James Delmonico, a former GE broadcasting executive credited with injecting new vigor into the Broadcasters Foundation of America, has died at the age of 91.
According to the foundation, its former chairman passed away Saturday in Syracuse, N.Y.
The organization said Delmonico was responsible for the “resurrection of the Broadcast Pioneers and changing the organization’s name to the Broadcasters Foundation. Assuming the chairmanship of what was at that time The Broadcast Pioneers in late 1991, Delmonico instituted what became the new age for the organization under the new moniker as the Broadcasters Foundation.”
Chairman Philip J. Lombardo called him “a tireless leader for the organization, inspiring the appointment of many notables to the board of directors with new focus, determination and purpose.” Ward Quaal succeeded Delmonico as chairman 18 years ago.
“Inheriting an organization with a treasury of less than $30,000 and few grant recipients in 1991, through Delmonico’s leadership and inspiration, and that of his successors — Ward L. Quaal, Edward F. McLaughlin and Chairman Philip J. Lombardo — the organization today has an outreach that will exceed $700,000 in grants this year,” it stated.
BFA said Delmonico played a “significant role” in General Electric’s expansion to radio and television. He was vice president of GE Broadcasting and GE Cablevision Corp. In Schenectady, N.Y. in the 1970s he was VP/GM for a TV/AM/FM combo. He was named Broadcaster of the Year in 1991 by the New York State Broadcasters Association.
