Leadership Awards Breakfast

BROADCASTERS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

OnFunding provided The by the Taishoff Family Air Foundation Summer 2014

2014 LEADERSHIP AWARDS BREAKFAST The mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America is to improve the quality of life and maintain the personal dignity of 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, advanced age, death of a spouse, accident and other serious misfortune. The Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 public charity. On The Air On The Air is a free news and feature publication, offered to the Broadcasters Foundation of America members and friends, and is published three times a year by the: Sol Taishoff Lawrence B. Taishoff Broadcasters Foundation of America 1905-1982 1933-2006 125 West 55th Street / 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10019 212-373-8250 www.broadcastersfoundation.org Jim Thompson, Publisher Emily Barratt, Editor For feature story contributions or to request another copy of this publication, please call the Broadcast Foundation of America at 212-373-8250, or you may email any Taishoff Family Foundation questions and/or comments to: [email protected].

In addition to their commitment to journalistic causes and The Taishoff Family Foundation a free press, the Taishoff Family Foundation is also active in was established by the late Lawrence improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. The Foundation has developed resources to help educate so- B. Taishoff and his son Rob in ciety about the special skills and talents of people with Down honor of their legendary father syndrome, autism and traumatic brain injury, to name a contents few. Toward this goal, the Taishoff Family Foundation has volume 19 issue 2 summer 2014 and grandfather Sol Taishoff, the established the Lawrence B. Taishoff Center for Inclusive founder and editor-in-chief of Higher Education at Syracuse University. Chairman’s and President’s 4 Message Broadcasting magazine. The Taishoffs also provided critical initial funding for the Library of American Broadcasting, now located at the 6 Ward L. Quaal Leadership As journalists and publishers, Sol and Larry Taishoff played University of Maryland. Sol Taishoff himself was one of the Awards Breakfast a seminal role in the development of the radio and television founders of the Broadcast Pioneers organization which, as industry in America. As champions of a free and unfettered you know, has now become the national charitable endeavor 13 Corporate Angel broadcasting profession, Broadcasting magazine was created known as the Broadcasters Foundation of America which Lombardo Charity Golf as the instrument and manifestation of their devotion to you and so many of our colleagues support. 14 Tournament resemble a “sentinel on the Potomac” to warn against gov- ernment intrusion into the creative processes and activities Today, the Taishoff Family Foundation is administered 20 Seen and Heard of radio and television broadcasters. by the third generation of family members who support, among their many worthwhile endeavors, the National Press The Taishoffs devoted their entire lives to extending the Foundation which annually presents the Sol Taishoff Award values and protections of the First Amendment to “The for Excellence in Electronic Journalism. Fifth Estate” which was the designation bestowed upon the broadcasting fraternity by Sol Taishoff so many years ago. Retired Captain Robert Taishoff USN, is the chairman of the Taishoff Family Foundation. The vision and foresight of both Taishoffs often caused them to be allied on many of the great issues of the day with the The Broadcasters Foundation of America extends its deep grat- work and example of one of our own founding chairman itude to the Taishoff family for carrying on the legacy of their Ward L. Quaal. In 2009, the Taishoff family was honored illustrious forebears by underwriting On The Air magazine, with a Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Award. which is distributed widely throughout the broadcast industry.

