NEW YORK — With accolades from esteemed colleagues including the retired Chairman and CEO of the company he serves as Chief Operating Officer for, Jordan Wertlieb of Hearst was fêted in style on Monday evening as the Broadcasters Foundation of America awarded the executive with its Golden Mic Award at a gala event held at the Plaza Hotel.
With former Hearst head David Barrett in attendance, Wertlieb was honored by Hearst Corporation SVP Michael J. Hayes and by the retired Graham Media Group President/CEO, Emily Barr.
The event also paid homage to the legacy of the late Phil Lombardo, the former BFOA Chairman and founder of television station owner Citadel Communications. Lombardo, whose stewardship saw the Foundation’s annual financial assistance skyrocket from $60,000 to nearly $850,000, was remembered for his thirteen years of dedicated service.
Journalist Soledad O’Brien emceed the event as its host, as the BFOA also honored Inside Edition anchor Deborah Norville with the 2024 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award.
Norville has been a Broadcasters Foundation Board Member for 23 years.
Entertainment for the night was provided by singer Pete Caldera, known for his renditions of classic hits by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
The event was more than a night of reflection and celebration; it was also a meaningful fundraiser to support the BFOA’s crucial mission. The foundation, set to deliver approximately $1.8 million in aid in 2024, continues its commitment to providing assistance to broadcasters facing hardship.
— With reporting by Cameron Coats
