BFoA Announces Speakers for Golden Mic Award Gala
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the presenting speakers at this year’s Golden Mic Award gala and fundraiser taking place on March 4 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. David Barrett, retired chairman and CEO, Hearst Television; Michael J. Hayes, SVP, Hearst Corporation
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.
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 
Scott Herman says, “Dick’s commitment to fight for our industry in Washington has given broadcasters the opportunity to grow their business. His strong belief in our industry has extended to his support of the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation to help those in our business who need it most. We are honored to present him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.” Wiley comments, “I am honored to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the Broadcasters Foundation. Since arriving at the FCC more than 50 years ago and co-founding our DC law firm almost 40 years ago, it’s been a privilege to work with broadcasters on landmark innovations including the development of high-definition TV. I’m proud to be a part of this great industry’s evolution, and to support the Foundation’s mission of providing a critical safety net for members of the broadcast profession.” The annual Golden Mike Award gala is a major fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation, the only charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcasters in acute need. For information, or to reserve a seat or table at the Golden Mike Award gala and fundraiser, please contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250 or