Richard E. Wiley to Receive BFoA Lifetime Achievement Award

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 20, 2023 | 11:25am CT

Richard E. Wiley

Richard E. Wiley, former Chairman, Commissioner and General Counsel of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a prominent media and telecommunications lawyer, has been announced as the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient by the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA). The award honors an individual who has made invaluable contributions to the radio and television industries and will be presented during the Golden Mike Award gala on Monday, March 6, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

"Dick's commitment to fight for our industry in Washington has given broadcasters the opportunity to grow their business," stated Broadcasters Foundation of America Chairman Scott Herman. "His strong belief in our industry has extended to his support of the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation to help those in our business who need it most. We are honored to present him with the Lifetime Achievement Award."

"I am honored to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the Broadcasters Foundation," added Wiley. "Since arriving at the FCC more than 50 years ago, and co-founding our DC law firm almost 40 years ago, it's been a privilege to work with broadcasters on landmark innovations including the development of high-definition TV. I'm proud to be a part of this great industry's evolution, and to support the Foundation's mission of providing a critical safety net for members of the broadcast profession."

During his tenure at the FCC from 1970 to 1977, Wiley fostered increased competition and lessened regulation in the communications field. As Chair of the FCC's Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service, from 1987 to 1995, he played a pivotal role in the development of HDTV, for which he won an Emmy.

"Dick has been a driving force in the advancement of the broadcast industry for both radio and television," stated Broadcasters Foundation of America President Tim McCarthy. "His achievements have allowed our industry to remain competitive in the ever-evolving media landscape, and we are delighted to recognize him for his many accomplishments."

Wiley is currently Chairman Emeritus of the law firm he co-founded, Wiley Rein LLP, which includes a premiere Telecom, Media & Technology practice and is celebrating its 40th year. He was honored by the Broadcasters Foundation in 2014 with the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award.

Wiley joins broadcast luminaries Lesley Visser, Charles Osgood, George Beasley, Ed McLaughlin, and Dick Clark, as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. As previously announced, Jack Abernethy, Chief Executive Officer of FOX Television Stations, will be the 2023 honoree of the Broadcasters Foundation of America Golden Mike Award.

For information, or to reserve a seat or table at the Golden Mike Award gala and fundraiser, please visit the Broadcasters Foundation at thebfoa.org.