ON THE AIR SUMMER 2014 3 BROADCASTERS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA Philip J. Lombardo Chairman Richard A. Foreman Vice Chairman chairman’s message James B. Thompson President More than ever before, broadcasters who are in need of Peter M. Doyle help are reaching out for assistance. This year we plan Vice President to give close to $900,000 in aid to people throughout BOARD OF DIRECTORS: David J. Barrett the United States. In order to keep up with our grant Director, Hearst Corporation requests, we encourage donations through our various George G. Beasley Chairman/CEO, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. fundraising initiatives, including the Guardian Fund, Philip R. Beuth Angel Campaign, Legacy Society and Membership Capital Cities, ret. Joseph M. Bilotta Drives. We need your continued support to ensure our President/CEO, Buckley Broadcasting Corp. colleagues in need receive the help they deserve. Richard J. Bodorff Partner, Wiley Rein LLP Rebecca S. Campbell We have included a remittance envelope in this edition President, ABC Owned Television Stations Group Brian Cobb of On the Air that you can fill out and return, or you President, CobbCorp can donate online at www.broadcastersfoundation.org or by calling 212-373- Peter Dunn President, CBS Television Stations 8250. The Broadcasters Foundation is an organization you may never need, Erica Farber but, with our help, we will always be there for you or someone you may know. President/CEO,Radio Advertising Bureau Richard Ferguson Cox Radio, ret. Thank you, Joseph M. Field Chairman, Entercom Skip Finley Managing Partner, Noepe Communications, LLC Michael J. Fiorile Vice Chairman/CEO, Dispatch Broadcast Group Philip J. Lombardo Alan W. Frank Chairman Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc., ret. Mark Gray President, Katz Radio Group Wade Hargrove, Esq. Partner, Brooks Pierce McLendon Humphrey & Leonard LLP Louis Hillelson president’s message Vice President/Group Publisher, New Bay Media Bill Hoffman President, Cox Media Group This year’s Leadership Awards Breakfast was a huge Paul Karpowicz success, breaking donation records from previous President/CEO, Meredith Broadcasting Group N. Scott Knight years. With more money given out in aid each year, it President/CEO, Knight Media Group is important to reach our fundraising goals, and then Brian Lawlor SVP/Television, E.W. Scripps TV Station Group some. Held during the NAB Show in Las Vegas, the Jerry Lee awards recognized seven outstanding broadcasters President, WBEB-FM Jerry Levy for their contributions and leadership in the industry. President, JL Media Inc. The Ward L. Quaal Leadership Award was present- David T. Lougee President, Gannett Broadcasting ed to six broadcast standouts, while the Lowry Mays Dan Mason Excellence in Broadcasting Award was presented to President/CEO, CBS Radio Elizabeth Neuhoff one individual for his industry dedication, service and President & CEO, Neuhoff Communications innovation. Please read our complete coverage of the event in this edition of Deborah Norville Inside Edition On the Air magazine. Michael O’Neill President & CEO, BMI William O’Shaughnessy We had an amazing turn out for the Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tour- Chairman, WVOX/WVIP-Whitney Media nament. Check out the winners on page 15. Thanks to all our attendees and Martin Pompadur Global Vice Chair, Media & Entertainment, Macquaire Capital corporate sponsors for raising funds and awareness for the Foundation. Joseph Reilly NYS Broadcasters Association, ret. Gordon H. Smith It is important to keep in mind our mission, helping the men and women in the President/CEO, NAB radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute need. Jeffrey H. Smulyan Chairman/CEO, Emmis Communications With your help, we can be sure no call for help ever goes unanswered. George Stephanopoulos Good Morning America Dennis Swanson Thank you, President, Station Operations, Fox Television Stations Inc. Nicholas J. Verbitsky Chairman, United Stations Radio Networks Diana Wilkin CHAIRMAN EMERITUS: Edward F. McLaughlin Jim Thompson OFFICERS: President Colleen Liebre, Asst. Treasurer/CFO, Citadel Communications Co, L.P. Jeff Haley, President/CEO Marketron Steve Lanzano, President Television Bureau of Advertising Leo MacCourtney, President & CEO Katz TV Group The Ward L. Quaal Leadership Award Recipients: Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award: Jim Beloyianis Richard E. Wiley The Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Awards Past President, Katz TV Group Chairman of Wiley Rein LLP Dan Mason The Award honors an individual in broadcasting whose President/CEO, CBS Radio work exemplifies innovation, community service, advocacy The Lowry Mays Excellence in and entrepreneurship. It salutes its namesake, Lowry Mays, Deborah Norville and is underwritten by The Clear Channel Foundation. Broadcasting Award Anchor, Inside Edition More than 250 television and radio broadcasters assembled for the Mary Quass President/CEO, NRG Media LLC annual Broadcasters Foundation of America Leadership Breakfast The Leadership Awards Breakfast is complimentary to all, thanks to the to honor seven of the most prominent figures in broadcasting. Six Perry Sook generosity of our sponsors, Frank N. Magid Associates, Inc., Market- Ward L. Quaal Leadership Awards and the Lowry Mays Excel- Chairman/President/CEO, Nexstar Broadcasting Group ron, The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), The National Association of Media Brokers (NAMB), Nielsen, The Radio Advertis- lence in Broadcasting Award were presented during the Leadership Nick Verbitsky ing Bureau (RAB) and The Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB). Breakfast, held during the NAB Show is Las Vegas this past April. Chairman/CEO, United Stations Radio Networks, Inc.

