WASHINGTON, D.C. — He’s described as “a celebrated media strategist, programmer, talent coach and industry leader” and is also the individual who helped make Stephen A. Smith one of the most popular sports commentators in the U.S. today. Come October 21, this radio industry icon will be honored with the 2025 NAB National Radio Award in New York.
Mike McVay, President of McVay Media and a longtime Adult Contemporary radio programming executive, will receive the honor during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards ahead of the NAB Show New York conference and expo.
“NAB is thrilled to recognize Mike for his remarkable contributions to the radio industry over the past four decades,” said NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Mike’s deep expertise, creative vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped countless careers, inspired new generations of broadcasters and driven innovation in every corner of the audio industry. His ability to nurture talent and create programming that resonates with audiences makes him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”
McVay’s resume includes a tenure as Executive VP of Content and Programming for Cumulus Media and the Westwood One radio network. As a talent coach, he’s worked with individuals including Soledad O’Brien, Reba McEntire, John Tesh and Delilah, with whom he co-created her wildly popular longtime nationally syndicated radio show.
McVay is also slated for induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame. He’s also received recognition as a 2024 Giant of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation and received the 2024 Leadership Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
He currently serves on the boards of Country Radio Broadcasters, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, as well as on the Media Committee for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
