LABF Honors 2025 Giants of Broadcasting in NYC

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 14, 2025 | 8:38pm CT

Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF)

The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) honored a distinguished group of industry pioneers during the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony, held Friday, November 14 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

The annual celebration, which ran from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., recognizes individuals and organizations whose vision and achievements have shaped the modern broadcasting industry. Returning as emcee was 2018 Giant Honoree and 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker.

Presented by the LABF, a nonprofit committed to preserving broadcasting's history, the event highlighted creators, innovators, journalists, performers, and executives who have left a lasting impact on radio and television.

This year's honorees included:

• Rick Dees, legendary radio personality and entertainer

• David Muir, anchor and managing editor of ABC World News Tonight and co-anchor of 20/20

• Lynn Beall, retired TEGNA executive and longtime media operations leader

• John Feore Jr., respected communications attorney

• Dick Ferguson, retired Cox Radio Group executive

• NBC, recognized for its 100th anniversary, with Peter Alexander accepting

• Gary Sandy, actor known for his role as Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati

• Lesley Visser, Hall of Fame sportscaster and the first woman inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

In addition, the 2025 LABF Excellence in Preservation Award was presented to Steven Portnoy, CBS News Radio White House Correspondent and immediate past president of the White House Correspondents' Association. Portnoy was honored for his work documenting the role of White House correspondents and safeguarding the historical record of broadcast journalism.

"The Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Awards are a true celebration of the visionaries and innovators whose work continues to shape the future of our industry," said LABF Co-Chairs Heidi Raphael of Beasley Media Group and communications attorney Jack Goodman. "This year's honorees embody excellence, creativity, and perseverance."

The ceremony once again underscored the LABF's mission to preserve broadcasting's legacy while honoring those who continue to inspire future generations.