WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) in partnership with Hearst Television has announced the participants in the 2026 Emerson Coleman Fellowship, an immersive program designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in broadcast television programming and production.

Paid internships at local television stations are an integral part of the fellowship, where students receive hands-on experience in live programming and production environments. They also attend virtual learning sessions, complete a capstone project pitching their original show ideas and receive mentorship to support their professional development.

The foundation is announced these details about this year’s cohort and their internship locations:

• Alana McBean – WABC-TV, New York, N.Y.
• Amarion Weathersby – WFLD-TV, Chicago, Ill.
• Jauntre' Gray – WOFL-TV, Lake Mary, Fla.
• Victoria Marchetti – Hearst Media Production Group, Glendale, Calif.
• Miriam Galica – WABC-TV, New York, N.Y.

"We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of students and excited about helping them at the beginning of their career journeys,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “Over the past four years, this program has created new pathways for students pursuing creative opportunities in media and broadcasting.”

The program is made possible through the continued support of NABLF sponsors: Brooks Pierce, CBS Media Ventures, Comcast NBCUniversal, Debmar-Mercury, FOX, Hearst Television, Katz Media Group, Locality, Nielsen Foundation, SmithGeiger, Soledad O’Brien and Brad Raymond, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Teen Kids News, The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. and Weigel Broadcasting Co.

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) has announced that Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential fire and life safety products, will be given the Corporate Leadership Award.

The honor will be awarded during the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Award, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, on June 9 at The Anthem here.

Each year, the Corporate Leadership Award is presented to a business outside of the broadcast industry that shows an outstanding dedication to public service and corporate social responsibility, NABLF said.

Kidde has been a leading home fire-safety brand and a pioneer in smoke and carbon monoxide detection for more than 100 years, NABLF said.

As a part of its focus on education, Kidde is the title sponsor of a new television series, “Home for Good,” produced with Hearst Media Production Group and Epic Entertainment and Media Group and airing weekends on ABC stations nationwide.

“Home for Good” is a home renovation series dedicated to honoring America’s everyday heroes, from first responders and military veterans to community champions. More than just a makeover show, the series bridges the gap between beautiful design and essential home safety, providing viewers with expert do-it-yourself insights and a vital focus on fire and carbon monoxide education through Kidde’s team of fire safety educators, NABLF said.

“We are proud to recognize Kidde for its extraordinary commitment to protecting families and strengthening communities,” NABLF President Michelle Duke said. “Through life-saving fire safety education and programming that elevates everyday heroes, Kidde is helping deliver trusted information that can make a real difference in people’s lives. Their work reflects the same spirit of service that broadcasters bring to communities every day through trusted news, emergency information and public service programming.”

Additionally, Kidde’s Cause for Alarm initiative addresses systemic fire safety inequity by providing resources and support to at-risk communities. Kidde has donated nearly 2 million alarms to fire departments and communities across both the U.S. and Canada through Cause for Alarm and other advocacy efforts.

"At Kidde, we believe every family—in every community—deserves the peace of mind that comes with a safe home,” Kidde President of Global Residential Fire and Safety Isis Wu said. “For more than a century, this belief has guided everything we do. Being recognized by the NAB Leadership Foundation is a tremendous honor because broadcasters play a critical role in advancing this collective mission by helping our safety messages reach the families who need them most. We share this recognition with our fire service, nonprofit and media partners and with the Kidde team, who approach safety not simply as a product category but as a purpose.”

In addition to the Corporate Leadership Award, the Celebration of Service to America Awards will recognize local television and radio stations and broadcast groups for their outstanding public service.

For more information about the awards and event, visit its website.

WASHINGTON—Philanthropist and businesswoman Gayle Benson will receive the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF).

Benson will be recognized for her civic and humanitarian contributions during the Celebration of Service to America Awards gala, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, June 9, at The Anthem music venue in Washington, D.C.

One of the most powerful women in sports according to Forbes, Benson is a community investor, advocate and corporate citizen who is focused on growing and enriching the Gulf South region and improving lives through her initiatives in health and wellness, cancer care, education and the arts.

As the owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, Benson has made giving back to the city a hallmark of her leadership. She annually gives millions of dollars annually in financial support, in-kind donations, charitable appearances and goods and services to those in need.

Benson is the steward of the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, carrying forward her husband’s vision and passion for helping others. She works closely alongside organizations like the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

She helped to establish The Gayle and Tom Benson Disaster Relief Fund to support first responders and vulnerable families, and she is particularly devoted to initiatives for young women, such as STEM programs in schools and leadership training. She is also currently building The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital on the Ochsner Medical Center campus in New Orleans featuring a dedicated pediatric emergency department, a Level IV Surgical NICU and AI technology.

“Gayle Benson truly embodies the values of philanthropy through her work to support, educate and care for others, especially in her hometown of New Orleans and surrounding areas,” said NABLF president Michelle Duke. “We are thrilled to be honoring Mrs. Benson and her legacy of long-term, positive and sustainable impact with the Foundation’s Leadership Award, our highest individual commendation for service.”

Beyond her community impact, Benson is an active and respected leader in professional sports. In 2025, she was appointed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as co-chair of the National Football League (NFL) Legislative Committee, where she helps guide the league’s government relations strategy. She also serves on the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Labor Relations Committee and has been a member of the NBA Foundation Board of Directors since 2020.

Benson also played a key role in launching the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (GCSEN), a regional broadcast and digital platform designed to elevate local sports, culture and community storytelling.

More information is available on the NABLF website.

More information about the gala is available online.

The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) recently announced the recipients of the Diane Sutter Shooting Star Award and the Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) Champion Award during its annual BLT Alumni Reception held in Las Vegas during 2026 NAB Show.

This year’s Diane Sutter Shooting Star Award honor went to Lori Waldon for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the broadcast industry. Waldon is president and general manager of Hearst Television station KOAT-TV and graduated from the BLT class of 2016. She has been a trailblazer, advancing through the ranks of television news with an intuitive knowledge of programming and how to best serve local audiences.

Waldon was praised for her ability to build a collaborative culture and equip her teams for success. She is known for her keen understanding of people and for empowering and mentoring others to advance their broadcasting careers.

This year’s BLT Champion Award was presented to Barbara Kreisman, recently retired chief of the Video Division for the Federal Communications Commission, in recognition of her long-term support of the BLT program and overall impact on the broadcast industry. She has played a central role with BLT since its earliest days, serving on the faculty and encouraging other FCC staff and commissioners to take part over the past 25 years.

“Throughout their careers, both Lori and Barbara demonstrated exemplary leadership in their respective positions,” stated NABLF president Michelle Duke. “Both women have been positive and powerful role models for the up-and-coming generation of pathfinders and innovators in our industry. We are so proud to honor them with these prestigious awards.”

Readers who know someone who would benefit from the transformative experience of the BLT program should encourage encourage them to apply for the 2027 cohort by May 18, 2026: https://www.nabfoundation.org/programs/broadcast-leadership/.

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF)  announced the recipients of the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards, which recognize local television and radio stations for the essential role they play in communities across the country.

This year’s recipients will be honored at the awards ceremony on June 9, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, is part of the Foundation’s mission to bring national attention to the vital work being done by local broadcasters.

