On The AirBROADCASTERS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

Summer 2014

Funding provided by the Taishoff Family Foundation

LEADERSHIP AWARDS BREAKFAST2014

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:Broadcasters Foundation of America125 West 55th Street / 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10019 212-373-8250www.broadcastersfoundation.orgJim 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 questions and/or comments to: info@thebfoa.org.

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

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contentsvolume 19 issue 2 summer 2014

Chairman’s and President’s Message

Ward L. Quaal Leadership Awards Breakfast

Corporate Angel

Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament

Seen and Heard

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Sol Taishoff1905-1982

Lawrence B. Taishoff1933-2006

Taishoff Family Foundation

The Taishoff Family Foundation was established by the late Lawrence B. Taishoff and his son Rob in honor of their legendary father and grandfather Sol Taishoff, the founder and editor-in-chief of Broadcasting magazine.As journalists and publishers, Sol and Larry Taishoff played a seminal role in the development of the radio and television industry in America. As champions of a free and unfettered broadcasting profession, Broadcasting magazine was created as the instrument and manifestation of their devotion to resemble a “sentinel on the Potomac” to warn against gov-ernment intrusion into the creative processes and activities of radio and television broadcasters.

The Taishoffs devoted their entire lives to extending the values and protections of the First Amendment to “The Fifth Estate” which was the designation bestowed upon the broadcasting fraternity by Sol Taishoff so many years ago.

The vision and foresight of both Taishoffs often caused them to be allied on many of the great issues of the day with the work and example of one of our own founding chairman Ward L. Quaal. In 2009, the Taishoff family was honored with a Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Award.

In addition to their commitment to journalistic causes and a free press, the Taishoff Family Foundation is also active in improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. The Foundation has developed resources to help educate so-ciety about the special skills and talents of people with Down syndrome, autism and traumatic brain injury, to name a few. Toward this goal, the Taishoff Family Foundation has established the Lawrence B. Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University.

The Taishoffs also provided critical initial funding for the Library of American Broadcasting, now located at the University of Maryland. Sol Taishoff himself was one of the founders of the Broadcast Pioneers organization which, as you know, has now become the national charitable endeavor known as the Broadcasters Foundation of America which you and so many of our colleagues support.

Today, the Taishoff Family Foundation is administered by the third generation of family members who support, among their many worthwhile endeavors, the National Press Foundation which annually presents the Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Electronic Journalism.

Retired Captain Robert Taishoff USN, is the chairman of the Taishoff Family Foundation.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America extends its deep grat-itude to the Taishoff family for carrying on the legacy of their illustrious forebears by underwriting On The Air magazine, which is distributed widely throughout the broadcast industry.

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chairman’s message

president’s message

More than ever before, broadcasters who are in need of help are reaching out for assistance. This year we plan to give close to $900,000 in aid to people throughout the United States. In order to keep up with our grant requests, we encourage donations through our various fundraising initiatives, including the Guardian Fund, Angel Campaign, Legacy Society and Membership Drives. We need your continued support to ensure our colleagues in need receive the help they deserve.

We have included a remittance envelope in this edition of On the Air that you can fill out and return, or you can donate online at www.broadcastersfoundation.org or by calling 212-373-8250. The Broadcasters Foundation is an organization you may never need, but, with our help, we will always be there for you or someone you may know. Thank you,

Jim Thompson President

This year’s Leadership Awards Breakfast was a huge success, breaking donation records from previous years. With more money given out in aid each year, it is important to reach our fundraising goals, and then some. Held during the NAB Show in Las Vegas, the awards recognized seven outstanding broadcasters for their contributions and leadership in the industry. The Ward L. Quaal Leadership Award was present-ed to six broadcast standouts, while the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award was presented to one individual for his industry dedication, service and

innovation. Please read our complete coverage of the event in this edition of On the Air magazine.

We had an amazing turn out for the Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tour-nament. Check out the winners on page 15. Thanks to all our attendees and corporate sponsors for raising funds and awareness for the Foundation.

It is important to keep in mind our mission, helping the men and women in the radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute need. With your help, we can be sure no call for help ever goes unanswered.

