BFOA Names New Leadership Award Recipients

The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Leadership Awards, Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award, and Chairman’s Award. The awards honor some of the biggest names and most influential leaders in broadcasting. The honorees will be presented with their award at the BFOA Annual Breakfast, Wednesday, April 22, at 7 am, in the Beethoven Room of The Encore Resort during the NAB Show in Las Vegas.

The 2026 Leadership Award honorees are: 

• Heather Cohen, President, The Weiss Agency
• April Carty-Sipp, Executive Vice President, Industry Affairs at NAB
• Michael J. Hayes, President, Hearst Television
• Mike Hulvey, President & Chief Executive Officer, Radio Advertising Bureau
• Chad Matthews, President, ABC-Owned Television Stations
• Alissa Pollack, Executive Vice President, Global Music Marketing, iHeart

The Leadership Awards are given annually in recognition of career contributions to the broadcast industry and the community at large.

John Catsimatidis

The 2026 Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award honoree is:

• John Catsimatidis, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, WABC Radio/Red Apple Media

The Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award is bestowed annually on an individual in broadcasting whose work exemplifies innovation, community service, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

The 2026 Chairman’s Award honoree is:

• Deborah Norville, Emmy-winning Broadcast Journalist

The Chairman’s Award is bestowed on an individual in recognition of their contribution to the broadcast industry.

The Broadcasters Foundation Annual Breakfast is complimentary to everyone in broadcasting, although registration is strictly required. To register, broadcast professionals may click here, call 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.

The BFOA is the only charity devoted exclusively to providing financial aid to broadcast professionals in acute need due to critical illness or disaster.