This year’s awards will include a new category for podcasting that will acknowledge broadcasters who are embracing digital platforms to reach their communities.

“They are the voices you come to trust and sources you turn to without hesitation,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “Our local TV and radio stations are fundamental to how communities stay informed, connected and safe. We are excited to shine a deserving light on the stations who excel at public service at the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards Gala.”

The following is the list of honorees and their exceptional programs. Finalists from each category are also noted.

Service to Community Award for Radio – Broadcast Ownership Group

Winner: Morgan Murphy Media

Honor Our Fallen was a fundraiser benefitting firefighters injured and killed in an ambush blaze in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Finalists: Cox Media Group, Help the Hill Country Flood Relief Drive; Hubbard Broadcasting, In the Eye of the Derecho

Service to Community Award for Radio – Large/Major Market

Winner: 95.5 WSB, Cox Media Group, Atlanta, Ga.

The annual Care-a-Thon for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta raised over $2.3 million for research, fellowship and family support services at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

Finalists: 102.3 KJLH, Taxi Productions, Altadena 7; WMMR, Beasley Media Group, Preston & Steve Camp Out for Hunger

Service to Community Award for Radio – Medium Market

Winner: Winner: 100.5 WYMG, Saga Communications, Springfield, Ill.

The Christmas Wish program made the holiday season brighter for families that have fallen on hard times.

Finalist: 93.3 WFLS, Connoisseur Media, Wet Nose Wednesday

Service to Community Award for Radio – Small Market

Winner: 104.1 WIKY, Midwest Communications, Evansville, Ind.

The annual Veterans Day Breakfast served more than 500 veterans and has become a significant tradition to honor those in the community who have served.

Finalists: KQRQ, Riverfront Broadcasting, Bears for the Brave; WVVR, Saga Communications, Camp Rainbow Radiothon; KTXY, Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri, Miracles for Kids Radiothon

Service to Community Award for Television – Broadcast Ownership Group

Winner: Hearst Television

From disaster relief to year-round food insecurity initiatives, Hearst stations mobilized audiences, partners and platforms to deliver critical support when it mattered most through their Local Stations, National Impact campaign.

Finalists: Sinclair Broadcast Group, Drive Out Cancer; Gray Media, Manipulated: A Misinformation Nation; Cox Media Group, disreGUARDed: Investigation Reveals School Crossing Guards in Danger

Service to Community Award for Television – Large/Major Market

Winner: WRAL-TV, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Raleigh, N.C.

Broken: Foster Care in North Carolina was an original investigative documentary and extended series of investigative reports that exposed critical failures and a lack of oversight in North Carolina’s foster care and adoption system.

Finalists: WSB-TV, Cox Media Group, Opioid Crisis; WFAA-TV, TEGNA, Community Impact Charitable Fund

Service to Community Award for Television – Medium Market

Winner: KFSN-TV, ABC-Owned Television Stations, Fresno, Calif.

From the loss of 18-year-old Olivia Patla to real stories of addiction and hope, the Killer High series sparked critical awareness and conversation about fentanyl abuse.

Finalists: KCCI-TV, Hearst Television, Iowa's State of Cancer; WKYT-TV, Gray Media, Rebuilding Kentucky

Service to Community Award for Television – Small Market

Winner: KOLN-TV, Gray Media, Lincoln, Neb.

Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence supports survivors, provides resources and encourages victims to seek help.

Finalists: KSBW-TV, Hearst Television, Mobilizing the Central Coast; WJHG-TV, Gray Media, Survivorship to Service: Closing the Breast Cancer Care Gap

Service to Community Award – First Informer

Winner: WCVB-TV, Hearst Television, Boston, Mass.

When they received word of a possible mass shooting at Brown University, the NewsCenter 5 team mobilized, calling in extensive resources and staying on air for hours to cover the multi-state manhunt.

Service to Community Award – Original Podcast

Winner: Purple Daily Podcast, Hubbard Radio, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.

The Purple Daily podcast about the Minnesota Vikings demonstrates how local content for dedicated fanbases builds a sense of community and connection between the hosts and audiences.

For more information about the awards and gala, visit servicetoamericaawards.org.

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) has announced the appointment of Valari Dobson Staab, chairman of NBCUniversal Local, and Todd Hartman, executive vice president of Kalil & Co., Inc., to its board of directors.

“Valari and Todd bring exceptional leadership and deep industry expertise to our board,” said NABLF president Michelle Duke. “Their perspectives will be instrumental as we continue to expand our programs and strengthen our efforts to develop the next generation of broadcast and media leaders.”

Staab oversees NBCUniversal Local’s portfolio of 50 media properties, including NBC and Telemundo-owned stations, regional sports networks and streaming channels. Under her leadership, the division has become a multiplatform media powerhouse, delivering nearly 1,000 hours of local news and content each week across 30 U.S. markets, including Puerto Rico. A veteran executive with more than 40 years in media, Staab has led innovation in bilingual news, investigative reporting and streaming. She joined NBCUniversal in 2011 and was named chairman in 2022. She is a member of the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and a recognized industry leader.

Hartman is executive vice president of Kalil & Co., a leading media brokerage firm specializing in broadcast and digital mergers and acquisitions. With more than 25 years of experience, he has advised on transactions across television, radio, out-of-home advertising and digital infrastructure. Known for his strategic insight and deep industry relationships, Hartman has helped guide clients through complex deals across the evolving media landscape.

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) is now accepting entries for the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards. These prestigious awards honor the critical role local television and radio stations play in serving communities across the country.

All stations and broadcast groups are encouraged to submit their most impactful community service campaigns that took place in 2025. The entry window will close on March 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

This year, the Foundation is introducing an Original Content Podcast category to recognize local stations that are leveraging their digital expertise to deliver accessible, creative and trusted content to their communities and beyond via podcast app or station website.

Additionally, the First Informers Award will recognize one radio and one television station as exemplary sources of immediate information during emergencies, crises or natural disasters.

“No other media platform matches the power of local television and radio to reach people in real time where they live and work,” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “Audiences trust their local stations because broadcasters are deeply rooted in their communities — championing local causes, investigating consumer issues, and delivering timely, trusted reporting. We are proud to honor their extraordinary public service.”

Winners will be notified in early April 2026, and awards will be presented at the Celebration of Service to America Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on June 9, 2026. The event will gather the broadcasting community with members of Congress and other policymakers to salute the exemplary work of local stations.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards is presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television and honors the exceptional community service provided by local radio and television stations. Additional information about the awards, including eligibility and rules, is available at servicetoamericaawards.org.

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) has announced the Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) class of 2026. The people chosen for the class of 2026 started the program on Sept. 12 and will go through a 10-month executive MBA-style curriculum designed to prepare the next generation of broadcast leaders.

Known for its highly regarded program content and esteemed faculty, BLT prepares its participants to advance to the C-suite and take on operational leadership roles. Sessions focus on business acumen, management skills and critical topics like artificial intelligence, human resources and team culture, the NABLF reported.