Ward L. Quaal Leadership Awards Breakfast

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1. Chris Bernier, Mary Quass, Terry Shockley 2. Richard Wiley 3. Scott Herman, Anton Guitano, Dan Mason, Peter Dunn, 5 Ezra Kucharz 6 4. Philip Lombardo, Nick Verbitsky, Jim Thompson 5. Barbara Higgins, Bonnie Verbitsky, Jill Colombo 6. Marcellus Alexander, Richard Bodorff, Deborah Norville, William Moll 1. Philip Lombardo, Mary Quass, Jim Thompson 2. Jim Thompson, Paul Rotella 3. Dan Mason, Mary Quass 4. Nick & Bonnie Verbitsky 5. Dan Mason 6. Charlie Colombo, Nick Verbitsky, Jim Higgins

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1. Artie Altman and Carol Richman 2. Deborah Norville, Mary Quass 3. Jim Beloyianis, Dan Mason, Deborah Norville, 5 Richard Wiley, Mary Quass, Nick Verbitsky, Perry Sook 6 4. Perry Sook, Marty Pompadur 5. Richard Wiley, Philip Lombardo, Deborah Norville, Perry Sook 6. Robert Heyman, Jr., Erwin Krasnow, Jody McCoy 1. Standing, Board Members of the Broadcasters Foundation of America 2. Philip Lombardo, Richard Wiley, Lowry Mays, Jim Thompson 3. Philip Lombardo, Dan Mason, Jim Thompson 4. Philip Lombardo, Deborah Norville, Jim Thompson 5. Philip Lombardo, Perry Sook, Jim Thompson

10 SUMMER 2014 ON THE AIR ON THE AIR SUMMER 2014 11 the guardian fund Mission Critical By Joseph Bilotta President/CEO, Your Help Literally Buckley Broadcasting

Audrey Hepburn once said: “As you grow older, you will discover that Saves Lives you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” I am asking you to give a helping hand in supporting your Scared and Alone. fellow broadcasters with the Guardian Fund, created by the Broad- It's hard to imagine the one/two punch the family of casters Foundation of America. this broadcaster was dealt. An announcer and program director in radio for more than 15 years, he was diagnosed with cancer. e treatment left him unable to work. Even with his wife’s income, the couple was desperate to support themselves and their “You have stuck with me and changed my life - from not being able to walk to getting on my feet again.” four children. e Broadcasters Foundation awarded This was not another anonymous plea for help. It is a real expression of gratitude from a Guardian Fund recipient. We them a monthly grant to help make ends meet. receive letters like this many times over as we try and help those who cannot help themselves. The Broadcasters Foun- dation of America and its Guardian Fund assists fellow broadcasters who, through no fault of their own, are challenged Unfortunately, fate had more in store for this family. Unable to win the battle with cancer, this broad- with sickness, financial hardship or emotional distress. caster passed away at only 37 years old. e funeral costs wiped out what little the family had left. When “I cannot express in words how meaningful and helpful your support of me through the Broadcasters Foundation has been.” two family emergencies arose in one month, the now Your donation to the Guardian Fund will be a testament to your commitment to the worthy cause we have undertaken: single-mother faced an unimaginable dilemma. She helping our fellow broadcasters. No other organization is solely committed to this mission and it is one we all need to felt alone and really scared. be a part of – emotionally and financially. In desperation, she wrote to the Broadcasters Foun- dation which immediately gave her a one-time “The time has come when I feel that I can make it on my own, and a day that I have looked forward to for a long time.” emergency grant to cover the unexpected costs. In the last five years The Guardian Fund has doubled it’s giving both in dollars and numbers of recipients. In 2014, The Broadcasters Foundation is approaching $900,000 in yearly grants and will be assisting broadcasters from every spec- She wrote back: trum of the industry. Recipients are from large TV and radio companies and small independent operations, all having “I can’t tell you the relief that I feel. My heart skipped one thing in common: They are one of us and they need assistance. a beat when I opened your email. I was worried sick trying to ﬁgure out ways to come up with the money. ank you, ank you, ank you.” “Your help and genuine interest in my well-being means more that you will ever know.” The blessings of good health and prosperity that we have must not be lost on our responsibility to give-back. The With your help, this broadcaster’s wife and their Guardian Fund is one of those opportunities. Give today. children can continue to receive a monthly grant from the Broadcasters Foundation of America.

