Star Power Lights Up the Plaza as BFOA Hosts Celebrity-Filled Gala
Annual gala raises critical funds to support broadcasters facing acute hardship due to illness, accident, or natural disaster
New York, New York – March 10, 2026 – Broadcasting’s biggest personalities mixed with television stars and media celebrities last evening as the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) transformed The Plaza in New York City into a who’s who of the industry at its annual gala, drawing nearly 300 leaders from radio and television for a night that celebrated broadcasting excellence while raising funds for colleagues in need.
Among the celebrities turning out for the evening were David Lasher of the hit series Blossom and Beverly Hills, 90210; Christine Taylor, film actress, including Dodgeball; Michael Kay, New York Yankees television announcer and ESPN Radio host; Jodi Applegate, journalist and television host seen on MSNBC and NBC; legendary radio personality Scott Shannon, known for his iconic runs at Z100 and WPLJ and as a VH1 television host; Deborah Norville, longtime BFOA Board member and veteran television journalist; Arthur Aidala, prominent attorney and talk show host; Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight; and NBC television personality Willie Geist.
The gala also honored several of broadcasting’s most influential figures. Stephen A. Smith received the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award; Ernest A. Liebre, Senior Vice President and Institutional Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, was presented with the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award; Mark Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer of VERSANT and former Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, received the BFOA Golden Mic Award; and Judge Judy Sheindlin was honored with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award.
FOX 5’s Natasha Verma hosted the evening’s program as industry leaders, on-air talent, and media executives gathered in support of the Broadcasters Foundation’s charitable mission.
Proceeds from the gala support the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s work providing financial assistance to broadcasters and their families facing acute hardship due to illness, accident, or natural disaster.
Pictured above (L to R): BFOA President Tim McCarthy, Stephen A. Smith, Judge Judy Sheindlin; Mark Lazarus; BFOA Chair Scott Herman; and Ernest A. Liebre (Photo Credit: Riccardi Media)
About the Broadcasters Foundation of America: www.broadcastersfoundation.org
The mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America is to improve the quality of life for 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, accident, and other serious misfortune. The Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity and has received 4 stars from Charity Navigator, its highest rating, and a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid/Guidestar.
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