The members of this year’s class are:

• Andria Langston, founder, Legacy Media Productions; owner, WDKX Radio
• Allison Smith, president and general manager, KETV, Hearst
• Fletcher Brown, operations manager and program director, Big River Broadcasting Corp.
• Haley Townsend, regional director of digital content, Northeast, Fox TV Stations
• Jaimie León, vice president and general manager, WSLS, Graham Media Group
• Jennifer Dale, vice president of recruiting, Gray Media
• Jerome David Crumpton, general sales and marketing manager, Courtney French Broadcasting LLC
• Joey Figueroa, vice president and director of sales, Univision Orlando, TelevisaUnivision
• Katelin Tinley, vice president and market manager, CMG Long Island Radio, Cox Media Group
• Pamela McKay, vice president and market manager, Radio One Houston
• Ryan Hatch, senior vice president and market manager, Phoenix, Bonneville
• Samantha Linn, controller and chief accounting officer, Morgan Murphy Media
• Scott Trabandt, news director, CMG Pittsburgh TV, Cox Media Group
• Tiffany Hickman, vice president and general sales manager, Holston Valley Broadcasting Corp.
• Valerie Guyton, president and general manager, KWES; KIDY/KXVA; KYTX and KBMT/KJAC, TEGNA
• Whitney Grover, director of sales and station manager, KJRH Tulsa, The E.W. Scripps Co.

“The foundation is incredibly honored to have more than 430 BLT graduates spanning over 25 years of this prestigious leadership program,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “We are excited to begin a new chapter with deans Marc Jaromin of Roundtable Broadcasting and Trila Bumstead of OMG Media who will carry on the legacy of program founder and dean emeritus, Diane Sutter.”

The program is supported by the generosity of the following companies: Alabama Broadcasters Association, Beasley Media Group, Bonneville International, Cox Media Group, Fox TV Stations, Futuri, Graham Media Group, Gray Media, Hearst Television, Morgan Murphy Media, Nielsen Foundation, Scripps, Tegna and TelevisaUnivision.

The application window for the next BLT class will open in February 2026. To receive updates when the application becomes available, please contact Pamela Cervera, senior program manager, NABLF, at pcervera@nab.org.

Learn more at nabfoundation.org.

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) has announced the graduation of the 2025 Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) class. The class's successful completion of the 10-month program boosts the number of executives who have completed the leadership training program during the last quarter of a century to 432 alumni.

The program provides an executive MBA-style curriculum that is designed to help senior-level broadcasters acquire the critical knowledge and skills needed to lead effective teams and operate successful radio and television stations.

Over the past several months, the foundation has commemorated the program’s silver anniversary by hosting several gatherings, including a leadership symposium and alumni receptions in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas.

They also created the Shooting Star Award in honor of founder and dean Diane Sutter. The award recognizes a BLT graduate or faculty for their work as a mentor, advisor and public servant within the broadcast industry. The first recipient of the award was S. Jenell Trigg, a former broadcast television sales and marketing executive whose career spanned 16 years in the Chicago and Baltimore markets, a retired member of Lerman Senter PLLC, and the founder and chair emeritus of the firm’s Privacy, Data Protection and Cybersecurity Practice Group.

"Over the past 25 years, we’ve created long-term value for the industry by adhering to a core philosophy – helping people reach their full potential prepares them to lead broadcasting into the next generation," Sutter said. "I am honored to have been entrusted to shape and guide the Broadcast Leadership Training program to what it is today – an opportunity for professionals to grow and strengthen their talent and skills to take broadcasting to new frontiers. I’m excited about what we’re going to see in the next quarter century and how we’ll continue to innovate, inform and inspire the communities we serve.”

Sutter was also presented with an eagle at the Celebration of Service to America Awards ceremony for her lifelong dedication to the broadcast industry.

The 2025 BLT Class graduates are:

• Dana Bojcic, senior vice president, Talent Development and Human Resources, Futuri Media
• Blake Bridges, general manager, WYFF, Hearst Television
• JC Campese, vice president and market manager, Cox Media Group, Orlando Radio
• Rebecca Cantu, president and general manager, KIII, TEGNA
• Sean Franklin, vice president and general manager, WLEX, E.W. Scripps
• Nikki Gahan, regional digital sales manager - Detroit and Minneapolis, FOX Television Stations
• Sean Garcia, director, Creative Services, WSB-TV, Cox Media Group
• Cherish Geter, general sales manager, WJXT, Graham Media Group
• Maurice Gibson, vice president, Human Resources, Gray Media
• LeAnne Markins, station manager, WKBW, E.W. Scripps
• Brian McGhee, director, Sales, Urban One D.C.
• Chris Palmer, vice president and general manager, WKBT, Morgan Murphy Media
• Ivy Savoy-Smith, senior vice president and market manager, Audacy
• Kristine Strain, vice president, news director and station manager, KCNC, CBS Paramount
• Jason Strongin, senior vice president, Audio Sales and Client Solutions, TelevisaUnivision
• Jennifer Williams, director, Digital Media and Strategic Initiatives, Bonneville International

NABLF thanked this year’s program sponsors: Beasley Media Group, Bonneville International, Cox Media Group, Fox TV Stations, Futuri, Graham Media Group, Gray Television, Hearst Television, Legend Communications, Morgan Murphy Media, NAB, Nielsen Foundation, Scripps, Tegna and TelevisaUnivision.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation has announced that Robert De Niro, actor, producer and co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises, will receive the 2024 Service to America Leadership Award. 

The award, NABLF’s highest individual honor, is presented in recognition of charitable work and public service.

De Niro will be honored during the 2024 Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television and held in Washington, D.C., on June 4 at The Anthem, the NABLF reported. 

“The NAB Leadership Foundation is excited to honor Robert De Niro’s decades-long commitment to his community and the film industry,” said Foundation president and CEO Michelle Duke. “We look forward to celebrating exemplary public service by local broadcasters and award winners at the 2024 Celebration of Service to America Awards in June.”

De Niro’s passion for human rights and access to the arts is evident in his philanthropic efforts and his work with the Tribeca Festival. He co-founded the festival in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. De Niro serves on the board of the 911 Museum and Memorial.

Now in its 23rd year, the Tribeca Festival brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, music, audio storytelling, games, and immersive. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is synonymous with creative expression and entertainment. Tribeca champions emerging and established voices, discovers award-winning talent, curates innovative experiences, and introduces new ideas through exclusive premieres, exhibitions, conversations and live performances.

In addition to his work with Tribeca Festival, De Niro is part of FilmAid's Global Artists Council, which uses film and media to provide lifesaving information, psychological relief and hope to refugees and other communities in need.

De Niro is also a supporter of The Community, an organization that engages Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, world famous artists and international media for peace building and human rights and contributed a video to their Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 2021, he partnered with the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation to establish the Robert De Niro Sr. Fellowship in honor of his father. The award is given annually to support mid-career artists.

Recognition for his humanitarian efforts includes the Brass Ring Award at the 2018 Carousel of Hope Ball, a biennial event dedicated to increasing awareness for diabetes, and raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. He is also the recipient of the 2014 Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Awards for his philanthropic efforts.

De Niro’s decades-long career in the motion picture industry began in the 1960s with roles in several films. He went on to win many prestigious awards including Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in “The Godfather, Part II” and Best Actor in “Raging Bull.” De Niro has earned Academy Award nominations for roles in several films in the Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Picture categories.

