Ruth Lyons (broadcaster)

Ruth Lyons (July 6, 1908 – July 1, 1988) was an American entertainer, television personality, and pioneer in daytime talk shows. She is best known for hosting the 50-50 Club (later renamed The Ruth Lyons 50-50 Club and eventually The 50/50 Club) on WLWT television in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1949 to 1967.

Lyons's program was a groundbreaking local talk show that featured interviews with celebrities and everyday people, musical performances, cooking demonstrations, and philanthropic endeavors. The show became a Cincinnati institution and a model for other local and national daytime programs. Her warm and engaging personality made her a beloved figure in the region, and she used her platform to support numerous charities and community organizations. The 50/50 Club Christmas Fund, which she spearheaded, raised millions of dollars for needy families in the Cincinnati area.

Before her television success, Lyons had a career in radio, working at various stations in Ohio and Kentucky. She hosted a variety of programs, including music shows and talk shows, developing the skills and on-air presence that would later make her a television star.

Lyons retired from television in 1967 but remained active in civic affairs. She is remembered as a broadcasting icon and a compassionate community leader. Her legacy continues to inspire those in the entertainment industry and those dedicated to serving their communities.

She was inducted into the Ohio Broadcasting Hall of Fame and has a street named after her in Cincinnati.