The new, soon to be, recipient of the National Radio Award has been announced. Don Benson, the former president and chief executive officer of Lincoln Financial Media Co., will receive the award at this year’s Radio Show in Nashville, Tenn.
“This recognition is timely and fitting for Don, who is held in the highest regard for his integrity and genuine commitment and service to broadcasting,” said NAB Executive Vice President of Radio John David.
While at Lincoln Financial Media — a career that spanned more than 30 years — Benson rose through the ranks until he oversaw all aspects of the company’s 15 radio stations in Atlanta, Miami, San Diego and Denver.
Before joining LFMC, Benson began his media career at WMAK/Nashville. He’s had stints at Western Cities Broadcasting as corporate vice president of programming, KIIS(FM) in Los Angeles as vice president of operations and as executive vice president of operations at the media consultant firm, Burkhart/Douglas & Associates.
Benson has served multiple terms on both the Executive Committee of NAB’s Board of Directors and as Radio Board chair. He’s also served terms on the Board of Directors of the Radio Advertising Bureau and has chaired the Arbitron Advisory Council.
The National Radio Award won’t be Benson’s first accolade. Benson is a recipient of The Media Financial Management Association’s Avatar Award, a chosen Radio Executive of the Year by Radio Ink, a 2010 inductee to the Vanderbilt University Student Media Hall of Fame, as well as a 2009 inductee to the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.
Don Benson will receive the National Radio Award at the Radio Luncheon on Sept. 21. The 2016 Radio Show will be Sept. 21–23 in Nashville.
