Don Benson to Receive National Radio Award

Don Benson

Don Benson, who served for over a decade as president and chief executive officer of Lincoln Financial Media Company, will receive the National Radio Award during the Radio Luncheon on Wednesday, September 21. The 2016 Radio Show, produced by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), will be held September 21-23 in Nashville.

“Don Benson has advanced the radio business with his strategic and thoughtful leadership," said NAB Executive Vice President of Radio John David. "This recognition is timely and fitting for Don, who is held in the highest regard for his integrity and genuine commitment and service to broadcasting.”

As president and chief executive officer of Lincoln Financial Media Company (LFMC) from 2008-2015, Benson oversaw all aspects relating to LFMC's 15 radio stations in Atlanta, Miami, San Diego and Denver. Named chief executive officer of LFMC in May, 2008, he was appointed president of the company’s radio division in January, 2005; in addition, he previously served more than 10 years as the company’s corporate senior vice-president of operations/programming. Benson has more than 40 years of media experience, including more than 30 years with Lincoln Financial Media (and previous owner Jefferson-Pilot) and seven years as a programming consultant.

Benson began his career at WMAK/Nashville, before joining Jefferson-Pilot in 1974 at WQXI AM/FM in Atlanta. He served as vice president of operations at KIIS-FM in Los Angeles and as corporate vice president of programming for Western Cities Broadcasting. He was executive vice president of operations for Burkhart/Douglas & Associates, an Atlanta-based media consulting firm, prior to rejoining Jefferson-Pilot in 1994.

Benson served multiple terms on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors and as Radio Board Chair for three consecutive terms. In addition, he also served as a multi-year member of the Board of Directors of the Radio Advertising Bureau and as Chair of the Arbitron Advisory Council, representing the top 50 continuously rated radio markets.

Benson has received numerous industry accolades, including The Media Financial Management Association's Avatar Award, its highest honor, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the communications industry and exemplary role in community service. In December 2014, he was chosen as Radio Executive of the Year by Radio Ink. In 2010, he was inducted into the Vanderbilt University Student Media Hall of Fame, and in 2009, was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.