Industry News

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 2025img 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.

Industry News

Late BFoA President Jim Thompson to Be Honored

Broadcast industry executive and former longtime president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, Jim Thompson, will be honored posthumously with the Chairman’s Award at the Broadcasters Foundation Breakfast on April 19 at the Wynn, Las Vegas. The Chairman’s Award is bestowed on an individual in recognition of their contribution to the broadcast industry. Thompson’s wife, Cindy, will accept the Award. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Jim made an impact on everyone who worked for or with him. He was always helping people in their careers and served as a mentor to many. His steadfast commitment to the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation was unwavering. It is fitting for us to honor his memory and contributions to our industry and the Broadcasters Foundation.” Thompson took the reins of the Broadcasters Foundation in 2008, following a distinguished career. He was president and CEO of Group W Radio, the second largest radio company in the country during his leadership, and along with Mike Craven was co-owner of Liberty Broadcasting, a nineteen-station radio group. He began his broadcasting career as an account executive at KYW-TV, Philadelphia in 1971, where he rose to VP and general manager.