The B&C Hall of Fame is Tonight
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

We're excited to celebrate the B&C Hall of Fame class of 2024, including our current board members, Philip Beuth, Valari Dobson Staab, Scott Herman, Steve Lanzano, William McGorry, and generous contributors Mario Gabelli and George Stephanopoulos! Without these steadfast supporters, the BFOA would not be able to sustain and expand our mission to reach every broadcast professional in need. Thank you.

We especially want to take a moment to acknowledge the induction of our Chairman, Scott Herman. His dedication to the BFOA's mission sets an example for us each day and we thank him for his insight, generosity, and kind spirit. Congratulations!

As part of a new series, BFOA Take Five, our fall intern, Zach Badalamenti, interviewed Chris Forgy, President & CEO of Saga Communications. Joining Saga Communications in 1995, Chris has dedicated his career to furthering the broadcast industry.

ZB: Why did you pursue a career in the broadcasting industry?

CF: I was raised in the industry. Back when I was a kid, I used to go to the Saturday morning sales meetings with my dad. I remember messing around the station and getting to meet so many incredible people like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and the Beatles. I have been enamored with the showbiz side of the industry ever since. 

ZB: What qualities do you possess that were helpful or beneficial to reaching your level of success?

CF: I am not the typical CEO, but I think that’s to my advantage. I’m extremely transparent. I’m sincere in my communications skills; there’s no hidden agenda. I don’t have a filter; I like to say I had it removed surgically. Although some people may not like the direct nature of what I say, I think they appreciate knowing where they stand as far as I see them. The other thing I think is critical is that I am very willing to pour myself into people who are willing to grow because I care deeply about my people. I believe it that my staff are our most precious resource.

ZB: How do you motivate yourself and the people around you?
CF: I don’t believe people can be motivated, but you can create stimuli for them to be motivated. As a leader, you cannot control the people around you nor can you be a mind-reader or read their heart. The only thing we can really do as leaders is observe their behavior and create a transparent environment where people feel safe, respected, challenged, and inspired so that they can find fulfillment and success in their careers and their lives.

ZB: What advice would you give to your young self that you had wished someone told you?
CF: Your mentors don’t choose you; you choose them. I think that I was very fortunate and chose people I was able to trust and look to for advice. In some cases, I didn’t follow their advice because of my own belief system. I think if you choose the right people to help mold you and you trust them, you’ll get to where you want to go.

ZB: Why do you support the BFOA?
CF: Have you ever had someone say to you, why do you take it so personally? I couldn’t disagree with that more because I think it’s all personal. When you spend as much time and energy away from your family investing in people, it’s all personal. When I was at the BFOA breakfast [during the NABshow], I saw the videos of the impact the foundation had made on people’s lives, I had to be a part of it. It was personal.

About Zach Badalamenti

An Oakland native, Zach is a journalism major in the Fordham University Class of 2025. Initially joining as a summer intern, our team was excited to welcome Zach for a second semester. You can reach out to Zach on LinkedIn.

The BFOA Internship Program is generously sponsored by the NY State Broadcasters Association.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Each September brings cooler weather, back to school excitement, and fall television premieres! This month, BFOA spotlights our local broadcast partners with a rundown of some of the most anticipated network shows of the season!

ABC saw High Potential with its new series premiering on Sep 17 and keeps the (mirror) ball rolling with a new season of Dancing with the Stars (Sep 17), The Golden Bachelorette (Sep 18), and Doctor Odyssey (Sep 26). 

CBS kicks off their lineup with a new season of Survivor (Sept 18), launches Matlock (Sep 22) and NCIS: Origins (Oct 14), and brings back Tracker on Oct 13 and the FBI Universe (FBI, FBI: International, FBI: Most Wanted) on Oct 15. Not to mention Young Sheldon prequel George & Mandy's First Marriage, premiering Oct 17. 

Fox introduces Universal Basic Guys  during their Sunday animation night featuring The Simpsons and Bob's Burgers (Sep 8), launches Rescue: HI-Surf (Sep 22) and Murder in a Small Town (Sep 24), and returns with hit 9-1-1: Lone Star returning Sep 23. 

NBC enters the field with the new Brilliant Minds (Sept 23), brings back its One Chicago trifecta on Sep 25 (Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D.), with flagship shows Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit returning on Oct 3. New shows Happy's Place (Oct 18) and St. Denis Medical (Nov 12) round things out.

The CW rounds out our list with new series Joan launching Oct 2 followed by Sullivan's Crossing, Superman & Lois (Oct 7), and The Wranglers (Oct 7). 

Let's not forget our friends at PBS... Ken Burns' latest documentary, Leonardo da Vinci, premieres Nov 18. 

And there is so much more to see! Be sure to tune into your local network affiliate to watch!