McPartland, the host of NPR's Piano Jazz since 1978, was nominated in the "network or syndicated—active" category. She is competing with Bob Brinker, the host of a financial advice program; Christopher Glenn, the former anchor of the CBS World News Roundup; and Clark Howard, the host of a daily consumer service program, for one spot in the hall.

Nominees in other categories include comedian Jimmy Durante, baseball announcer Jerry Coleman, and radio DJ William B. Williams. The winners will be inducted at a ceremony at Chicago's Renaissance Hotel on November 4.

Born in England, McPartland studied at London's Guildhall School of Music. During World War II, she joined the touring group of her future husband, cornetist Jimmy McPartland. Later, she moved to New York, where in 1952 she and her trio began a ten-year run as the house ensemble at the Hickory House, a club frequented by jazz insiders. She also founded Halycon Records, recording Earl Hines and Teddy Wilson, among others.

Piano Jazz features conversation and performances with leading jazz musicians. It airs on 200 radio stations in the United States as well as various overseas networks.