He received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2009, Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards, Hollywood Actor Award from the Hollywood Film Festival, the Stanley Kubrick Award from the BAFTA Britannia Awards, the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented by former President Barack Obama.

Previous recipients of the Service to America Leadership Award include former first ladies Laura Bush and Nancy Reagan, renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés, legendary artist Patti LaBelle, “Hamilton” creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, award-winning artist John Legend, multi-platform country music star Sara Evans and GRAMMY-winning musician Jon Bon Jovi.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards also honors local television and radio stations and broadcast groups across the country for their public service and philanthropic efforts to help their communities throughout the year. The Foundation previously announced Mutual of Omaha as the Corporate Leadership Award recipient.

Qualified press interested in covering the Celebration of Service to America Awards should contact Gaby Sibori. For more information about the awards and event, visit servicetoamerica.org. 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) has named seven new members to its board of directors.

Joining the board are Catherine Badalamente of Graham Media Group, Lynn Beall of Tegna Inc., Joe DiScipio of Fox Corporation, Chad Matthews of ABC Owned Television Stations Disney Entertainment, Marian Pittman of Cox Media Group, David Santrella of Salem Media Group and Karen Wishart of Urban One.

“These broadcasters bring a wealth of experience, leadership and a unique perspective to our board of directors,” said Michelle Duke, NABLF president. “We are excited for this group of changemakers to provide their guidance and expertise to our initiatives and programs as we work to create a more diverse broadcast industry.”

As president and chief executive officer, Badalamente oversees the Graham Media Group’s broadcast TV stations in seven local media hubs reaching just under seven percent of the U.S. In addition, she oversees Graham Digital, a digital media and technology development group, and Social News Desk, a leading provider of social media management tools designed to connect newsrooms with their users. She also serves on the NAB Television Board of Directors.

Beall is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Media Operations at TEGNA Inc., leading operations across the company’s 64 broadcast stations, which reach approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. In addition, Beall serves as chair of the CBS Television Affiliates Association Board, second vice chair of the NAB Television Board of Directors and is a member of the T. Howard Foundation Board of Directors.

DiScipio is senior vice president, Legal and FCC Compliance, for Fox Television Stations, LLC, where he has worked since 2009. In this role, he is responsible for all FCC regulatory matters relating to the Fox owned-and-operated television stations, negotiating retransmission consent and other distribution agreements, spectrum matters, merger and acquisition (M&A) activity and other special projects.

Matthews, an Emmy Award-winning news executive, serves as president of ABC Owned Television Stations. In this role, Matthews has chief management responsibility for the eight ABC-owned television stations. He is a member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists and serves as a senior adviser and executive champion on PRIDE at ABC News and ABC Owned Television Stations Business Employee Resource Group.

Pittman is executive vice president, Content, Product & Innovation of Cox Media Group (CMG), where she began her career more than 30 years ago at CMG’s WSOC-TV in Charlotte. In her current position, Pittman oversees the development of the company’s multi-platform and award-winning content and is responsible for distribution, optimization, and audience engagement – including CMG’s OTT platform, which streams local, original content 24/7, in addition to leading the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate how content is created, presented and delivered.

Santrella is the chief executive officer of Salem Media Group and has been with the company since 2001 when he started to manage the Chicago market. Santrella is the immediate past joint board chair for the NAB Board of Directors and previously served as radio board chair. In addition, he is a member of the President's Council for National Religious Broadcasters.

A seasoned executive and proven leader with experience in strategic planning, sales, marketing, business development, team leadership, brand management and profit and loss (P&L) responsibility, Wishart serves as executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Urban One. Wishart previously served as the president and CEO of Curzon Staffing and Executive Search, and successfully expanded business growth/operations.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The NAB has announced that multifaceted entertainer Wayne Brady will receive the Service to America Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) during the Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 6 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. 

The award is NABLF’s highest individual citation and is presented in recognition of honorees’ charitable work and public service.

“Wayne Brady’s multifaceted career has showcased his unique talent and hilarious personality on-screen, on stage and on-the-air to the delight of audiences for decades,” said NABLF president and CEO Michelle Duke. “He has also used his immense gifts to support numerous charitable endeavors, raise our spirits and shine a light on worthwhile causes. NABLF and broadcasters across the country look forward to recognizing his generosity and compassion at the Celebration of Service to America Awards.”

Previous recipients of the Service to America Leadership Award include renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés, legendary artist Patti LaBelle, “Hamilton” creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, award-winning artist John Legend, multi-platform country music star Sara Evans and GRAMMY-winning musician Jon Bon Jovi.

A five-time Emmy Award winner, Brady has performed on non-scripted series such as “The Masked Singer,” “Dancing With The Stars” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” He has starred in television series such as “Black Lightning,” “The Good Fight,” “American Gigolo” and “How I Met Your Mother,” and served as a voice actor on numerous animated series. Between 2001 and 2004, Brady hosted the award-winning “The Wayne Brady Show” and currently hosts “Let’s Make a Deal” since its revival in 2009.

An accomplished singer and performer, Brady was nominated for a GRAMMY Award in 2009 for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for his cover of the Sam Cooke song "A Change Is Gonna Come" on his debut album. In addition, he released the original single “Flirtin’ w/ Forever” following his victory on the second season of “The Masked Singer.”

Brady’s theater credits include roles as Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of “Chicago,” Lola in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of “Kinky Boots” and Aaron Burr in the Chicago production of “Hamilton.” He also performed on Broadway as part of Freestyle Love Supreme, a unique show combining hip hop, improv and comedy which received a special Tony Award for its innovation and contributions to the world of theater.

Since 2007, Brady has been a friend of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which is dedicated to supporting families with sick children in their time of need. He also starred in a benefit concert presentation of “Ratatouille the Musical” that raised over $1 million for The Actors Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, Brady has helped raise awareness and funds for a number of charities and foundations, including Alzheimer's Association, Aid For AIDS, Comic Relief, Foundation Fighting Blindness, K.I.S. Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Point Foundation, UNICEF, United Negro College Fund and Visual Snow Initiative.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—JPMorgan Chase will receive the 2023 Corporate Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) June 6 at The Anthem auditorium here.

The award, to be presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, will be presented during the 2023 Celebration of Service to America, the NABLF said.

The Corporate Leadership Award is given to a leading business outside the broadcast industry that exemplifies an extraordinary focus on community service and corporate social responsibility, it said.

Circle City Broadcasting, a Black-owned TV station in Indianapolis, nominated the company for the award. The broadcaster has worked with JPMorgan Chase on several initiatives, it said.

The nomination recognizes the bank’s efforts to help businesses, communities and employees build sustainable wealth, especially in Black, Hispanic and Latino communities, it said.

“We are moved by the transformative work that JPMorgan Chase is doing in local communities to expand accessible homeownership, create a more diverse and inclusive workforce and grow small businesses,” said NABLF president and NAB chief diversity officer Michelle Duke. “The foundation is honored to present JPMorgan Chase with the 2023 Corporate Leadership Award for their outstanding commitment to community service and philanthropy.”

In 2020, JPMorgan Chase made a $30 billion Racial Equity Commitment to help close the racial wealth gap. As part of the commitment, the bank lends and directs funding to help increase sustainable homeownership, expand affordable housing, grow small businesses, support diverse suppliers, improve financial health and build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. It has deployed more than $29 billion of that commitment, NABLF said.

