The Broadcasters Foundation of America will present the 2018 Golden Mike Award to an individual who has led the seven-station broadcast television division of Graham Media Holdings since 2012.
Emily L. Barr, who serves as President/CEO of Graham Media Group, will receive the award on Monday, March 5, 2018, at an annual black-tie gala that serves as a major fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation, a charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcasters in acute need.
The formal awards event will be held at the Plaza Hotel in New York.
“It is an honor to receive this award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America, and I am grateful to the Board for their commitment to our colleagues in need,” said Barr. “This year, the Broadcasters Foundation rose to the challenge of helping so many of our colleagues who were impacted by hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. With the generous support of broadcasters across the country, the Foundation can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who find themselves in devastating circumstances.”
Dan Mason, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation, called Barr “a consummate broadcaster, whose leadership and service to the industry and the communities that the Graham stations serve are commendable. We are proud to honor her and recognize her accomplishments.”
Before joining Graham Media, Barr served as President/GM of ABC O&Os WLS-7 in Chicago and WTVD-11 in Raleigh-Durham.
Known for her industry and civic involvement, Barr serves on the boards of the Associated Press and the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB). She is the First Vice Chair for Television for the NAB and has been the Chairman of the Board for the Illinois Broadcasters Association.
Barr was inducted into the 2016 Silver Circle of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. She was awarded the 2014 Vincent T. Wasilewski Broadcaster of the Year by the Illinois Broadcasters Association and received the 2010 Westbury Leadership Award from the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago for her involvement in a citywide media effort to raise funds for the Haitian earthquake relief effort.
The Golden Mike Award dinner attracts a who’s who of broadcast media executives and celebrities. The presenters and performers for this year’s event will be announced at a later date.
The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed millions of dollars in aid to broadcasters who have lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease or unforeseen tragedy. Personal donations can be made to the Foundation’s Guardian Fund. Corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative, and bequests can be made through the Foundation’s Legacy Society. For more information, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email [email protected].
