Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame

Sherm Booen
Inducted 2002

When Sherm Booen wasn't on the air, he was in the air. He matched his skills in broadcasting with his love of airplanes and flying to create one of the region's longest-running television programs, "World of Aviation."

He began his career in broadcasting in 1936 at KWTN Watertown, South Dakota, and then joined KATE Albert Lea, Minnesota, as program director. An instrument-rated pilot, he served four years in the US Army Air Force in World War II. He returned to radio in 1946 at WDGY Minneapolis/Saint Paul, where he hosted the popular "Friendly Time" program. In 1950 he moved to WTCN TV Minneapolis/Saint Paul (now WCCO TV) as an announcer, then served two years in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. He returned to WCCO TV and in 1953 created "World of Aviation," which he also produced and hosted. The popular show ran for 28 years, the world's only regularly scheduled aviation television program, until his retirement in 1982. He worked tirelessly to promote aviation, founding Minnesota Flyer Magazine and helping establish the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.

He retired as a colonel in the US Marine Corps Reserve.