Bob Pittman
iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman will receive the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s 2016 Golden Mike Award.
“As an architect of today’s iHeartMedia, Bob’s focus on innovation and his deep belief in broadcast radio has expanded radio into new areas and platforms, and we are proud to recognize his contributions to broadcasting,” said Broadcasters Foundation Vice Chairman Dan Mason in the announcement.
Pittman will be recognized Feb. 29 at the Plaza Hotel in New York at the organization’s annual gala, which raises funds to benefit the mission of providing aid to broadcasters in need.
He began working in radio as an on-air announcer in Mississippi at age 15. He went on to become the co-founder and programmer of MTV. Pittman has worked as CEO of MTV Networks, AOL Networks, Six Flags Theme Parks, Quantum Media, Century 21 Real Estate and Time Warner Enterprises. He was also chief operating officer of America Online Inc. and later of AOL Time Warner and is a founding member of investment firm Pilot Group LLC. He has also programmed a number of radio stations, including WNBC in New York.
Pittman has served as chairman of New York’s Public Theater and as former chairman of the Robin Hood Foundation. He is also on the boards of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Alliance for Lupus Research.
“Radio reaches more Americans than any other medium, the best friend in the seat next to them and their trusted companion and information source across multiple platforms. I feel extremely fortunate to be in broadcasting during the most exciting time in our industry’s history,” said Pittman. “I am grateful to the Broadcasters Foundation for this honor, and I thank them for their deep commitment to supporting our broadcast colleagues in their times of need.”
The Broadcasters Foundation, a 501(c) 3 public charity, distributes aid to broadcasters who have lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease, or unforeseen tragedy. Donations can be made to the Guardian Fund and corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative. Bequests can also be made through the Foundation’s Legacy Society.
