News Archive

If you've ever wondered how the radio landscape has evolved over the decades, and what it takes to lead in such a dynamic industry, Fearless: The Life and Times of a Media Maverick is the book for you. Written by Dan Mason , a legendary broadcasting executive whose career helped shape the very fabric of radio, this compelling memoir offers a front-row seat to more than four decades of industry leadership, innovation, and change. Mason shares candid stories from his time working alongside iconic figures in radio and media, reflecting on the challenges of navigating a rapidly shifting industry driven by new technology, evolving tastes, and the relentless push for ratings. From humble beginnings to the highest levels of broadcasting, Fearless is a rich and entertaining look at the culture of music, storytelling, and what it truly means to lead with conviction. This book is not just a career retrospective, it's a celebration of radio's enduring power and the people who gave it a voice. BFOA Chairman, Scott Herman , calls Mason, "One of the greatest visionaries in the history of radio!" Fearless is available now, and profits from sales benefit the BFOA. Your purchase supports a great cause while treating yourself to a fantastic read.

Industry-Wide Campaign on Thursday, June 25 Calls on Radio and Television Professionals to Help Colleagues Facing Critical Illness or Disaster New York, NY - June 2, 2026 - The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) announced today that its annual BFOA Giving Day will take place on Thursday, June 25, rallying the broadcast industry for a one-day fundraising effort to provide critical financial assistance to radio and television professionals facing acute hardship due to catastrophic illness, disaster, or other life-altering circumstances. The BFOA has achieved the highest scores from two independent organizations that track commitment to accountability and impact for 501(c)(3) charities: a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and a 100% Give With Confidence Score and a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

Industry Leaders, Rising Professionals, Legendary Broadcasters, and Live Music Come Together for One of BFOA’s Networking Events New York, NY – May 27, 2026 – The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) will bring the industry together once again for its highly anticipated Media Mixer -– an outreach event in support of the BFOA’s charitable mission -- on Thursday, June 25, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM ET at the New York City studios of iHeartMedia, located at 125 West 55th Street. Known as one of broadcasting’s premier networking events, the BFOA Media Mixer connects emerging professionals with some of the most influential executives and personalities in broadcasting, while also shining a spotlight on the BFOA’s charitable mission of providing critical financial assistance to broadcasters in need.

New initiative provides financial assistance to students from broadcast families to support the next generation of broadcasters.  New York, NY – May 18, 2026 – The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) today announced the launch of a new needs-based scholarship program created to support broadcast students from broadcast families. The initiative reflects the Broadcasters Foundation growing commitment to strengthening the future of the radio and television industry by investing directly in the next generation of broadcasters. The scholarship program provides financial assistance to qualified college students who are studying broadcasting, can demonstrate financial need, and have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

Achieves “Platinum Seal of Transparency” Plus a “Four Star Rating” and “100% Give With Confidence” Score New York, NY – April 2, 2026 – It is with great pride that the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) announces it has received the highest scores from two independent organizations that track commitment to accountability and impact for 501(c)(3) charities: a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a 100% Give With Confidence Score from Charity Navigator, and a Four-Star Rating, also from Charity Navigator. “Our Board of Directors is comprised of a team of broadcast industry executives who are dedicated to ensuring full transparency and maximum effectiveness from the Broadcasters Foundation,” noted Scott Herman , Chair of the BFOA Board of Directors. “Our goal is to help every broadcaster who qualifies for aid, and we must always have the funds to do so.”

New York, New York - March 10, 2026 - Broadcasting’s biggest personalities mixed with television stars and media celebrities last evening as the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) transformed The Plaza in New York City into a who’s who of the industry at its annual gala, drawing nearly 300 leaders from radio and television for a night that celebrated broadcasting excellence while raising funds for colleagues in need. Among the celebrities turning out for the evening were David Lasher of the hit series Blossom and Beverly Hills, 90210; Christine Taylor, film actress, including Dodgeball; Michael Kay, New York Yankees television announcer and ESPN Radio host; Jodi Applegate, journalist and television host seen on MSNBC and NBC; legendary radio personality Scott Shannon, known for his iconic runs at Z100 and WPLJ and as a VH1 television host; Deborah Norville, longtime BFOA Board member and veteran television journalist; Arthur Aidala, prominent attorney and talk show host; Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight; and NBC television personality Willie Geist.

New York, NY – February 25, 2026 – The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA), the charity that provides financial aid to broadcasters in critical need from illness or disaster, has announced Natasha Verma of FOX 5, as the host of this year’s BFOA Gala and Fundraiser, which takes place on Monday, March 9, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Verma is the co-anchor of “The 5 O’clock News,” “The 6 O’clock News,” and the “The 10 O’clock News” on WNYW FOX 5. She joined FOX 5 in 2022 from KUSA in Denver, where she was a weekday morning anchor. Earlier in her career, Verma worked as a reporter and anchor for NBC10 in Boston and WBBH in Fort Myers, FL. She began her career as a reporter for News12 The Bronx, New York. “Verma brings a vibrancy and excitement to our evening,” stated Tim McCarthy , President of the Broadcasters Foundation. “The Annual Gala is our biggest fundraiser, and the money is needed more than ever. The number of requests for aid goes up every year. That means more broadcasters than ever before are aware of our mission and we must answer their cry for help.”  A cancer survivor, Verma understands first-hand the difficulties – physical, mental, and financial – that can add to the struggle of fighting off a debilitating disease.

