Meiners |
Meiners, who began his career in Louisville in 1976 and joined WHAS Radio in 1986, has hosted the station’s afternoon drive-time show Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. for 40 years. He is one of the few remaining hosts of a live afternoon radio program in the country and has said iHeartMedia, owner of 840 WHAS, has given him the freedom to continue as long as he chooses.
The award, in its 76th year and the longest-running recognition of its kind in Kentucky, honors leaders whose contributions extend beyond professional success to strengthen civic life and celebrate Louisville’s creative legacy. AAF-Louisville Board Chair Monica Bischoff called Meiners “a giant in the Louisville media scene for decades” whose voice and impact have shaped the community in many ways.
Meiners has said he considers hosting the WHAS Crusade for Children his most important role. He is the longest-serving host in the event’s history, having led it for 27 consecutive years. Since 1954, the Crusade has raised more than $230 million for children with special needs and their families. He has also supported organizations including Metro United Way, the Louisville Police Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, the Louisville Urban League, and Gilda’s Club.
Meiners grew up in Louisville as one of 14 siblings. He has been voted Best Radio Personality more than 25 times in local polls and has been inducted into the halls of honor at Saint Stephen Martyr Catholic School and Saint Xavier High School. He studied journalism and broadcasting at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.
He will be honored at the 2026 Louisvillian of the Year Awards Ceremony on Dec. 2.