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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.