There’s something giant on the horizon. On November 17, the Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts will be presented by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation in New York, featuring prominent figures across TV, news, sports broadcasting, and media leadership.
What they all have in common is a commitment to their craft, delivering a message to the masses, entertaining & informing, and being committed to the broadcasting community.
The LABF is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of broadcasting and other electronic media, primarily through its support of the Library of American Broadcasting at the University of Maryland. This annual awards presentation puts a spotlight on those in the media who have furthered the growth of broadcasting and the continual evolution of electronic media.
The Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts award is about more than any one genre of media. It’s about a consistent record of success, accomplishments, and very much about legacy. Commonly referred to as “The Giants,” past recipients include icons like Walt Disney, George Burns, and Ed Sullivan, and more recent inductees include Stephen A. Smith, David Muir, Rick Dees, and Bob Pittman. The group has honored 270 Giants to date.
This year’s recipients include Emmy-winner Kelsey Grammer (Cheers, Frasier), who famously portrayed a talk show host on the latter mentioned Fraiser. Media executives and broadcast leaders include Debra O’Connell (Chairman of ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks), David Donovan (President of the NY State Broadcasters Association), Skip Finley (Broadcast Owner and Author), and David Santrella (CEO of Salem Media Group). The brilliance of this group deserves such recognition for their leadership and their performance.
Veteran hosts and journalists are also a part of the Class of 2026. Jane Pauley (CBS News Sunday Morning), two-time Emmy winner Deborah Norville (The Perfect Line), and sports broadcasting legends including Hall of Famer Jaime Jarrín (Spanish-language voice of the L.A. Dodgers) and Suzyn Waldman (New York Yankees), who has been with the Yankees for 40 years this year.
The shared experience among this group is magnified by Time on Earth. That is, despite their chronological age, their experience in the industry has value to those who watch, listen, and learn from being observational. When I speak with those who are the most successful in the business of media, what stands out is a passion for the business, a tireless commitment to excellence, and paying attention to what’s succeeding and what isn’t.
The most successful leaders in our business are engaged in furthering their medium by being present, committing to the media community, and evolving with the rapid changes that impact performance. Highly successful broadcasters combine clear communication, curiosity, composure, adaptability, ethical judgment, creativity, resilience, and strong professional relationships. These traits not only make them effective in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of broadcasting but also align with broader patterns of success in public-facing roles.
The most noticeable commonality among this new class of Giants is, in my opinion, their all-encompassing passion. Passion for the business, passion for success, and the passion they have for their industry. The Giants of Broadcasting title is a prestigious honor awarded to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary, lasting contributions to the radio, television, and digital industry, as well as the arts.
A title much deserved by this 2026 Class.
