Broadcasters Foundation Announces Awards Recipients
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the recipients of the 2025 Leadership Awards, the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award, and the Chairman’s Award in advance of the BFOA Annual Breakfast set for Wednesday, April 9 in the Encore Resort during the NAB Show in Las Vegas. The 2025
Leadership Award honorees are: Chris Forgy, president & CEO, Saga Communications; David Kantor, former CEO of Urban One’s Radio Division; Curtis LeGeyt, president & CEO, NAB; Susan Larkin, COO, Audacy; Dennis Lyle, president & CEO, Illinois Broadcasters Association; and Valari Staab, chairman, NBC Universal Local. The 2025 Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award honoree is Scott Herman, former COO, CBS Radio, and chair, Broadcasters Foundation of America. The2025 Chairman’s Award honoree is Richard Bodorff, senior counsel, Wiley Law.
presented to Brian Lawlor, president, Scripps Sports. Additionally, Scott Herman, former COO of CBS Radio and Chair of the BFOA, will pay tribute to Dan Mason, former CEO of CBS Radio and past Chair of the BFOA, with the 2025 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, and Katz Media Group will be recognized with the 2025 Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award. Katz Media Group CEO Mark Gray will accept the award. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We’re excited about this year’s honorees and presenters and extend our thanks to Deborah for serving as the evening’s emcee. While we gather to honor these highly respected and accomplished broadcasters for their contributions to our industry, we must always keep in mind, and in our hearts, the broadcasters who we help when they need us the most.”
Gala and Fundraiser at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Monday, March 10. Mason, who formerly served as vice chair and chair of the BFoA, led CBS RADIO as president from 1995-2002 and as CEO from 2007-2015, among other career achievements. Mason says, “I am honored to receive this distinction from the Broadcasters Foundation. Broadcasting gave me a career that I love on the air and in the boardroom. There are many broadcasters across our country who feel the same way, but tragedy struck their lives, leaving them in need of help. That’s why I served on the Board of the Broadcasters Foundation and continue to support its charitable mission.” Current BFoA chair Scott Herman comments, “Dan is a passionate broadcaster and media visionary whose accomplishments helped define today’s broadcasting business. I worked with Dan for many years, at Westinghouse and CBS, and his leadership elevated our efforts and led us to outstanding success.”
already streamlined Emergency Grant Guidelines and Application Process to make it even easier and faster to get funds into the hands of broadcasters hit hardest by these storms. The situation is catastrophic for many of our colleagues and with insufficient or total lack of internet service, an individual or families cannot even submit an application.” Under the adjusted guidelines, broadcasters who have suffered catastrophic loss contact their market or general manager, who then fills out the Hurricanes Helene and Milton Group Submission Form for all of those within their station who are applying. 
Director of Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation (MGH Voice Center). Dr. Zeitels says, “The Broadcasters Foundation has done amazing work over many years. I am impressed with their transparency and their commitment to providing aid to broadcast industry individuals in dire need. I am pleased that VHI will partner with the Foundation to help educate broadcasters throughout the US about voice problems they may be experiencing.” Through the efforts of Dr. Zeitels, Julie Andrews (the iconic actress who lost her singing voice) joined VHI at its incorporation as its Honorary Chairwoman. Dr. Zeitels is her current physician and surgeon. Since then, legendary vocalists Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Roger Daltrey of The Who, Lionel Richie, and Keith Urban as well as broadcasters such as Joe Buck and Dick Vitale have provided invaluable support to the VHI to forward its mission. 
Celebrity Golf Chair. This year, the Broadcasters Foundation will debut The BFOA Pickleball Challenge, which will take place from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by cocktails and dinner. The Pickleball Challenge is designed to give junior-level broadcast professionals the opportunity to network with their peers and executives, learn more about the Foundation’s charitable purpose, and have fun. MacCourtney states, “The Celebrity Golf Tournament is the second largest Fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation. The funds we raise are essential to continuing the Foundation’s mission. Requests for aid continue to escalate and we must be there to help every broadcaster who qualifies.” 
industry, and I’m delighted to welcome him to our board. His input will be valuable as we continue to deliver aid to our colleagues who are in desperate need.” Forgy comments, “I have always believed in giving back to the industry that has allowed me to be of service to local communities. Colleagues who have fallen on extremely difficult circumstances need and deserve our support. I am honored to serve on the board and contribute to the Foundation’s charitable mission.”
bring in much-needed funds to help radio and television colleagues who are in great need. 
due to critical illness or disaster. The campaign also strives to raise awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation’s charitable purpose to ensure that anyone in radio and television who might qualify for aid can apply. BFoA presiddnt Tim McCarthy says, “One hundred percent of Giving Day donations go directly to grants that help our colleagues, who are struggling with life-altering disease or disaster. Any amount – large or small – helps provide much-needed aid to support our colleagues.” The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed more than $15 million dollars in aid over the past 20 years. Monthly grants support broadcasters on a continual basis while they recover from an illness or accident. Emergency grants provide one-time financial aid following a devastating natural disaster or home emergency. Find out more at 
Duran And The Morning Show,” with a live performance from local singer/songwriter sensation Jackie Romeo, currently a contestant on “The Voice.” BFoA says the mixers serve a dual purpose: to bring together up-and-coming broadcast professionals with their peers and executives; and to increase awareness of the BFoA’s charitable mission. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “Our first two Media Mixers were a huge success for young professionals who mingled with executives, and we’re looking forward to another great event. We have an obligation to show young people in radio and television that broadcasting offers successful and fulfilling career opportunities. We also need to help them understand what the Broadcasters Foundation does, why it’s important, and how they can help.” The two-hour event is free, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. 
Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission exemplified by its former longtime chairman, Phil Lombardo, who passed away earlier this year. Board members, officers, supporters, contributors, and sponsors with a long history of demonstrating Lombardo’s commitment to the Foundation will be candidates for this special recognition. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Phil brought the sense of urgency that is often needed to give donors an understanding of why they need to donate to our charitable purpose. He led the board for many years, overseeing significant advancements that brought in more funds, and thereby allowing us to continue to distribute financial aid to broadcasters in need.”
Several notable industry executives were honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America during the organization’s annual breakfast held this past Wednesday (4/17) at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Among those cited was RAB president/chief executive officer 
also bestowed its 2024 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award upon Emmy-winning news anchor Deborah Norville. The annual gala is a major fundraiser for the BFoA, which provides financial assistance to broadcasters in acute need. One of last night’s most poignant moments was a video of Foundation grant recipient Terrie Commare bravely sharing of the death of her TV general sales manager husband Luke Commare losing his life to brain cancer and how the BFoA stepped in with a monthly grant to help the family make ends meet. 
and President, Hearst Television; and Emily Barr, retired president and CEO, Graham Media Group, will pay tribute to 2024 Golden Mic honoree Jordan Wertlieb, EVP and COO of Hearst. There will be a special tribute to Phil Lombardo, former longtime chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation, who passed away last month. Entertainment at the gala will be provided by Pete Caldera, well-known to New Yorkers for singing swingin’ standards made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and more. As previously announced, EMMY winning broadcast journalist and nationally syndicated talk show host Soledad O’Brien will return as host of the event.
Broadcasters Foundation, whose sole mission is to provide aid to radio and television professionals in acute need. O’Brien first hosted the Golden Mic gala last year. She says, “The Broadcasters Foundation has an incredible impact on the people in our business who face serious illness or catastrophe and need help. I’m honored to lend my support as the host of their fundraising gala and to pay tribute to this year’s award recipients.” She currently hosts the nationally syndicated “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien” program produced by Hearst Television.
inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame on September 26, 2024. A portion of the net proceeds from the Hall of Fame gala is donated to The Broadcasters Foundation. Herman says, “I’m humbled to be in the company of some of the broadcast greats who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and I’m proud to represent radio in the Class of 2024.” The annual Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame pays tribute to the pioneers, innovators and stars of broadcast, cable, broadband and streaming television.
individual who has made invaluable contributions to the television and radio industries and will be presented to Norville during the Golden Mic gala and fundraiser on March 4 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. BFoA chair Scott Herman says, “Deborah is an accomplished broadcaster who has selflessly given a tremendous amount of time and energy to the Broadcasters Foundation. She has led the way on several initiatives, including using her talents on the Foundation’s video and serving as host of the Golden Mic Award gala numerous times. It is our privilege to honor Deborah’s achievements and contributions to broadcasting.” For more information or to reserve a seat or table at the Golden Mic Award gala and fundraiser, please contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250 or 
dedication and service to the broadcasting industry and to the Foundation’s charitable cause. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “The Broadcasters Foundation and the broadcast industry lost a great man. As chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation for many years, Phil left an indelible mark. He was passionate about our mission and one of our biggest donors, giving both time and money to helping colleagues in need.” To honor his longstanding dedication to the Broadcasters Foundation, in 2000 the Board passed a near unanimous vote to rename the annual golf tournament and fundraiser, held during the NAB Show in Las Vegas, to the Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament. The one ‘no’ vote was cast by Lombardo. The majority of Lombardo’s storied career was focused on buying, turning around, and selling TV stations for his privately held company, Citadel Communications. In 2003, Lombardo was elected to serve as joint board chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters. He was inducted into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame in October 2015.
positive statements about radio, television, and charitable giving. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We need to reach radio and television professionals across every channel at our disposal ‘The 12 Days of Giving Social Media Campaign’ is a great way to raise funds and awareness of our mission, especially among junior-level people in broadcasting.” The BFoA has distributed more than $15 million dollars in aid over the past 20 years. This year, the Foundation will award approximately $1.8 million. More information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to make a donation or apply for aid, is available at broadcastersfoundation.org. 
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Jordan Wertlieb, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Hearst is the 2024 recipient of the Broadcasters Foundation of America Golden Mike Award. The award will be presented during a black-tie fundraiser on March 4, 2024, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Wertlieb says, “I am honored by this recognition from the Board of the Broadcasters Foundation. The Broadcasters Foundation’s mission is to provide financial aid to our colleagues whose lives have been impacted by illness, accident, or natural disaster. I am committed to helping those in need and grateful to all who support this important organization.”
deductible donations to the Guardian Fund. Corporate donations can be given to the Angel Initiative, which is also tax deductible. BFoA chairman Scott Herman states, “Life can change in a heartbeat, and exorbitant medical bills can leave one of our colleagues in broadcasting in desperate need of assistance. I’m asking everyone in radio and television to consider a donation, in any amount, so that we can continue to provide assistance to those in our industry who need it most.” 