Thank you,

Philip J. LombardoChairman

BROADCASTERS FOUNDATION OF AMERICAPhilip J. LombardoChairmanRichard A. ForemanVice ChairmanJames B. ThompsonPresidentPeter M. DoyleVice President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:David J. BarrettDirector, Hearst CorporationGeorge G. BeasleyChairman/CEO, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc.Philip R. BeuthCapital Cities, ret.Joseph M. BilottaPresident/CEO, Buckley Broadcasting Corp.Richard J. BodorffPartner, Wiley Rein LLPRebecca S. CampbellPresident, ABC Owned Television Stations GroupBrian CobbPresident, CobbCorpPeter DunnPresident, CBS Television StationsErica FarberPresident/CEO,Radio Advertising BureauRichard FergusonCox Radio, ret.Joseph M. FieldChairman, EntercomSkip FinleyManaging Partner, Noepe Communications, LLCMichael J. FiorileVice Chairman/CEO, Dispatch Broadcast GroupAlan W. FrankPost-Newsweek Stations, Inc., ret.Mark GrayPresident, Katz Radio GroupWade Hargrove, Esq.Partner, Brooks Pierce McLendon Humphrey & Leonard LLPLouis HillelsonVice President/Group Publisher, New Bay MediaBill HoffmanPresident, Cox Media GroupPaul KarpowiczPresident/CEO, Meredith Broadcasting GroupN. Scott KnightPresident/CEO, Knight Media GroupBrian LawlorSVP/Television, E.W. Scripps TV Station GroupJerry LeePresident, WBEB-FMJerry LevyPresident, JL Media Inc.David T. LougeePresident, Gannett BroadcastingDan MasonPresident/CEO, CBS RadioElizabeth NeuhoffPresident & CEO, Neuhoff CommunicationsDeborah NorvilleInside EditionMichael O’NeillPresident & CEO, BMIWilliam O’ShaughnessyChairman, WVOX/WVIP-Whitney MediaMartin PompadurGlobal Vice Chair, Media & Entertainment, Macquaire CapitalJoseph ReillyNYS Broadcasters Association, ret.Gordon H. SmithPresident/CEO, NABJeffrey H. SmulyanChairman/CEO, Emmis CommunicationsGeorge StephanopoulosGood Morning AmericaDennis SwansonPresident, Station Operations, Fox Television Stations Inc.Nicholas J. VerbitskyChairman, United Stations Radio NetworksDiana Wilkin

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS:Edward F. McLaughlin

OFFICERS:Colleen Liebre, Asst. Treasurer/CFO,Citadel Communications Co, L.P.Jeff Haley, President/CEOMarketronSteve Lanzano, PresidentTelevision Bureau of AdvertisingLeo MacCourtney, President & CEOKatz TV Group

More than 250 television and radio broadcasters assembled for the annual Broadcasters Foundation of America Leadership Breakfast to honor seven of the most prominent figures in broadcasting. Six Ward L. Quaal Leadership Awards and the Lowry Mays Excel-lence in Broadcasting Award were presented during the Leadership Breakfast, held during the NAB Show is Las Vegas this past April.

The Ward L. Quaal Leadership Award Recipients:

Jim BeloyianisPast President, Katz TV Group

Dan MasonPresident/CEO, CBS Radio

Deborah NorvilleAnchor, Inside Edition

Mary QuassPresident/CEO, NRG Media LLC

Perry SookChairman/President/CEO, Nexstar Broadcasting Group

Nick VerbitskyChairman/CEO, United Stations Radio Networks, Inc.

Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award:

Richard E. WileyChairman of Wiley Rein LLP

The Award honors an individual in broadcasting whose work exemplifies innovation, community service, advocacy and entrepreneurship. It salutes its namesake, Lowry Mays, and is underwritten by The Clear Channel Foundation.

The Leadership Awards Breakfast is complimentary to all, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Frank N. Magid Associates, Inc., Market-ron, The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), The National Association of Media Brokers (NAMB), Nielsen, The Radio Advertis-ing Bureau (RAB) and The Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB).

The Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Awards

The Lowry Mays Excellence inBroadcasting Award

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Ward L. Quaal Leadership Awards Breakfast

1. Chris Bernier, Mary Quass, Terry Shockley

2. Richard Wiley

3. Scott Herman, Anton Guitano, Dan Mason, Peter Dunn, Ezra Kucharz

4. Philip Lombardo, Nick Verbitsky, Jim Thompson

5. Barbara Higgins, Bonnie Verbitsky, Jill Colombo

6. Marcellus Alexander, Richard Bodorff, Deborah Norville, William Moll

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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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Ward L. Quaal Leadership Awards Breakfast

1. Artie Altman and Carol Richman

2. Deborah Norville, Mary Quass

3. Jim Beloyianis, Dan Mason, Deborah Norville, Richard Wiley, Mary Quass, Nick Verbitsky, Perry Sook

4. Perry Sook, Marty Pompadur

5. Richard Wiley, Philip Lombardo, Deborah Norville, Perry Sook

6. Robert Heyman, Jr., Erwin Krasnow, Jody McCoy

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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

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Mission Critical

“You have stuck with me and changed my life - from not being able to walk to getting on my feet again.”This was not another anonymous plea for help. It is a real expression of gratitude from a Guardian Fund recipient. We 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 with sickness, financial hardship or emotional distress.

