L to R: Giants Gary Sandy, Peter Alexander, David Muir, Lesley Visser, Lynn Beall, John Fiore, Jr. and Dick Ferguson (click for larger image)
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) recognized an incredible lineup of trailblazing industry leaders for lifetime achievements during the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony. The annual event took place from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14th at Gotham Hall in New York City.
Returning this year as the official event emcee was 2018 Giant Honoree and 60 Minutes and CBS News Correspondent, Bill Whitaker.
The ceremony was presented by the LABF, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the past, reflecting the present, and informing the future. The awards presentation celebrates the remarkable creators, innovators, leaders, performers, and journalists who have blazed trails in the radio and television broadcasting industry.
The 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts honorees include:
DAVID MUIR—Anchor and Managing Editor, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, Co-Anchor of ABC’s 2020
LYNN BEALL—Visionary Strategist and Innovator, Retired Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer of Media Operations, TEGNA Inc.
RICK DEES—Legendary Radio Icon, Entertainer and Entrepreneur
JOHN FEORE JR.—Esteemed Communications Attorney and Trusted Advisor
DICK FERGUSON—Distinguished Radio Executive and Retired EVP, Cox Radio Group
NBC—Celebrating 100 years in Broadcasting. Award accepted by Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of Weekend Today, Peter Alexander
GARY SANDY—Acclaimed Stage, Screen and Television Icon, beloved for his role as “Andy Travis” on WKRP in Cincinnati
LESLEY VISSER—Trailblazing Hall of Fame Sportscaster, First Woman Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
In addition to the Giants honorees, Steven Portnoy, CBS News Radio White House Correspondent and Immediate Past President of the White House Correspondents’ Association, was recognized with the 3rd Annual LABF Excellence in Preservation Award.
This award honors individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to safeguarding the history and heritage of broadcasting. Portnoy’s leadership and dedication to documenting the work of White House correspondents, as well as his efforts to ensure the preservation of journalistic integrity and historical records, exemplify the very spirit of the award.
“The Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Awards are a true celebration of the visionaries and innovators whose work continues to shape the future of our industry,” said Beasley Media Group Chief Communications Officer Heidi Raphael and longtime D.C.- based communications attorney Jack Goodman, Co-Chairs of the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation. “This year’s honorees embody excellence, creativity, and perseverance. Their achievements stand as an enduring reminder of the power of broadcasting to inform, entertain, and inspire generations.”
The event was made possible through the Diamond Sponsorship of ABC News and TEGNA.