Natasha Verma to Host BFOA Gala in New York

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 4:20pm CT

Natasha Verma

The Broadcasters Foundation of America has named Natasha Verma as host of its 2026 Gala and Fundraiser, set for Monday, March 9, at the The Plaza Hotel. Verma serves as co-anchor of the 5pm, 6pm, and 10pm newscasts on WNYW FOX 5. She joined the station in 2022 from KUSA, where she was a weekday morning anchor. Earlier in her career, she worked as a reporter and anchor at NBC10 Boston and WBBH-TV, and began as a reporter at News 12 The Bronx.

The Broadcasters Foundation provides financial assistance to broadcasters facing acute hardship due to illness or disaster.

"Verma brings a vibrancy and excitement to our evening," said Tim McCarthy, President of the Broadcasters Foundation. "The Annual Gala is our biggest fundraiser, and the money is needed more than ever. The number of requests for aid goes up every year. That means more broadcasters than ever before are aware of our mission and we must answer their cry for help."

A cancer survivor, Verma said she understands the physical, mental, and financial toll that can accompany serious illness.

"I'm happy to host this major fundraising event for the only charity that helps so many in our business," she said. "Anyone can be impacted by a life-altering disease or disaster, and the Broadcasters Foundation must always be there to help."

As previously announced, the evening will honor Mark Lazarus, CEO of Versant and former chair of NBCUniversal Media Group, with the Golden Mic Award; Judge Judy Sheindlin with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award; Stephen A. Smith with the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award; and Ernest A. Liebre with the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award.

Tickets for the gala are available through the Broadcasters Foundation.