Broadcasters Foundation Creates Gary Fries Memorial Fund

The Broadcasters Foundation of America, the national charity that serves past and present members of the broadcasting profession, has established the Gary Fries Memorial Fund to honor the former Radio Advertising Bureau president and CEO, Gary Fries.

Fries, who was a long-time director of the Broadcasters Foundation, died in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Sept. 22. Anyone wishing to donate in Fries’ honor may visit the Broadcasters Foundation’s website at www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email [email protected].

“Gary was very passionate about radio and the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation to help our colleagues in need,” said Jim Thompson, president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, who co-founded the Radio Mercury Awards with Fries. “He loved the radio profession, supported it, talked about it, and had many dear friends in our business.” 

“A life-long broadcaster and advocate for radio, Gary was a firm believer in ‘giving back’ to the industry to which he dedicated his career,” said Dan Mason, chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “I believe that Gary would be proud to know that a fund in his name will provide emergency assistance to broadcasters who have experienced severe damage from the recent floods and hurricanes, as well as to those who receive monthly grants.”

The Broadcasters Foundation has established memorial funds in tribute to broadcasting professionals including Stu Olds of Katz, Tony Malara of CBS Television Network, Ron Ruth of the RAB, Rick Buckley of Buckley Broadcasting, Ward Quall of WGN and radio programmer Bill Drake.

For more than 70 years, the Broadcasters Foundation has distributed millions of dollars to thousands of broadcasters and their families. Individual donations can be made to the Guardian Fund, corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative, and bequests can be arranged through the Legacy Society. To learn more or to donate, contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250 or [email protected], or visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org.