McLaughlin to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Edward F. McLaughlin, the iconic broadcaster who discovered Rush Limbaugh, will be honored with the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Broadcasters Foundation of America's Golden Mike Award dinner. The gala, which is an annual fundraising event for the Broadcasters Foundation's mission of helping broadcasters in need, will be held on Monday, March 5 in New York. McLaughlin holds the title of Chairman Emeritus of the charitable organization.

"Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the charitable organization that I have believed in and supported for many years means a great deal to me," stated McLaughlin. "I am grateful for the generosity of the broadcasters who make it possible for the Broadcasters Foundation to help our colleagues."

"Ed is a visionary who took chances that led broadcasting into uncharted territory and tremendous success," observed BFA Chairman Dan Mason. "His dedication and leadership of the Broadcasters Foundation helped advance our mission. It is with great pride that we honor his innovation and recognize his years of service."

A life-long broadcaster, McLaughlin founded EFM Media Management in 1987 and syndicated "The Dr. Dean Edell Show." Shortly thereafter, he launched the syndication of local Sacramento radio host Rush Limbaugh, which helped lead to the revitalization of AM radio and the News/Talk format. During his 14-year tenure at the helm of ABC Radio Networks, McLaughlin guided the expansion of long-form programming, acquiring" American Top 40 with Casey Kasem," launching "American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley" and championing Paul Harvey's program to reach 1,000 affiliates.

Throughout his career, McLaughlin has received numerous accolades, including the National Association of Broadcasters' National Radio Award in 1996. He was the first chairman of the Radio Network Association, a long-standing board member of the International Radio and Television Foundation, and a trustee of The Paley Center for Media. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995.

McLaughlin joins Dick Clark. Bill Hoffman, and Charles Osgood as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. As previously announced, Emily Barr of Graham Media Group will receive the Broadcasters Foundation's 2018 Golden Mike Award.