“For more than 200 years, JPMorgan Chase has served as an engine of the economy and champion of opportunity around the world in good and challenging times,” said Alicia Wilson, global head of philanthropy for the North America Region at JPMorgan Chase. 

“We’re proud to receive the 2023 Corporate Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation, which shares our dedication to advancing equity and commitment to supporting local communities.”

More information is available on the NABLF website.

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) today announced the recipients for the 2023 Celebration of Service to America Awards, which recognize local broadcasters’ outstanding service to their communities. Category winners will be honored at the awards ceremony on June 6 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, honors the impact and excellence in community service and philanthropy by local radio and television stations across the country.

In addition, the Foundation also bestows two prestigious Service to America Leadership Awards to a public figure and to a non-broadcast business for their achievements in advocacy and philanthropy, especially within their own community. These awards will be announced at a later date.

“For almost a quarter century the Celebration of Service to America Awards have honored broadcasters that go above and beyond to serve their communities in a variety of ways, from fundraisers and telethons to educational programming and investigative reporting,” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “We look forward to shining a well-deserved spotlight on these stations and sharing their award-winning campaigns with broadcast industry leaders, members of Congress and FCC commissioners.”

The following is the list of honorees by category:

Service to Community Award for Radio, Broadcast Ownership Group
Guaranty, Future DJ Radio Day

Service to Community Award for Television, Broadcast Ownership Group
Gray Television, The Sixth Investigative Series

Service to Community Award for Radio, Large/Major Market
KSTP-FM, Hubbard Broadcasting, St. Paul, Minn., KS95 FM Buck$ for Babe

Service to Community Award for Television – Large/Major Market
WBNS-TV, TEGNA Inc., Columbus, Ohio, Maria’s Message: Education on distracted driving

Service to Community Award for Radio – Medium Market
WHKO-FM, COX Media Group, Dayton, Ohio, 99.1FM Care for Kids Radiothon for Dayton Children’s Hospital

Service to Community Award for Television – Medium Market
KCCI-TV, Hearst Television, Des Moines, Iowa, Essential: Iowa’s EMS Emergency

Service to Community Award for Radio – Small Market
WLEN-FM, Lenawee Broadcasting, Lenawee County, Associated Charities Back to School Fire

Service to Community Award for Television – Small Market
KTTC-TV, Gray Television, Rochester, Minn., Fifth District Eagles Cancer Telethon

WASHINGTON D.C.—The NAB has announced that the Celebration of Service to America Awards will air nationally on over 700 local television and radio broadcast stations across the country beginning Saturday, July 9 through August 13, 2022. 

The one-hour television and radio special, presented by the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF), celebrates and honors local broadcasters’ commitment to public service in the communities they serve.

The special was produced in partnership with Trailer Park Group and is being distributed through Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution. Nielsen will provide audience measurement services.

The awards were originally announced and presented to winning broadcast radio and television stations in eight categories at a gala held at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. on June 7. The program also features the presentation of the Service to America Leadership Awards, the Foundation’s highest honor, to chef and humanitarian José Andrés and renowned entertainer, author and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle.

Award-winning actor and TV personality Mario Lopez hosts the awards program joined by celebrity presenters including, CBS Sports’ James Brown, ABC News “Nightline” anchor Juju Chang, “Ghosts” star Asher Grodman, Chef Huda, artist Maggie Rose, Daytime Emmy Award winner Tamron Hall and radio personality Angela Yee.

GEICO received the Corporate Leadership Award, which recognizes a leading business outside of the broadcast industry that exemplifies an extraordinary focus on community service and corporate social responsibility.

To find the broadcast schedule and a list of participating stations, visit: ServiceToAmericaAwards.org.   

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation  will honor Geico with the 2022 Corporate Leadership Award during the 2022 Celebration of Service to America Awards. The award will be presented during an in-person ceremony on June 7 at The Anthem in Washington.

Each year, the Corporate Leadership Award is given to a leading business outside of the broadcast industry that exemplifies an extraordinary focus on community service and corporate social responsibility.

NABLF said Geico "has spent decades working to support initiatives and build partnerships within the communities the company serves. The company partners with groups that help children, support veterans and promote social equity."

“Through community partnerships, development projects and conservation efforts, Geico has established itself as a corporate leader in public service,” said Michelle Duke, president of the NAB Leadership Foundation. “NABLF is honored to present Geico with the Corporate Leadership Award in recognition of its incredible work to improve communities across the country.”

Among Geico's local community outreach efforts is Geico Cares as well as the Geico FastPitch program, which gives associates the opportunity to choose a charity of importance to themselves and their community and solicit donations on behalf of the charity from Geico. Last year the program helped support over 100 charities.

The Geico Philanthropic Foundation has donated to over 7,000 charities over the past 40+ years. In 2021 and 2022, the Geico Philanthropic Foundation and Geico associates provided more than 3 million meals to families in need through donations to Feeding America. The company also supports various education initiatives, including Shoes that Fit. These programs provide necessary resources and support students need for school.

“Geico is honored to receive the 2022 Corporate Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation,” said Carl Tims, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Geico. “Geico is committed to strengthening the communities in which our customers and associates live, work, and play. To that end, we have built more than 1,100 partnerships with nonprofits, social justice organizations and scholarship providers. And, we’re excited to extend this philanthropic culture and focus to include the NAB Leadership Foundation as they work to improve diversity and highlight community service.”

In addition to the in-person, black-tie Celebration of Service to America Awards ceremony for finalists, celebrity guests, senior broadcast executives, members of Congress and policymakers on June 7, a special one-hour production of the awards ceremony will be broadcast nationally on television and radio stations across the country in summer 2022.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards will also honor local television and radio stations and broadcast groups across the country for their public service and philanthropic efforts to help their communities of service throughout the year. The event also recognizes an individual for their exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others through the Service to America Leadership Award.

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Leadership Foundation presented the inaugural John D. Dingell, Jr. Award for Excellence to Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Reps. Mark Takano (D-CA-41) and Phil Roe (R-TN-1, retired) during the 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards. The televised event was premiered July 10, 2021, on broadcast stations nationwide.

The John D. Dingell, Jr. Award for Excellence recognizes members of Congress who epitomize the late congressman’s dedication to public service and his bi-partisan work to pass legislation.

Sens. Tester and Moran and Reps. Takano and Roe served as chairmen and ranking members in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the Veterans Affairs Committees of the 116th Congress. In fall 2020, the committees passed the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act and the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act, which were signed into law and represent some of the most comprehensive legislation to address veterans' mental health and suicide prevention.

“Sens. Tester and Moran and Reps. Takano and Roe demonstrated bipartisan leadership in working together to secure mental, physical and emotional support resources to help service members who have bravely served our nation,” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “Their legislation honors the legacy of Rep. Dingell’s patriotic service in the Army during World War II and almost six decades in Congress. We are proud to celebrate their work that reflects broadcasters’ commitment to raising awareness of important health and social issues in our communities.”

The Celebration of Service to America Awards are annually awarded to local broadcasters in recognition of outstanding community service. The 2021 event was presented as a televised awards ceremony featuring celebrity guests, past honorees and policymakers and is available for airing by local broadcast stations through August 14, 2021.

