Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois is naming its nationally renowned Sports Communication program in honor of four-time Emmy Award winner, National Radio Hall of Fame inductee and Dodger broadcaster Charley Steiner. The Charley Steiner School of Sports Communication becomes the first named sports communication school in the nation. The announcement was made during Bradley’s 15th annual Hollywood Gala Reception held at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles on Thursday evening.

Steiner with the other oft-honored Dodger broadcaster.
(Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)

Steiner, a 1971 graduate of Bradley said this is the proudest achievement of his career. “My career began at a time when the words ‘sports’ and ‘journalism’ rarely shared the same book, much less the same sentence. Over the years, of course, Sports Communication has morphed into a hundreds-of-billions-of-dollars-a-year industry,” Steiner said. He noted sportscasters such as Jack Brickhouse, Chick Hearn, and Ralph Lawler all have ties to Bradley. “Bradley’s history can become a driving force into the future in ways we can’t even begin to project. Being a part of that process going forward, from the place where it all began for me, brings me an overwhelming sense of pride and joy.”

Steiner’s long and successful career in radio and television began on the Bradley campus radio station, WRBU, in 1967. After stints in Davenport, Iowa; New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut; Cleveland, Ohio; and New York City, he spent 14 years anchoring SportsCenter at ESPN while broadcasting baseball, football and boxing. After three years announcing for the New York Yankees, he enters his 11th season announcing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The sports communication program at Bradley was launched in Fall 2009 and has grown to 120 majors today. Steiner’s gift allows Bradley to expand its offerings for expedition courses and internships and create symposiums and lectureships. It positions Bradley to have the very best curriculum in sports broadcasting, marketing, new media, journalism, and play-by-play announcing.

Dr. Jeff Huberman, Dean of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, said “Charley’s generous gift, famous name, and renowned achievements make the Steiner School of Sports Communication the first authentic major league Sports Communication academic program in the country. These additions help Bradley attract the best students from throughout the country and the world to study with the very best faculty and connect with industry professionals.”

Bradley President Joanne Glasser praised Steiner for his success and his dedication to the University. “Charley is one of the most popular and recognizable sports announcers in the United States. We are so proud of our distinguished alumnus and the success he has achieved,” Glasser said. “He is a wonderful friend to Bradley and his gift is transformational for our sports communication program.”

Dr. Paul Gullifor, Chair of the Department of Communication, believes establishment of the Steiner School will help elevate an already nationally recognized program. “The sports communication program at Bradley is one of the leading programs in the nation. With Charley’s support we are opening the door to so many more opportunities for our students. His name lends stature and prominence to our program,” Gullifor said.

Steiner received a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech/Theater from Bradley. He was inducted into the Bradley Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995, was named a Bradley Centurion in 2003, and in 1991, he received the Lydia Moss Bradley Award, named for the University’s founder. He was the keynote speaker at Bradley’s mid-year commencement in December 2010 and was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during that ceremony.

A formal dedication of the Charley Steiner School of Sports Communication is expected to take place at Bradley University in March.

(Article courtesy of Dodgers PR Department)