Craig Melvin to Host BFA's 2019 Golden Mike Award Gala

Two of the biggest names in broadcast news and country music will join the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s 2019 Golden Mike Award gala to honor Perry A. Sook, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Craig Melvin

Craig Melvin, news anchor of NBC News’ “TODAY” and MSNBC anchor, will host the evening, which will include a performance by superstar duo Sugarland. The 2019 Golden Mike Award Dinner and Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The annual event is a major fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation of America, the only charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcasters in acute need.

Melvin is recognized for his reporting on topical issues. He’s covered a wide range of news events, including several Republican and Democratic National Conventions, two presidential inaugurations, tragic mass shootings in cities across America, the death of Muhammed Ali, the EgyptAir MS804 crash, the Oklahoma tornado, and police-involved shootings and subsequent protests in Baltimore and Ferguson. He contributed to NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Melvin has received two Emmy Awards and was named “Best Anchor” by the South Carolina Broadcaster’s Association.

Sugarland

Grammy Award-winning duo Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush recently released their first Sugarland album in nearly six years with Bigger. Released through a joint venture with Big Machine Records and UMG Nashville, Bigger includes the hit single “Babe” featuring Taylor Swift. Since their inception in 2002, Sugarland has sold nearly 10 million albums domestically, earned seven No. 1 singles, and achieved multi-platinum and gold success with hits like “All I Want to Do,” “Stay,” “Stuck Like Glue,” “Settlin’,” and more.  Their critical and mainstream appeal have been magnified with industry accolades – five consecutive CMA Awards, five ACM Awards and GRAMMY® Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best Country Song for “Stay.” Sugarland’s performance is provided courtesy of BMI® (Broadcast Music, Inc.®).

Peter Sook

Perry Sook has over 38 years of professional experience in the broadcasting industry, covering all facets of the business. He founded Nexstar in 1996 with one local television station in Scranton, PA and began building the foundation of what is today one of the world’s leading local diversified media companies, with 174 stations reaching 100 markets and annual revenue in excess of $2.4 billion. The Nexstar team is comprised of more than 9,000 talented people across the United States united by a common vision, commitment to localism and a passion for professional excellence in local broadcasting and public service. As one of the nation’s leading providers of local news, entertainment, sports, lifestyle and network programming, Nexstar produces and distributes over 203,000 hours of local content per year across its television and digital platforms.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America’s Golden Mike Award gala attracts a who’s who of broadcast media executives and celebrities. Previous recipients include Emily Barr, David Barrett, Michael Bloomberg, Bob Pittman, Gordon Smith, Jeff Smulyan, and more. For information, or to reserve a seat or table, please contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed millions of dollars in aid to broadcasters who have lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease or unforeseen tragedy. Personal donations can be made to the Foundation’s Guardian Fund. Corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative, and bequests can be made through the Legacy Society. For more information, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250.