WASHINGTON—The finalists for the 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards have been announced by the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation, with 28 broadcast stations and groups in the running for the honors.

The Celebration of Service to America Awards recognize outstanding community service by local broadcasters. Awards are handed out to radio and TV stations, designated by categories based on ownership group and market size.

This year’s slate of finalists represent 20 states and 28 cities. In total, they donated 3,528 hours of airtime to public service and provided more than $43,440,000 in funds and donations.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Service to Community Award for Television—Ownership Group

• ABC Owned Television Stations Localish
• Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Remarkable Women 
• The E.W. Scripps Company The Rebound 
• Hearst Television Inc. Takes on Systemic Racism 

Service to Community Award for Radio—Ownership Group 

• Summit Media The Power of Radio: Giving a Voice to Silent Victims
• iHeartMedia (in partnership with Fox) Living Room Concert
• Zimmer Radio Miracle for Kids Radiothon 
• Alpha Media LLC United for Justice  

Service to Community Award for Television—Large Market

• KMGH-TV Takes on Public Safety 
• WKMG-TV Works to Make Ends Meet 
• WISN-TV Feeds the Hungry 
• WCVB-TV Responds to Two Pandemics 

Service to Community Award for Radio—Large Market 

• WBAL Kids Campaign 
• KYGO Wants to Talk 
• KTMY Rebuilds the Neighborhoods 
• WALR Takes on 2020 Election 

Service to Community Award for Television—Medium Market 

• WKBW-TV Runs Buffalo Strong-Give 7 
• WMC-TV puts School on TV 
• WMTV-TV Makes Commitment to Feed the Hungry 

Service to Community Award for Radio—Medium Market

• WSGW-AM Provides Flood Relief 
• WBHJ Community Clean Up 
• WYCT-FM Offers Hurricane Sally Relief Efforts 

Service to Community Award for Television—Small Market

• WTOK-TV One You. One Me. One Community.
• KSNT-TV We Together  
• KTVB-TV Idaho Shares 

Service to Community Award for Radio—Small Market 

• KRIB-AM Lights up the Night 
• KLQL Shares the LUV 
• KNDE-FM 136 Charities, $794,573, One Day 

“America’s local broadcasters’ fundamental commitment to public service continues to shine brighter than ever, and this year’s finalists embody the close bond between stations and their communities.” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “We look forward to celebrating these outstanding stations and honoring their critical work informing, supporting and strengthening the public in a year of unparalleled difficulties.”

After airing the virtual ceremony on TV in 2020, the 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards will once again hit the airwaves across the country as a one-hours awards ceremony, featuring celebrity guests, past honorees and policymakers. The awards will premiere on July 10 and run through Aug. 14.

WASHINGTON—There might not be a cap and gown involved, but 20 students have graduated from the NAB Leadership Foundation’s 2021 Technology Ambassador Program.

The six-month education and training series instructs its participants on the technological advancements that are growing the broadcast media industry. All those that participated received Amazon AWS and SBE certifications and learned from experts on things like NextGen TV, voice demand and radio programming, cloud computing in broadcast and IP networking fundamentals. They also provided insight and participated in focus groups to help develop new engineering and technology education programs.

Here is the full list of graduates from 2021 TAP:

• Rucha Athavale, New Jersey Institute of Technology 
• Asheeta Bothra, University of Virginia 
• Chase Browning, University of Virginia 
• Allison Burns, Appalachian State University 
• Mario Chapa, University of Texas – San Antonio 
• Maria Depasquale, George Washington University 
• Alma Duderija, Loyola University Chicago 
• Rebecca Hamilton, Bates Technical College 
• Roniecia Harris, Arizona State University 
• Krystal Holland, New York University 
• Selah Konur, Omega Studios School of Applied Recording Arts and Sciences 
• Joshua Li, University of California, Los Angeles 
• Maria Marmora, New Jersey Institute of Technology 
• Zachary Neace, Western Kentucky University 
• Wynter Pero, Omega Studios School of Applied Recording Arts and Sciences 
• Angelina Plaza, New Mexico State University 
• Jon Sanelli, Hofstra University 
• Andrew Saturnino, Union County College 
• James Shonubi, Morgan State University 
• Rachel Stapholz, Arizona State University 

“We are excited to present this year’s diverse class to the broadcasting industry,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “We are confident that their great talents will continue to bring innovation and new ideas to our industry.”

The next class of the Technology Ambassador Program will begin in October. The program is open to those pursuing a degree or attending technical school focused on a related subject.

For more information, or to apply, visit NABLF’s website. 

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation has issued the call for entries for the 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards. The annual awards recognize outstanding community service by local broadcasters.

The 2021 edition of the Celebration of Service to America Awards will present eight awards, one for TV and one for radio in the categories of Broadcast Ownership Group, Large/Major Market (TV DMAs 1-50), Medium Market (TV DMAs 51-100) and Small Market (TV DMAs 101-210).

The 2021 awards will once again be broadcast on TV as a special event, following the inaugural broadcast of the ceremony in 2020. The professionally produced one-hour program will feature celebrity guests, past honorees and D.C. policymakers. The ceremony will take place over the summer at a currently unspecified date.

The deadline for submitting entries to the 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards is going to be March 5 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

For additional information, visit servicetoamericaawards.org.  

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation’s Celebration of Service to America Awards will return to television in 2021, following its inaugural broadcast of the event this year that aired nationwide.

A pre-recording of the Celebration of Service to America Awards, which honors local radio and television stations for their community service work, was produced in lieu of the annual live event because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Nielsen, the 2020 program reached an audience of 7.5 million people, with 617 TV stations carrying it in 210 markets. The recording aired in August and September.

The 2021 ceremony will have a professionally produced broadcast for TV, expected to be available to stations next summer. There is no word on whether the traditional live event will return for 2021.

“Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you to our partners for making the 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards a success,” said Michelle Duke, president of NABLF. “We appreciate the generous support of stations that aired the event and look forward to once again producing and distributing our legacy event next summer.”

Highlights and finalist profiles from the 2020 ceremony can be found at ServicetoAmericaAwards.org. 

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation wants to guide those taking on the responsibility of a station managerial role for the first time with a new scholarship program, the First Time Manager Fellowship. Now accepting applications, the program invites women, people of color or any individual representing a small market station serving as a manager for the first time.

The First Time Manager Series will be an online course featuring interactive sessions and resources designed to help bridge the gap in management training that can be an obstacle for professionals starting out in their first supervisory role, NABLF said. The program will be divided into five parts, with curriculum covering managerial responsibility, including productive transition habits, continued professional development and progressive leadership skills.

The fellowship will fund enrollment for 10 fellows in the First Time Manager Series. Fellows will be selected through an application process and awarded by the Leadership Foundation, funded by a grant from the Nielsen Foundation.

“We look forward to providing professional development opportunities and engaging the next generation of industry leaders,” said Michelle Duke, NABLF president. “Thank you to the Nielsen Foundation for its support of this program, which will assist fellows in their first managerial roles and throughout their careers.”

The deadline to apply for the fellowship is Dec. 18. Details and eligibility requirements are available at www.nabfoundation.org.  

