Past Honorees
The BFOA Golden Mic Award (GMA) honors a broadcaster who has dedicated their career to radio and television, is a champion for the broadcasting industry, and has made lifelong achievements in the field.
The Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA), named for the BFOA’s former Chairman, honors a broadcaster who has made invaluable contributions to the television and radio industry.
The Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award (LSA) is bestowed upon an individual or group who exhibits the spirit of dedication and relentless drive to the BFOA’s philanthropic mission exemplified by its former, longtime chairman, Philip J. Lombardo.
The BFOA Broadcast Personality of the Year (BPY) award honors a broadcaster who has made significant career achievements throughout the previous year and represents the best of our industry.
2025 GMA:
Mark Lazarus, CEO, Versant
2025 LAA:
Judge Judy Scheindlin
2025 LSA: Ernest Liebre
2026 BPY: Stephan A. Smith
2025 GMA:
Brian Lawlor, President, Scripps Sports
2025 LAA:
Dan Mason, Chairman Emeritus, BFOA
2025 LSA:
Katz Media Group
2024 GMA:
Jordan Wertlieb, COO, Hearst Corporation
2024 LAA:
Deborah Norville, EMMY-winning journalist
2023 GMA:
Jack Abernethy, CEO, FOX TV Stations
2023 LAA:
Richard E. Wiley, Chair Emeritus, Wiley
2022 GMA:
Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Gray Television
2022 LAA:
Lesley Visser, celebrated sportscaster
2020 GMA:
Dave Lougee, TEGNA, Inc.
2020 LAA:
George Beasley, Founder/Chairman, Beasley Media Group
2019 GMA: Perry A. Sook, Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
2018 GMA:
Emily L. Barr, Graham Media Group
2018 LAA:
Edward F. McLaughlin
2017 GMA: Paul Karpowicz, Meredith Local Media
2017 LAA: Bill Hoffman, President, Cox Media Group
2016 GMA:
Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia
2016 LAA:
Charles Osgood, beloved broadcaster
2015 GMA:
Gordon Smith, NAB
2015 LAA:
Dick Clark
2014 GMA:
Del Bryant, BMI
2013 GMA:
David Barrett, Hearst Corporation
2012 GMA:
Dennis Swanson, Fox TV Stations
2011 GMA:
Alan Frank, Post-Newsweek Stations
2010 GMA:
Michael Bloomberg, former NYC Mayor
2009 GMA:
Peter Smyth & the Bordes Family, Greater Media
2008 GMA:
Anne Sweeney, Disney Media Networks & ABC TV Group
2007 GMA:
Ken Lowe, E.W. Scripps
2006 GMA:
Jeff Smulyan, Emmis Communications
2005 GMA:
Percy Sutton and The Inner City Broadcasting Family
2004 GMA:
Frances Preston, BMI
2003 GMA:
Bob Wright, NBC/GE
2002 GMA:
Catherine Hughes & Alfred Liggins, Radio One
2001 GMA: Lowry Mays, Mays Family and Clear Channel Communications
2000 GMA
Edward O. Fritts and the NAB
1999 GMA:
John Conomikes and Hearst-Argyle Television
1998 GMA:
Ralph Guild and Interep
1997 GMA:
Hubbard Broadcasting and The Hubbard Family
1996 GMA:
Norman Knight & Knight Quality Stations of New England
1995 GMA:
The Tribune Broadcasting Company
1994 GMA:
Capitol Broadcasting, Raleigh, North Carolina
1993 GMA:
Fisher Broadcasting, Seattle, Washington
1992 GMA:
WGY Radio and General Electric Broadcasting, Albany, NY
1991 GMA:
WOAI-Radio, San Antonio, Texas
1990 GMA:
US Armed Forces Radio Defense, Secretary Richard Cheney
Prior to 2024, BFOA Golden Mic Award the award was named the "Broadcasters Foundation of America Golden Mike Award".
