In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, our grantees wanted to express their gratitude to the BFOA community. The messages we receive show that BFOA's support not only provides financial stability, but brings hope - something much needed this giving season.

Bernard Comisar who worked in management for WXEL Public Radio and Television, notes that, “Knowing that the foundation is there to provide stability and relief offers both comfort and encouragement. Please know that your kindness does not go unnoticed and is profoundly valued.”

Dylan Rudisill, a traffic reporter and producer, said that his grant has been “the only stable foundation” he has had during his incredibly difficult treatment period.

Tina Mastramico, an on-air talent in California said, “Right away, I felt an incredible amount of relief and hope! I am deeply grateful for the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s compassion and generosity!  You are my heroes."  

Kenneth Ward, a master control operator from Florida explained after his unexpected Stage 4 Kidney Failure diagnosis, the BFOA stepped up. “This grant helps me live a normal life. I can't thank BFOA enough for this crucial help!!!!”

Michelle Heinzman from Georgia  added that there are “no words” to express her gratitude to the BFOA for all they have done for her and her family, and that, “ I hope one day I can give back to the BFOA as you all have played an integral part of my life.  Again, thank you sincerely for helping my family.” 

Stories like these are the cornerstone of the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. You can hear more from our grant recipients at www.broadcastersfoundation.org/ourstories.

Life throws us many curve balls, such as cancer, critical illness diagnoses, accidents, unforeseen emergencies, natural disasters, and the difficulties of advanced age that may require around-the-clock care or relocation to assisted living facilities.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals in the broadcasting community by providing a crucial lifeline when these challenges arise, treating each case with dignity and confidentiality.

It’s all about our community. The  BFOA supports the wide-ranging sectors of  radio and television broadcasting, including on-air talent, engineers, producers, sales, marketing, finance, and administrative staff. Broadcasting cannot function without the community effort and our shared goals. Please help us spread the word about our mission to your colleagues — BFOA is here to help.

As the year draws to a close, we would like to express our gratitude to those who support our mission through contributions, sponsorships, event participation, and by sharing our message throughout the industry. Our Board of Directors and Officers have worked tirelessly , and we appreciate their efforts to keep this vital resource available to everyone across the country.

To ensure that the BFOA continues to be here for years to come, we need your support. We humbly ask you to consider making a donation to help sustain our mission. Every contribution makes a difference!

We’re back with another Take Five! As we continue to promote future broadcasters, our intern, Ricky Hubert (Hofstra University, Class of 2026), spent some time with Heather Cohen, President of The Weiss Agency, an agency that provides a broad range of representation services to talent, management, podcasters, advertisers and media companies. Heather additionally serves on the BFOA's Board of Directors and as chair of the individual giving Guardian Fund. Heather and Ricky discussed the importance of involving young people with the Broadcasters Foundation and why the BFOA's mission is so important to Heather.

RH: What do you love most about being in broadcasting?

HC: I continue to be energized and motivated by the passionate content creators that Eric Weiss and I represent. The special connection between the broadcaster and their audience is more important than ever. I have witnessed firsthand how radio and television personalities are often the only companion a listener (or viewer) may have during a natural disaster. As a producer at WOR Radio at the very beginning of my career, I knew the impact we had in the Tri-State area when 9/11 happened. I learned the importance of engaging, informing and entertaining an audience. It is a tremendous responsibility that still excites me. Broadcasters are a large family made up of those behind the scenes, in front of the camera or behind the microphone, in sales, production or engineering. I am proud to be a member of this large and impactful family.

RH: Looking at current trends, what advice would you give to those who want to break into broadcasting?

HC: Go in with an understanding that you have to be a multi-platform performer. That means being successful over the air, in podcasting, streaming, on socials and of course, in person. You must be willing to work hard on multiple platforms to thrive in our industry. You can never stop reading, learning and evolving. I force myself to reinvent constantly, even if it is time consuming or frustrating.

RH: As a talent agent, how do we engage successful talent with the mission of the BFOA?

HC: It is our responsibility to educate and inform talent as to what this incredible foundation does. There is no one better than a personality to share our important mission with their peers and friends.  Every talent at one point, or another, has needed a little help or guidance, as they have built their careers. By spreading the word of BFOA it is the perfect opportunity to pay it forward. At the Broadcasters Foundation we have started a very successful program known as Media Mixers. These are gatherings of broadcasters from Radio and TV where they can mingle, hear from those who have been helped by the BFOA, and are encouraged to spread the word. This is about media-types helping those among us who need it the most.  We have been hosting broadcasters in markets across the US and plan to do more. The Media Mixers have also taken place at talent oriented industry conferences. Everything we are doing is to heighten awareness of the purpose behind the Broadcasters Foundation of America.

RH: You serve on BFOA Board of Directors and as Guardian Fund chair, why is giving back to this cause so important to you?

HC: I have been so fortunate to see how BFOA Grants have drastically changed the lives of their recipients. I have spoken to recipients, hugged them and have heard their heartwarming stories. Some have shared their gratitude to the BFOA for being the only true assistance in their lives, during exceptionally hard times. My wish is that EVERY broadcaster becomes aware of our existence. I hope they understand our mission and will spread the word and perhaps make a donation, that is meaningful to them. I was fortunate to hear about the BFOA as a very young broadcaster, from my bosses at WOR Radio, Rick Buckley and Joe Bilotta. I implore station owners and large groups to be sure to create awareness in their buildings.  

RH: As an industry veteran, why do you feel that young people should be made aware of the BFOA?

HC: We need every young person to be aware of the mission and existence of the BFOA. We hope they will spread the word, get involved, and make it a part of their lives in the broadcasting industry. Sadly, I have several friends who have told me that they wished that they had been aware of the existence of BFOA years ago, when a co-worker fell on hard times. Young people entering broadcasting have an infectious energy and we need them to carry on our mission.  A special thanks to you, Ricky. We are thrilled to have you as a BFOA intern and I know you know you will do incredible things for our industry. You are off to a great start!

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About our intern, Ricky Hubert: Ricky Hubert is a senior at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University. He aspires to work in New York City radio and is honored to be interning with the BFOA this fall. Follow Ricky on LinkedIn.

The BFOA Intern program is generously sponsored by the New York State Broadcasters Association.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Launched in 2023, the goal of our Media Mixer event series is to inform our colleagues around the country of the BFOA's unique and critical mission... and the District did not disappoint!

Special thank you to our partners at NAB, including our host, NAB President & CEO Curtis LeGeyt, for letting us take over your beautiful space on M Street. Curtis was joined by our special guests, NBC News Chief Justice and National Affairs Correspondent Kelly O’Donnell and Joel Oxley, President & General Manager of Hubbard Radio’s WTOP. We thank them for sharing their stories and passion for radio and television broadcasting.

It wouldn't be a celebration without wine and spirits generously provided by Patz & Hall, Glenfiddich, and The Balvenie. And we couldn't have made it happen without our generous sponsors, Katz Media Group, Taishoff Family Foundation, and TVB. 

If you missed our event this time, keep an eye out for future Media Mixers at  www.broadcastersfoundation.org/events and be sure to follow us @BroadcastersFDN for all the latest updates.

Please share our message with your colleagues. If you or someone you know is in need of financial support, BFOA is here to help.

As the giving season gets into full swing, please consider making a donation to the BFOA: the financial lifeline for our community. 

From all of us at the BFOA, 
we wish you a safe and happy holiday!