WASHINGTON—Seven new members have been elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Leadership Foundation, NAB announced.

The NAB Leadership Foundation works with broadcast leaders and those who wish to be. It offers training programs, career development resources and awards aimed at strengthening the industry by developing the next generation of broadcast leaders, says the foundation’s website. 

The new board members are: Artie Altman, executive vice president of The Katz Television Group, Katz Media Group; Jan Goldstein, Gray Television’s senior vice president of Human Resources; Brian Lawlor, president of Local Media for The E.W. Scripps Company; DeDe Lea, executive vice president of Global Public Policy and Government Relations at ViacomCBS; Wendy McMahon, president of ABC Owned Television Stations Group; Ralph Oakley, president and CEO of Quincy Media Inc.; and Gayle Troberman, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of iHeartMedia.

More information is available on the NAB Foundation website.

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation presented the winners of the 2020 Service to America Awards over the weekend, honoring the outstanding community service work of local broadcasters across the country. Winners were announced during the televised Celebration of Service to America Awards program.

“Over the past year, America’s local radio and television stations have demonstrated unparalleled devotion to helping families and communities in need,” said Michelle Duke, NABLF president. “We are pleased to honor these exceptional stations and celebrate this year’s winners with viewers and listeners during the first ever broadcast of the Celebration of Service to America Awards.”

Here is the list of Service to America Award winners:

• Service to Community Award for Television—Ownership Group: Gray Television, “Measure of Hate”
• Service to Community Award for Radio—Ownership Group: Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri, “Miracles for Kids Radiothon” 
• Service to Community Award for Television—Large Market: WKMG-TV, Orlando, Fla., “Driving Change: Florida’s Texting and Driving Law” 
• Service to Community Award for Radio—Major Market: KIRO-AM, Seattle, “710 ESPN Seattle and Coaching Boys Into Men” 
• Service to Community Award for Television—Medium Market: WNDU-TV, South Bend, Ind., “Never Again: Preventing Bus Stop Tragedies” 
• Service to Community Award for Radio—Medium Market: WSGW, Saginaw, Mich., “WSGW’s Sharing Hope Radiothon” 
• Service to Community Award for Television—Small Market: WJHG-TV, Panama City, Fla., “Remembering the Forgotten” 
• Service to Community Award for Radio—Small Market: WKXW-FM, Trenton, N.J., “New Jersey Judges” 

For more information, visit the Service to America Awards website. 

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundations’ Celebration of Service to America Awards will be aired on more than 500 TV and radio stations across the U.S. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. ET, according to NABLF.

The one-hour program, which honors local radio and TV stations for their community service efforts, was distributed to stations through a pro bono partnership with Disney Media Networks. Nielsen, in collaboration with NBALF, will provide TV measurement and analytic services.

The full list of participating stations can be found at ServicetoAmericaAwards.org.

The 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards, taking place virtually because of COVID-19, is hosted by Tamron Hall and will feature celebrity guests and presenters that include Glenn Close, Sharon Stone, Sterling K. Brown, Sara Evans, Tony Gonzalez and Mario Lopez.

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation has announced the creation of a Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Resource Center website for media companies and industry professionals as they strive to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Through the resource center, organizations can connect with associates and consultants that are experts in diversity, inclusion and equity (DEI) issues to enact new business strategies, launch diversity initiatives and provide education programs. There is also information about personal and professional development courses to help expand knowledge and expertise on DEI.

PLUS: NAB: Media Must 'Meet the Moment' With New Diversity Push

“As our nation engages in ongoing discussions about diversity and inclusion, NABLF is committed to helping organizations realize workplaces that are welcoming to all voices,” said Michelle Duke, NABLF president and NAB’s chief diversity officer. “By launching the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Resource Center, we can connect organizations with the expertise and experience they need to foster an open and inviting culture.”

Visit the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Resource Center website to learn more. 

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation is preparing for the 2021 edition of its Broadcast Leadership Training program, for which it is now accepting applications.

Now in its 21st year, BLT is an executive training program for the broadcast industry designed to prepare senior-level broadcasters to advance into ownership or executive positions. This includes the fundamentals of purchasing, owning and operating radio and TV stations.

NABLF especially encourages women and people of color to apply for the program.

This iteration of BLT will be a hybrid online and in-person model because of health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19. All education sessions planned through the end of 2020 will be held online. The inaugural session is scheduled to take place Sept. 24-25. The complete schedule will be announced in early October.

“As we transition to a hybrid online and in-person model, we look forward to expanding the reach of the Broadcast Leadership Training program,” said Diane Sutter, BLT program founder and dean, as well as the founder and CEO of ShootingStar Broadcasting. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we cultivate the next class of diverse industry leaders and equip them with the knowledge and training to advance their careers.”

The application deadline for the 2021 BLT program is Aug. 19. For more information or to apply for the BLT program, visit www.nabfoundation.org.  

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation is awarding its 2020 Celebration of Service to America Corporate Leadership Award to SC Johnson.

The annual honor is given to a leading business outside the broadcast industry that exemplifies “an extraordinary focus on community service and corporate social responsibility,” according to NABLF.

SC Johnson is a manufacturer of household cleaning products, products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products. The company has a stated mission to be at work for a better world. It has attempted to do so in part by giving back 5% of its pre-tax profits to charities every year since 1937.

In more recent examples, SC Johnson has been helping to battle COVID-19, committing $15 million to assist families and communities around the world. Specific examples of their efforts include:

• Donating 80,000 SC Johnson product care packages to U.S. health care workers and first respondents; 
• A $1 million donation to the CDC Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund;  
• Providing more than $4 million in financial support and product donations to COVID-19 response efforts in Europe and Latin America;  
• Giving $1 million to Save the Children to educate and enable children worldwide to cope with the current pandemic and respond to future health crises; 
• Donating more than 300,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to health care workers, first responders and frontline workers across the U.S.; and 
• Providing meals, snacks, books to school children and care packages to health care workers and first responders around its home of Racine, Wis. 

SC Johnson also launched a global partnership with Plastic Bank in 2019 to help address the ocean plastic crisis, creating more than 500 plastic collection points across five countries.

“We are thrilled to honor this exemplary company for their dedication, generosity and commitment to serving both local and international communities,” said Michelle Duke, NABLF president and NAB chief diversity officer. “SC Johnson has set a high bar for corporate social responsibility and philanthropy and is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.”

Fisk Johnson, SC Johnson chairman and CEO, will accept the award and give a message during the televised 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards program on Aug. 22.

For more information, visit www.nabfoundation.org. 

WASHINGTON—The finalists for the 2020 Service to America Awards have been announced by the NAB Leadership Foundation, which recognize outstanding community service by local broadcasters.

Here is the full list of TV finalists by category:

Service to Community Award for Television—Ownership Group

Service to Community Award for Television—Large Market

Service to Community Award for Television—Medium Market

Service to Community Award for Television—Small Market

The full list of nominees, which includes radio broadcasters, is available here.

One winner from each category will be announced during the Celebration of Service to America Awards, which will be pre-recorded and then made accessible online as well as for broadcast radio and TV stations to air on a specific date in late August. The original celebration was scheduled to take place June 9, but had to be canceled because of COVID-19.

