BFoA Chairman Emeritus Phil J. Lombardo Dead at 88

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 5, 2024 | 3:22pm CT

Phil J. Lombardo

Broadcasters Foundation Chairman Emeritus Phil J. Lombardo has died following a brief illness. He was 88. Lombardo had previously served as NAB Joint Board Chairman, Broadcasters Foundation of America chair for 15 years and CEO/founder of TV broadcaster Citadel Communications. Lombardo's role as Chairman from 2000 to 2015 was vital to the Foundation's ability to increase the amount of grants awarded annually to broadcasters in need from just over $60,000 in 2000 to nearly $2 million in recent years.

"Last night, the Broadcasters Foundation and the broadcast industry lost a great man," said Broadcasters Foundation Chairman Scott Herman. "As Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation for many years, Phil left an indelible mark. He was passionate about our mission and one of our biggest donors, giving both time and money to helping colleagues in need."

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, "Phil Lombardo was a pioneer in the broadcasting industry; his contributions were immense and his influence widespread. His passion for broadcasting set a standard that will continue to inspire generations to come. His service as NAB joint board chair helped shape the future of our association and left an indelible mark on our industry. But his legacy will certainly be his work to help broadcasters in their times of greatest need, through the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA)."

"It would be impossible for me to quantify all that I learned from Phil Lombardo over the course of our nearly 40-year association," said Citadel Communications President and COO Ray Cole. "Phil was a boss, a mentor, and a partner. Most of all, he was a dear friend who changed my life in immeasurable ways. While his impact on the broadcasting industry was vast and deep, Phil's enduring legacy will be the vision and passion with which he led the Broadcasters Foundation of America. His contributions to its mission - helping fellow broadcasters in need -- had no bounds. That commitment is sure to live on forever."

"Phil had a strong personality, but his heart was bigger," added Broadcasters Foundation President Tim McCarthy. "No one worked harder than Phil to raise money from our biggest donors. He gave more than anyone in our industry to colleagues who need it most."

To honor his longstanding dedication to the Broadcasters Foundation, in 2000 the Board passed a near unanimous vote to rename the annual golf tournament and fundraiser, held during the NAB Show in Las Vegas, to the Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament. The one 'no' vote was cast by Lombardo.

Lombardo always knew he wanted to go into broadcasting. Growing up in a rough neighborhood on Chicago's near north side, radio was his companion. He began his career at WBBM-TV in Chicago as a production assistant and quickly rose to executive levels, earning a reputation for being a 'turnaround' manager.

The majority of Lombardo's storied career was focused on buying, turning around, and selling TV stations for his privately held company, Citadel Communications. In 2003, Lombardo was elected to serve as joint board Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). He was inducted into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame in October 2015.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Philip J. Lombardo Memorial Fund, which will be established by the Broadcasters Foundation next week in honor of Lombardo's dedication and service to the broadcasting industry.