The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) is honoring its former president — the late Jim Thompson — with a home page takeover on its website. Thompson, who passed away a year ago on Aug. 14, became president of the foundation in 2008. At the conclusion of his 14-year tenure, BFOA said Thompson had led the charity to raise $10 million, “quadrupling the amount of financial aid awarded to radio and TV professionals in need from debilitating illness, accident or disaster,” according to a press release.
“A true leader and exceptional human being, Jim helped everyone all the time. That’s the kind of person he was,” said BFOA Chair Scott Herman in the release. “I am proud to have known Jim for nearly 40 years as a colleague and a friend. He is sorely missed.”
During his long career, BFOA said Thompson also served as the president and CEO of Group W Radio and co-owner of Liberty Broadcasting. He created the Radio-Mercury Awards, served on the boards of the Radio Advertising Bureau and the Advertising Council and was vice chair of the Pennsylvania State Broadcasters Association.
Posthumously, Thompson was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and The Radio Hall of Fame.
“Jim believed deeply in helping others,” said Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Jim combined his compassion for others with his exceptional leadership qualities to rally others to donate and help those in our industry who need it most. It was hard to say no to Jim. He always got you to say yes.”
Upon Thompson’s passing, BFOA created The Jim Thompson Memorial Fund, which remains open in his honor. The fund honors his legacy by providing financial aid to Radio and TV professionals in acute need.
Per the BFOA website, the Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity that reaches out across the country to identify and provide an anonymous safety net to broadcasters in cases of critical illness, advanced age, death of a spouse, accident and other serious misfortune.
