The Broadcasters Foundation of America held its inaugural Los Angeles Media Mixer last Wednesday, October 23, at the NBCUniversal lot, drawing over 100 broadcasters ranging from CEOs to industry newcomers.
The LA gathering was made possible by NBCUniversal Local and the California Broadcasters Association, with iHeartMedia personality Valentine, host of Valentine in the Morning on 104.3 MYFM, and NBC4 Anchor Colleen Williams serving as co-hosts. Attendees also enjoyed a live performance from Spencer Sutherland, who showcased his new single, Drama!
Among the executives present were Telemundo52/NBC4 Los Angeles President and General Manager Todd Mokhtari, California Broadcasters Association Communications Director Daliah Karajeh, iHeartMedia Senior Vice President of Programming John Peake, iHeartMedia Executive Vice President of Global Music Marketing Alissa Pollack, and Benztown President Dave “Chachi” Denes.
Broadcasters Foundation President Tim McCarthy said, “We’re delighted that our first West Coast Media Mixer was such a success. We’re grateful to Valari Staab and Todd Mokhtari at NBCUniversal Local and Joe Berry from the California Broadcasters Association for their help. Media Mixers in other markets are in the works.”
BFoA Media Mixers aim to foster camaraderie within the broadcast community, facilitate networking among peers and executives, and raise awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation’s charitable mission among junior broadcast professionals. Previous installments were held in New York City and Chicago. Future Media Mixers are being teased for Nashville and Atlanta.
Support for the Broadcasters Foundation comes from the broadcasting community. Over the past 15 years, the Foundation’s grant-making efforts have grown significantly, increasing from providing $400,000 in grants in 2007 to nearly $2,000,000 in 2024.
