Mark Lazarus to Receive 2026 BFOA Golden Mic Award
New York, NY – November 24, 2025 – Mark Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer of VERSANT, an industry-changing media company with a strong portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, and former Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, will be honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) with the 2026 Golden Mic Award on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The annual black-tie Golden Mic gala is the biggest fundraiser for the BFOA, which is devoted exclusively to helping radio and television professionals in need of financial assistance due to critical illness or tragedy.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Golden Mic Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America, an organization that stands at the heart of our industry’s values – service, compassion, and community,” said Lazarus. “Broadcasting has always been about connecting people, and the Foundation’s work reminds us of the profound responsibility and privilege we have to support one another, especially in times of need.”
As CEO, Lazarus leads all aspects of VERSANT, a future publicly traded company comprised of a strong portfolio of cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel, along with complementary digital assets including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, and Sports Engine.
Prior to VERSANT, Lazarus served as Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group where he oversaw NBCUniversal’s TV and Streaming platforms, distribution and monetization. As Chairman, he renewed NBC’s Olympics rights deal and negotiated a contract extension to air the Olympics through the 2032 Games. Under his leadership, Paris 2024 Summer Olympics reached record-breaking engagement and cross-platform viewership. Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Lazarus served as the President of Turner Entertainment Group and President of Media and Marketing of Career & Sport Entertainment.
“A trailblazer in broadcasting, Mark is a highly respected television executive known for his leadership and ability to carve out innovative paths to success, including forming strong bonds with partners,” stated Scott Herman, Chair of the Broadcasters Foundation. “We are delighted to recognize his many contributions to broadcasting with the 2026 Golden Mic Award.”
The BFOA Golden Mic Award is presented annually to an individual for their excellence in and commitment to broadcasting, and their ongoing service to the community at large.
The BFOA Golden Mic Award ceremony and dinner attracts a who’s-who of broadcast media executives and celebrities. Previous Golden Mic recipients include: Brian Lawlor, President, Scripps Sports, Jordan Wertlieb, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hearst; Bob Pittman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of iHeartMedia; David Barrett, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Hearst Television; Perry Sook, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nexstar Media Group; Emily Barr, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Graham Media Group; Hilton Howell, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Gray Television; and Jack Abernethy, Chief Executive Officer of FOX Television Stations; among others.
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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