Hearst’s Wertlieb, CBS’s Norville Feted At Broadcasters Foundation Gala

TV and radio industry leaders gathered at New York’s Plaza hotel Monday to celebrate the careers of two of their own and to remind the industry of one of its most beloved charities. Jordan Wertlieb, Hearst Corp. EVP and COO, took the center of attention as recipient of the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s 34^th annual Golden Mic Award.

Anchor and reporter Deborah Norville, who today celebrates her 29^th anniversary as anchor of CBS Media Ventures’ Inside Edition, accepted the foundation’s Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the longtime president of the ABC Radio Network who later syndicated the Rush Limbaugh Morning Update and Dr. Jean Edell show.

Left to right: Scott Herman, BFOA chair; Deborah Roberts, ABC News; Deborah Norville; and Tim McCarthy, BFOA president (Renee Cassis photo).

On hand was BFOA grant recipient Terrie Commare, whose husband, Luke, succumbed to brain cancer after months of illness, leaving her to care alone for their four children. The foundation continues to support her family with a monthly grant that she says has helped provide her children with a sense of normalcy since the loss of their dad.

Accolades for Wertleib and Norville filled the Plaza’s packed grand ballroom but in a sense the evening belonged to Phil Lombardo, longtime broadcaster and BFOA chair who died early this year. Lombardo’s family and veteran industry investor Mario Gabelli each donated $500,000 to the BFOA in a kickoff to what will likely be remembered as one of its most successful fundraisers.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America provides financial aid to broadcasters who have become destitute due to illness, severe accident or other serious misfortune. Learn more, donate or apply for a grant here.