Jim Thompson, the beloved President of industry non-profit organization Broadcasters Foundation of America, has died.
Thompson had been fighting throat cancer for nearly a year. He passed away last night in Summit, N.J., at the age of 75, surrounded by his family.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Jim Thompson Memorial Fund, which has been established by the Broadcasters Foundation in honor of Thompson’s dedication and service to the broadcasting industry and to the Foundation’s charitable cause of providing financial aid to Radio and TV professionals in acute need.
“I am very proud to have known Jim for nearly 40 years as a colleague and a friend,” said Scott Herman, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Jim believed deeply in helping others and his passion and enthusiasm for life always lit up a room. Broadcasting has lost a great man, who always saw the positive in every person and every situation. He will be sorely missed.”
Thompson took over the reins of the Broadcasters Foundation in 2009, guiding the charitable organization to more than quadruple the amount of financial aid it distributes to Radio and TV professionals from $400,000 to nearly $2 million last year.
“When the Board of Directors was searching for a President, Jim’s reputation as a leader combined with his compassion for others and his ability to rally people together made him the perfect choice,” noted Phil Lombardo, Chairman Emeritus of the Broadcasters Foundation. “His accomplishments over the past 13 years helped the many TV and Radio professionals who found themselves in unthinkable circumstances and in need of aid. Our sincere sympathies go out to his family.”
Last October, Thompson announced he would be retiring at the end of 2022. His last public appearance in his Broadcasters Foundation role is believed to be at the Golden Mike Awards, held in New York on March 14. Thompson had been actively involved in Broadcasters Foundation activities until late July. A succession plan was put in place in late 2021, with Tim McCarthy selected to assume Thompson’s role upon his retirement.
Thompson had made his mark in the broadcasting industry in his role as President/CEO of Group W Radio, the second-largest radio company in the country during his leadership. Former stations include KYW-AM in Philadelphia. With Mike Craven, Thompson was co-owner of Liberty Broadcasting, a nineteen-station radio group concentrated on the east coast. Thompson began his broadcasting career as an account executive at KYW-3 in Philadelphia in 1971, where he rose to Vice President and General Manager.
An innovator and visionary, Thompson created the Radio-Mercury Awards to encourage and reward excellence in radio creative. He served on the boards of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and the Advertising Council, was Vice Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Broadcasters Association and a member of numerous committees, including the NAB Radio Futures Committee.
Thompson was named “Radio Executive of the Year” and “One of the Most Influential People in Radio” by Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink magazine, where he also appeared on the cover numerous times.
“Jim Thompson’s illustrious career in broadcasting and legacy of service to the industry had a resounding impact,” said NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “His boundless generosity and passionate leadership of the Broadcasters Foundation helped countless broadcasters overcome adversity and persevere in their darkest moments. NAB extends our deepest condolences to Jim’s family and all whose lives he touched.”
Eric Rhoads, founder of Radio Ink and Chairman of RBR+TVBR owner Streamline Publishing, added, “The entire industry is in shock over the loss of one of its great leaders. Jim was a rare innovator and a world-class operator, taking Group W to new heights. His passion for broadcasters led him to lead the Broadcaster’s Foundation beating previous records for serving broadcasters in need. He will be truly missed.”
A member of the U.S. Army, Thompson is a Vietnam War veteran.
Thompson is survived by his wife Cindy; his five children, Meghan Cima, Shannon Gardiner and her husband James, Katie McElwee and her husband Tommy, James Thompson and his wife Madison, Molly Thompson; seven grandchildren; and his brothers John and Thomas.
To make a donation to the Jim Thompson Memorial Fund, please click here: https://bfoa.app.neoncrm.com/forms/jimthompsonfund.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America provides financial 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].
