ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Spectrum Reach Executive Vice President David Kline are among the industry leaders who will be honored at a Hall of Fame ceremony later this year.
The ceremony is organized by Future Plc, the parent company of the now-shuttered industry publication Broadcasting & Cable, which continues to exist as a brand associated with its annual Hall of Fame event. The awards gala is financially supported by advertisements purchased by the companies of those recognized each year.
Actress Drew Barrymore will also be inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame this year, for her work as executive producer and host of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” syndicated by Paramount Global’s CBS. George Cheeks, one of Paramount’s co-CEOs, is being inducted as well.
Other executives who will be inducted include Sinclair President of Local Media Rob Weisbord, AMC Networks CEO Kristin Dolan, Google Fiber Chief Growth Officer Melani Griffith, Lionsgate Vice Chairman Sandra Stern and Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) Chief U.S. Advertising Sales Officer Jon Steinlauf.
The complete list of inductees into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame for 2025 is below:
- Drew Barrymore (actress, executive producer, talk show host)
- George Cheeks (co-CEO, Paramount Global)
- Kristin Dolan (CEO, AMC Networks)
- Richard A. Foreman (President, RAFAMEDIA)
- Michael Gelman (Executive Producer, “Live with Kelly & Mark”)
- Melani Griffith (Chief Growth Officer, Google Fiber)
- David Kline (President, Spectrum Reach)
- Mark Marshall (Chairman, Global Advertising & Partnerships, NBC Universal)
- Jimmy Pitaro (Chairman, ESPN)
- Sheryl Lee Ralph (actress)
- Arthur Smith (Chairman and CEO, Smith & Company)
- Jon Steinlauf (Chief U.S. Advertising Sales Officer, WBD)
- Sandra Stern (Vice Chairman, Lionsgate Television)
- Rob Weisbord (Chief Operating Officer and President of Local Media, Sinclair)
- “Days of Our Lives” (soap opera)
“The Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame is proud to recognize this extraordinary group of
leaders, innovators, and creative pioneers who have shaped the media landscape in
profound ways,” Charlie Weiss, the Chairman of the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, said in a statement. “Each honoree has not only excelled in their field but has also driven meaningful change
across the industry. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements, hear their inspiring
journeys, and honor their lasting impact on this special night.”
“This year’s honorees are notable for so many reasons, including the remarkable
diversity of experience they bring to our stage and the evolution they have led in media
throughout the course of their careers,” Allison Market, the Vice President and Global Head of Strategy and Operations for Future’s business-to-business unit, said this week. “From entrepreneurs to global leaders to creative visionaries – both behind and in front of the camera – the class of 2025 has it all.”
More than 400 industry leaders, products and services have been inducted into the Hall of Fame over the years. This year’s honorees will be recognized at the 33rd Annual Hall of Fame ceremony on September 30.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Broadcasters Foundation of America, the Paley Center for Media and Future Plc.