The Guardian Fund’s exclusive purpose is to ensure that financial assistance is available in perpetuity to fellow broadcasters who, through no fault of their own, are in acute personal financial need. The Fund is used exclusively to support the benevolent outreach of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. To support The Guardian Fund, visit broadcastersfoundation.org.

ON THE AIR SUMMER 2014 13 212-373-8250 . [email protected] . www.broadcastersfoundation.org e Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity. he annual Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament was held in April, in conjunction with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show is Las Vegas. PHILIP J. LOMBARDO Named in honor of our Chairman, this year’s event drew a multitude of radio and television broadcasters to the beautiful, scenic golf course at the Wynn. Much needed funds were raised to help colleagues in need. GOLF TOURNAMENT A special thank you to our sponsors: Charity Broadcasting & Cable, the NAB, Nielsen and US Trust. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament

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5 1. Drew Marcus, Bob Struble 5 2. Drew Marcus, Larry Marcus, Kathleen McMahon, Ken Williams 3. Paul Rotella, Peter Doyle 4. Donation to the Broadcasters Foundation of America 5. Jeff Hassan, Ed Adams, DJ Cavanaugh, Jeff Block

1. Neal Oberg, Liz Burns, Brian Burns, Glenn Krieg 2. Richard Bodorff, William Moll, Mark Fratnik, Tim Busch 3. Greg Guenther, Philip Lombardo, Ray Cole, Brian Jones 4. Jeff Smulyan, Paul Karpowicz 5. Jose Gonzalez, Michael Steinberg 6. Jim Thompson, Brian Burns

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1. Justin Hullman, Scott Blumenthal, 6 Mike Kelly, Jay Howell 2. Paul Franklin, William Moll 3. Nick & Bonnie Verbitsky 4. Phil Graham, Alison Smith, Michael Steinberg, Jose Gonzalez 5. Paul Franklin, Mike McKinnon, 6 Mike McKinnon, Jr., Greg Meidel 6. Brian Sheehan, Filomena Soyster, Doug O’Donnell, Ann Limberg, Rob Pizzella 1. Jeff Smulyan, Ryan Hornaday, Bob Stuble, Pat Walsh 2. Scott Blumenthal, Diana Wilkin, Joe DeSalvo 3. Jim Thompson, Mike McKinnon, Greg Meidel, Mike McKinnon, Jr., Paul Franklin, Philip Lombardo 4. Jim Thompson, Nisha Sadakar, Philip Lombardo 5. Jim Thompson, Greg Meidel, Philip Lombardo 6. Michael O’Brein, Artie Altman, Ralph Oakley, Leo MacCourtney

18 SUMMER 2014 ON THE AIR ON THE AIR SUMMER 2014 19 seen & heard seen & heard NAB Education Foundation The Annual Board of Directors credit:Photo National Association of Broadcasters Dinner held at the NAB Show.

The Broadcast and music industries came together for the 66th Annual BMI Board of Directors dinner, held during the NAB Show TH in Las Vegas last April. This year, Music legend Kenny “Babyface” 66 Edmonds was honored at the event, which brings together the radio and broadcasting industry and the creative community through their shared commitment to great music. Annual Photo credit:Photo Cohen Lester