“America’s radio and television stations’ dedication to public service shines brightly in local communities every day, and continually ensures the safety and well-being of viewers and listeners,” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “We look forward to celebrating broadcasters who have gone above and beyond to serve communities and families in need, and we are thrilled to honor broadcasters’ service with audiences across the country.”

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation has announced that its 2020 Celebration of Service to America Award event that was slated for June 9 will transition to a virtual event later in the summer in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Leadership Foundation says that because of the social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as broadcasters being focused on other issues related to the pandemic, “it is impossible to host a celebration during this time.”

The virtual event will still serve as a way to recognize station honorees, partners, political leaders and the entire broadcast industry, highlighting community service efforts in 2019 and the recent efforts of broadcasters related to COVID-19.

“As our world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, our thoughts are with those who have been directly affected by the virus,” NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke wrote to the broadcast community. “Our gratitude is with you as you and your team continue to perform the responsibilities, duties and commitment that come with being a broadcaster.”

Additional information regarding the move to a virtual event will be shared in the coming weeks, NAB Leadership Foundation says. No date for the virtual event has been provided at this time.

More information is available at the Celebration of Service to America Awards website. 

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation launched an online education series for first-time radio and television station managers as they transition from individual contributor to experienced team leader.

The First Time Manager Series uses interactive sessions and offers online resources to help bridge the gaps in management training for new supervisors. It teaches them to communicate, delegate and motivate more effectively.

“The NAB Leadership Foundation noticed a gap in training for new managers and responded by developing this program to provide the tools and resources necessary to help them succeed,” said Michelle Duke, NAB Leadership Foundation president.

The five-part curriculum covers managerial responsibilities through guided role-play, applicable practice exercises and self-audits. 

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation has found the successor to long-time President Marcellus Alexander, announcing that current Vice President Michelle Duke will become the new president.

Alexander, who had been the NABLF’s president since 2004, is set to retire on June 30. Duke, who has been vice president since 2010, will see her promotion to president take effect as of July 1.

As president, Duke will focus on delivering the Foundation’s mission of providing broadcast training programs that help recruit and strengthen the industry’s human capital, as well as initiatives in support of community service, diversity and philanthropy.

“Michelle is a valued colleague and an effective leader whose dedication to the mission of NABLF has been instrumental to its success” said Darrell Brown, NABLF Board chairman. “I congratulate Michelle on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to a bright future for the Foundation under her stewardship.”

Duke began her career as a journalist before joining the NAB in 2005 as the director of Diversity and Development; she became vice president of Diversity in 2009. As vice president of the NABLF, she oversaw the day-to-day operations and developed and managed industry programs in diversity and leadership.

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation’s Corporate Leadership Award, which is given to a business outside of the broadcast industry that focuses on community service and corporate social responsibility, will be presented to LG Electronics USA for 2019.

The North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc, LG Electronics USA has provided leadership in the U.S. when it comes to environmental sustainability, social impact, employee volunteerism and disaster relief efforts.

A highlight of their efforts is the “Life’s Good: Experience Happiness” initiative, which strives for positive change in people’s lives, with a goal to deliver sustainable happiness skills to 5.5 million young adults by 2021. Working with the University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, LG has identified six learnable skills linked to happiness: mindfulness, human connection, positive outlook, purpose, generosity and gratitude. The initiative engages leading nonprofit partners and educational resource providers to raise awareness and increase youth access to the six sustainable happiness skills.

The LG initiative is now in its second year and has reportedly impacted 1.8 million teens across the country through curriculum implementation projects, International Day of Happiness events and high school programs that promote social-emotional learning.

NABLF will present the Corporate Leadership Award to LG Electronics USA during the Celebration of Service to America Awards that will take place on June 11 in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON—John Legend will have to clear a spot on his already over-crowded mantle for another honor, as the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation is recognizing his work to promote social justice and equality with the 2019 Service to America Leadership Award.

Considered NABLF’s highest honor, the Service to America Leadership Award honors individuals and organizations who improve the lives of others through extraordinary public service.

The multi-platinum singer-songwriter and EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards)—among many others—has given back to his community through various philanthropic initiatives. In 2007 he launched the Show Me Campaign designed to provide children with equal access to education and address systemic issues in the criminal justice system that disproportionately impact poor and minority communities. He started LRNG Innovators in 2014, in partnership with the National Writing Project and the MacArthur Foundation, to empower teachers and inspire innovation in education. He also founded FREEAMERICA, a campaign to raise awareness and work to end mass incareration.

In addition, Legend serves on the Board of Directors of Harlem Village Academies and Management Leadership for Tomorrow, and on the advisory board for The Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Teach for All.

NABLF will present the Service to America Leadership Award to Legend at the Celebration of Service to America Awards at the Anthem in Washington, D.C., on June 11. He will be joined by fellow winners, listed here.

WASHINGTON—Local broadcasters serve their communities by providing them with news and entertainment, but they often also provide a helping hand in the form of community service. It is this area that the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation recognizes with its annual Celebration of Service to America Awards, officially announcing the recipients for the 2019 iteration of the awards.

Here is the list of winners:

Service to Community Award for Television - Ownership Group: Hearst Television Inc., “Commitment 2018”

Category Finalists: Graham Media Group, Raycom Media, TEGNA

Service to Community Award for Radio - Ownership Group: Beasley Media Group, “Beasley Best Community of Caring”

Service to Community Award for Television - Large Market: WKMG-TV, Orland, Fla.; “Legislative Lifeline for First Responders”

Category Finalists: KOB-TV, Albuquerque, N.M.; KING-TV, Seattle; WGAL-TV, Lancaster, Pa.; WCVB-TV, Boston

Service to Community Award for Radio - Major Market: WMMR-FM, Philadelphia; “Preston and Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger”

Category Finalists: KTAR-FM, Phoenix; WSB-AM, Atlanta; WEDR, WFLC, WFEX, WHQT, Hollywood, Fla.

Service to Community Award for Television - Medium Market: WREG, Memphis, Tenn.; “Go Jim Go!”

Category Finalists: WAFB-TV, Baton Rouge, La.; WTOC-TV, Savannah, Ga.; KWQC-TV, Davenport, Iowa

Service to Community Award for Radio - Medium Market: WYCT-FM, Pensacola, Fla.; “WYCT Cat Country 98.7 and Santa Rosa Kids House

Category Finalists: WOKQ, WSAK, WPKQ, WSHK, Dover, N.H.

Service to Community Award for Television - Small Market: WCTV, Tallahassee, Fla.

Category Finalists: WECT-TV, Wilmington, N.C.; WJHG-TV, Panama City, Fla.; KOAM-TV, Pittsburgh, Kan.

Service to Community Award for Radio - Small Market: WLEN-FM, Adrian, Mich.; “Thank a Vet”

Category Finalists: WDBR-FM, WLFZ-FM, Springfield, Ill.; KCLR-FM, Columbia, Mo.

“This year’s STA winners epitomize broadcasters’ devotion to positively impacting their communities and creating a lasting difference. We look forward to recognizing their exceptional work,” said NABLF President Marcellus Alexander.

The Celebration of Service to America dinner, where the winners will be recognized, will take place on June 11 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.