NEW YORK — The co-CEO and Chairman of the Board of one of the fastest-growing broadcast television station ownership groups in the U.S. has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Golden Mike Award.
Hilton Howell Jr. will be presented with the honor at a black-tie gala on Monday, March 14, 2022, at the Plaza Hotel, adjacent to Central Park.
This year’s event marks the return of the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s biggest fundraiser, which did not take place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Howell, who leads Gray Television, began his career practicing law and spent several years in the insurance industry. He serves on the Broadcasters Foundation’s Board of Directors, and is a former member of the board of directors for the NAB, the Advisory Council of the Center for Leadership and Ethics for the University of Texas at Austin, and the Advisory Board of Curant Health Care. He is also a former member on the NBC Affiliate Board.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America 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 shortly. Previous recipients include Dave Lougee, Perry Sook, Emily Barr, David Barrett, Michael Bloomberg, Bob Pittman, Gordon Smith, and Jeff Smulyan.
The Broadcasters Foundation is the only charity devoted exclusively to providing financial assistance to colleagues in broadcasting who are in dire need. Even with the loss of major fundraising events during COVID, more than $1.8 million in monthly and one-time emergency grants will be awarded this year.
“It’s been a challenging year-and-a-half, and we are thrilled to honor Hilton and once again present the Golden Mike Award live and in-person,” said Scott Herman, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Looking ahead, our goal remains to provide financial aid for every broadcaster who qualifies.”
Howell added, “I am honored to be recognized by the Broadcasters Foundation and ask everyone in our business who has made a good living from broadcasting, to consider donating any amount to help our colleagues who have been hit by shattering circumstances.”