New York, NY – February 23, 2026 – The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Leadership Awards, Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award, and Chairman’s Award . The awards honor some of the biggest names and most influential leaders in broadcasting. The honorees will be presented with their award at the BFOA Annual Breakfast , Wednesday, April 22, at 7 am, in the Beethoven Room of The Encore Resort during the NAB Show in Las Vegas. The 2026 Leadership Award honorees are: Heather Cohen , President, The Weiss Agency April Carty-Sipp , Executive Vice President, Industry Affairs at NAB Michael J. Hayes , President, Hearst Television Mike Hulvey , President & Chief Executive Officer, Radio Advertising Bureau Chad Matthews , President, ABC-Owned Television Stations Alissa Pollack , Executive Vice President, Global Music Marketing, iHeartMedia

“I am deeply honored to receive the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America,” said Liebre. “The work this charity does to support members of the broadcasting community during times of need is truly inspiring. I am grateful to be associated with a mission that reflects compassion, service, and meaningful impact to our broadcast colleagues when they need it the most.” “Ernest’s character, generosity, and commitment to service meant a great deal to Phil,” said Ray Cole , a member of the Board of Directors of the BFOA, and former COO of Citadel Communications where he worked closely with Lombardo for many years. “Phil believed deeply in recognizing people who quietly but consistently show up for others, and Ernest embodies that same spirit in every way. Prior to joining CAPTRUST, Liebre founded Cambridge Financial Services, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to client-focused financial solutions. Earlier in his career, he worked in risk management at Revlon and FMC Corporation. His accolades include Cadaret Grant Top Adviser six years in a row, and the NAPA Top DC Advisor Teams Award in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award honors an individual or company that embodies generosity, integrity, and commitment to the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation, which provides critical financial aid to broadcasters in need due to debilitating illness or disaster. As previously announced, this year’s BFOA Gala will also honor VERSANT CEO and Former Chair of NBCUniversal Media Group Mark Lazarus with the Golden Mic Award, Judge Judy Sheindlin with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, and Stephen A. Smith with the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award. To purchase tickets to the Broadcasters Foundation Gala, please click here . For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org , or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org . About the Broadcasters Foundation of America: www.broadcastersfoundation.org The mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America is to improve the quality of life for men and women in the radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute need. The Foundation reaches out across the country to identify and provide an anonymous safety net in cases of critical illness, accident, and other serious misfortune. The Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity and has received 4 stars from Charity Navigator, its highest rating, and a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid/Guidestar. Media Contact: Renee Cassis RC Communications Marketing 646-808-6505 cassis2@msn.com

New York, NY – January 20, 2026 – ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith is being honored with the very first Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) “Broadcast Personality of the Year Award.” The award will be presented during the BFOA Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Monday, March 9. The Gala is a… The post Stephen A. Smith to receive inaugural BFOA Broadcast Personality of the Year Award appeared first on Broadcasters Foundation of America.

New York, NY – January 12, 2026 – The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has announced that Judge Judy Sheindlin will receive the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award during the BFOA Gala on Monday, March 9 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually… The post Judge Judy Sheindlin to Receive 2026 EFM Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on Broadcasters Foundation of America.

New York, NY – November 24, 2025 – Mark Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer of VERSANT, an industry-changing media company with a strong portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, and former Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, will be honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) with the 2026 Golden Mic Award on Monday, March 9,… The post Mark Lazarus to Receive 2026 BFOA Golden Mic Award appeared first on Broadcasters Foundation of America.

New York, NY – October 7, 2025 – The next Media Mixer from the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) will be hosted by Curtis LeGeyt (center), President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), with special guests NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell (left), one of the most highly respected journalists in broadcasting, and Joel Oxley… The post NAB to Host Next BFOA Media Mixer! appeared first on Broadcasters Foundation of America.

Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) is excited to welcome our 2025 fall interns, Max Baldomir and Richard Hubert! Max Baldomir, our accounting intern, is a recent graduate of St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, and is currently pursuing my Master of Science in Accountancy at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. Learn more about… The post BFOA Welcomes 2025 Fall Interns appeared first on Broadcasters Foundation of America.

New York, NY – September 22, 2025 – Mike Hulvey (left), President and Chief Executive Officer of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), and Chris Oliviero (right), Chief Business Officer of Audacy, have been elected to the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) Board of Directors. The BFOA is the only charity devoted exclusively to providing aid… The post RAB’s Mike Hulvey and Audacy’s Chris Oliviero Join BFOA Board of Directors appeared first on Broadcasters Foundation of America.

New York, NY – July 28, 2025 – One of the most popular and highly rated morning show hosts in the country, Todd Pettengill — one half of the multiple award-winning Scott & Todd in the Morning — will host the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) Media Mixer at Morning Show Boot Camp (MSBC). The… The post Todd Pettengill to host BFOA Media Mixer in Austin on Aug 7th appeared first on Broadcasters Foundation of America.

New York, NY – July 1, 2025 – The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has elected Ray Hopkins, President of Paramount U.S. Distribution, to its Board of Directors. An industry veteran, Hopkins has more than 30 years of experience and is known for his leadership and vision. He oversees Paramount’s domestic content distribution strategy, partnerships,… The post Paramount’s Ray Hopkins Joins BFOA Board of Directors appeared first on Broadcasters Foundation of America.