Left to Right: NAB President & CEO Gordon Smith; Charles Warfield, Senior Advisor of YMF Media LLC; Legendary Singer/Songwriter Paul Simon; Hubbard Radio President and CEO Bruce Reese; NAB Executive Vice President, Television, Marcellus Alexander Photo Credit:Photo Advertising Bureau Radio It was Audiophoria at the 2014 Radio Mercury Awards - Radio’s best audio advertising and integrated campaigns. THE BEST OF SHOW WAS AWARDED TO WIEDEN + KENNEDY FOR THEIR SPOT, “MOMSONG” FOR OLD SPICE. Hubbard Radio’s Ginny Morris with the RAB’s Erica Farber, Leah Kamon, Tammy Greenberg with Global Chief Creative Officer, and 2014 Chief Judge, Matt Eastwood. Photo Credit:Photo Advertising Bureau Radio The Radio Mercury Awards, the only competition exclusively devoted to radio, was established in 1992 to encourage and reward the development of effective and creative radio commercials. This year’s competition drew over 17,000 entries from advertising agencies, production houses, radio stations and educational institutions across the country. The event was produced by the Radio Advertising BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, former BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Chairman Susan Davenport Austin gather for Bureau, presented by Hubbard Radio in partnership with Clear a photo with 2014 NAB honoree Babyface at the 66th Annual BMI Board of Directors NAB Dinner, held April 8 at the Wynn Encore Channel Media + Entertainment, and sponsored by: Beasley in Las Vegas. Babyface was honored at the event for his achievements in music. Broadcast Group, Bonneville International, Buckley Broadcasting, CBS Radio, Cox Radio Group, The Cromwell Group, Emmis Communications, Entercom Communications, Greater Media, Inc., Hubbard Radio, Katz Radio Group, Lincoln Financial Media, Marketron, Miller Kaplan Arase LLP, MoreFM, Nielsen Audio, Neuhoff Communications, Salem Communications, United Global Chief Creative Officer/2014 Chief Judge, Matt Eastwood with Best of Show Winner Stations Radio Network, Univision Radio and WestwoodOne. Justine Armour from Wieden+Kennedy and RAB President and CEO, Erica Farber 20 SUMMER 2014 ON THE AIR ON THE AIR SUMMER 2014 21 seen & heard The New York State Broadcasters Association Summer Conference and Hall of Fame Ceremony held June 12th and 13th at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Your Help Literally Saves Lives Two Days Short of Disability Coverage William O’Shaughnessy, Varinda Strauss, Eric Strauss NYSBA board member & WLIG-TV’s David Feinblatt, WNSH/New York’s Our colleague thrived in the fast-paced environ- Rick Morales, Mercury recording artist Kacey Musgraves, NYSBA board ment of a major market station ever since he member & WNSH’s Maire Mason and BMI’s Dan Spears. knocked on doors as an account executive in 1980. He later became the type of general manager and The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Summer Conference held vice president that any sales team would be proud to work alongside. June 17th to 19th at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. Always challenging himself, he took on a position leading a major market cluster of stations when a health emergency changed his life in one day. He had worked for this new ﬁrm fewer than 90 days, which meant he was ineligible for disability coverage.

His worst day was the result of a stroke suﬀered during open heart/bypass surgery, leaving him immobile. Whatever strength he could summon now would be needed for strenuous rehabilitation to stop any further physical decline and prepare Michelle Vetterkind, Liz Boyd, Dick Record, Linda Baun, Mandy Endicott Martha Southard, Robert Southard, Jack Le Duc, Jim Schuh, Bob Barry himself for yet another day in the operating room.

His wife is staying at home to care for him and The New Jersey Broadcasters Association 67th Annual Conference their three small children. While he strives to and Gala held June 16th and 17th at Caesars in Atlantic City. recover, she is holding the family together. Unimaginable medical bills have depleted their life savings.

Rehabilitation costs, medical bills, deductibles, in home care, and a host of other unexpected day- to-day expenses have raised havoc upon the lives of this family. However, despite the circumstances they are ﬁghting back, together, as a family.

You can help them by making a contribution to the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Charlie Sislen, Erica Farber, Mary Beth Garber, Radha Subramanyam, Paul Rotella and Joe Piscopo, 2014 Recipient of the Howard L. Green Jeff Warshaw Humanitarian of the Year Award 212-373-8250 . [email protected] . www.broadcastersfoundation.org e Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity. On The Air Broadcasters Foundation of America 125 West 55th Street 3rd Floor New York , NY 10019