“I cannot express in words how meaningful and helpful your support of me through the Broadcasters Foundation has been.”Your donation to the Guardian Fund will be a testament to your commitment to the worthy cause we have undertaken: helping our fellow broadcasters. No other organization is solely committed to this mission and it is one we all need to be a part of – emotionally and financially.

“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.”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-trum of the industry. Recipients are from large TV and radio companies and small independent operations, all having one thing in common: They are one of us and they need assistance.

“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 Guardian Fund is one of those opportunities. Give today.

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.

By Joseph BilottaPresident/CEO,

Buckley Broadcasting

Audrey Hepburn once said: “As you grow older, you will discover that 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 fellow broadcasters with the Guardian Fund, created by the Broad-casters Foundation of America.

212-373-8250 . info@thebfoa.org . www.broadcastersfoundation.org�e Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity.

Your Help Literally Saves Lives

It's hard to imagine the one/two punch the family of 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 four children. �e Broadcasters Foundation awarded them a monthly grant to help make ends meet.

Unfortunately, fate had more in store for this family. Unable to win the battle with cancer, this broad-caster passed away at only 37 years old. �e funeral costs wiped out what little the family had left. When two family emergencies arose in one month, the now single-mother faced an unimaginable dilemma. She felt alone and really scared.

In desperation, she wrote to the Broadcasters Foun-dation which immediately gave her a one-time emergency grant to cover the unexpected costs.

She wrote back: “I can’t tell you the relief that I feel. My heart skipped 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.”

With your help, this broadcaster’s wife and their children can continue to receive a monthly grant from the Broadcasters Foundation of America.

Scared and Alone.

the guardian fund

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.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.

A special thank you to our sponsors: Broadcasting & Cable, the NAB, Nielsen and US Trust.

PHILIP J. LOMBARDO

Charity GOLF TOURNAMENT

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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Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament

1. Drew Marcus, Bob Struble

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

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Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament

1. Justin Hullman, Scott Blumenthal, 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, Mike McKinnon, Jr., Greg Meidel

6. Brian Sheehan, Filomena Soyster, Doug O’Donnell, Ann Limberg, Rob Pizzella

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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

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seen & heard seen & heard

The Broadcast and music industries came together for the 66th Annual BMI Board of Directors dinner, held during the NAB Show in Las Vegas last April. This year, Music legend Kenny “Babyface” 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.

BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, former BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Chairman Susan Davenport Austin gather for a photo with 2014 NAB honoree Babyface at the 66th Annual BMI Board of Directors NAB Dinner, held April 8 at the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas. Babyface was honored at the event for his achievements in music.

The Annual Board of Directors Dinner held at the NAB Show.

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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 Bureau, presented by Hubbard Radio in partnership with Clear Channel Media + Entertainment, and sponsored by: Beasley 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 Stations Radio Network, Univision Radio and WestwoodOne.

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: National A

ssociation of BroadcastersNAB Education Foundation

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.

Global Chief Creative Officer/2014 Chief Judge, Matt Eastwood with Best of Show Winner Justine Armour from Wieden+Kennedy and RAB President and CEO, Erica Farber

Photo Credit: Radio A

dvertising BureauPhoto C

redit: Radio Advertising Bureau

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.

Photo credit: Lester Cohen

66TH

Annual

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.

William O’Shaughnessy, Varinda Strauss, Eric Strauss NYSBA board member & WLIG-TV’s David Feinblatt, WNSH/New York’s Rick Morales, Mercury recording artist Kacey Musgraves, NYSBA board member & WNSH’s Maire Mason and BMI’s Dan Spears.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Summer Conference held June 17th to 19th at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan.

The New Jersey Broadcasters Association 67th Annual Conference and Gala held June 16th and 17th at Caesars in Atlantic City.

Charlie Sislen, Erica Farber, Mary Beth Garber, Radha Subramanyam, Jeff Warshaw

Paul Rotella and Joe Piscopo, 2014 Recipient of the Howard L. Green Humanitarian of the Year Award

Michelle Vetterkind, Liz Boyd, Dick Record, Linda Baun, Mandy Endicott Martha Southard, Robert Southard, Jack Le Duc, Jim Schuh, Bob Barry

seen & heard

212-373-8250 . info@thebfoa.org . www.broadcastersfoundation.org�e Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity.

Your Help Literally Saves Lives

Our colleague thrived in the fast-paced environ-ment of a major market station ever since he knocked on doors as an account executive in 1980. He later became the type of general manager and vice president that any sales team would be proud to work alongside. 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 himself for yet another day in the operating room. His wife is staying at home to care for him and their three small children. While he strives to 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.

Two Days Short of Disability Coverage

Broadcasters Foundation of America125 West 55th Street3rd FloorNew York , NY 10019

On The Air