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McVay Media
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Mike McVay, President of McVay Media Consulting, is being inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. With over 50 years of experience, McVay has consulted with radio stations in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, focusing on delivering the best content and formats to listeners. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the listener experience and believes radio’s future lies in national brands with localized talent.
Mike McVay Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame — Class of 2025
We are absolutely proud to announce that Mike McVay has been selected as one of the 2025 inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes his decades‐long dedication, creativity, leadership, and influence on the radio industry — an honor truly well deserved.
About the 2025 Induction
This year’s induction class will be formally honored at the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, set for Thursday, October 30, 2025 in Chicago at the Swissôtel. The event promises to be a celebration of both radio’s history and its powerful ongoing impact.
The Class of 2025 includes ten or eleven outstanding individuals and shows (depending on classification), including Mike McVay, Alice Cooper, DeDe McGuire, Martha Quinn, Bob & Sheri, Scott Simon, Shelley Stewart, Julie Talbott, Colin Cowherd, Mojo in the Morning, and others.
The Selection Process
This year’s inductees were chosen through a two‐fold process:
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Six of the honorees (including Mike McVay) were selected by a voting participant panel of more than 900 industry professionals.
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The remaining four were selected by the Radio Hall of Fame’s 2025 Nominating Committee.
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The voting process was conducted via a confidential ballot handled by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen.
The Impact
Mike’s body of work — from pioneering programming strategies to mentoring talent, and building shows that resonate with millions — has left a deep imprint on radio. His induction is not only a personal milestone, but also an affirmation of the power of vision, consistency, and leadership in this medium.
We look forward to celebrating Mike McVay at the ceremony in Chicago. Please join us in congratulating him on this outstanding achievement!
Visit RadioHallOfFame.com for more information.
Radio Veteran Mike McVay to Receive the 2025 NAB National Radio Award
Award to be Presented at the NAB Marconi Awards at the 2025 NAB Show New York
Washington, D.C.— On National Radio Day, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is proud to announce that Mike McVay, president of McVay Media, will be honored with the 2025 NAB National Radio Award. McVay, a celebrated media strategist, programmer, talent coach and industry leader, will receive this prestigious accolade during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards at the 2025 NAB Show New York.
“NAB is thrilled to recognize Mike for his remarkable contributions to the radio industry over the past four decades,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Mike’s deep expertise, creative vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped countless careers, inspired new generations of broadcasters and driven innovation in every corner of the audio industry. His ability to nurture talent and create programming that resonates with audiences makes him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”
As president of McVay Media, McVay consults clients across the broadcast, podcasting, streaming and entertainment industries. His firm specializes in content creation, network and syndication programming, podcast development, the development and distribution of digital content, talent coaching and unique media strategy design.
McVay previously served as Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus Media and the Westwood One radio network, overseeing programming for more than 500 radio stations, national network content, podcasts and digital distribution. He has worked with some of the most recognized names in broadcasting and entertainment, including Stephen A. Smith, Soledad O’Brien, Reba McEntire, Hall & Oates, Robin Meade, John Tesh and Delilah.
With programming, management, ownership and on-air experience in markets from Los Angeles to Wheeling, West Virginia, McVay has also played a pivotal role in developing and launching multiple nationally syndicated programs. He co-created the nationally syndicated show Delilah and helped launch The John Tesh Show as a daily program, which he continues to consult.
McVay’s career has been marked by a long list of honors, including his upcoming 2025 induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame, recognition as a 2024 Giant of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation and receipt of the 2024 Leadership Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America. His industry accolades also include the Rockwell Award, the Innovation in Music & Media Award, multiple “Top Programmer” rankings from Radio Ink and numerous honors from the Worldwide Radio Summit and Radio & Records. He currently serves on the boards of Country Radio Broadcasters, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, as well as on the Media Committee for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
McVay will be honored on October 21, 2025, at NAB’s Marconi Radio Awards, during a special dinner program brought to you by Xperi. The dinner will be held at The Edison Ballroom, the evening before NAB Show New York. Tables and ticketing and other show information is available here. Download his headshot and see the full list of Marconi Radio Award finalists also honored at the event.
To learn more about NAB and the NAB Show New York, visit NAB.org.
Honoring Mike McVay: Lessons, Leadership, and What’s Ahead
Radio has faced seismic shifts with the rise of streaming, podcasts, and AI, yet for industry leader Mike McVay, recently named the 2025 NAB National Radio Award recipient, its heartbeat is stronger than ever. In this exclusive CMB interview, Mike reflects on his career lessons and offers his perspective on where broadcasting is headed. He shares both the risks radio must take and the inspiration that fuels him to keep pouring into others.
Q: Radio has gone through seismic shifts with streaming, podcasting and AI. What’s the heartbeat that keeps it alive for you?
A: The pace of my heartbeat quickens when I think of the many places where we can be heard today. There’s a continual debate about whether what we do should be called “Radio” or something else. What should matter is where listeners consume audio as they often refer to it as radio no matter the source. Where we are today is about content, regardless of where you consume it. Content is delivered Over The Air (OTA), Online Streaming, Smart Speakers, Apps, Podcasts (On-Demand), and on Social Media. Radio is truly omnipresent.
Q: If you could sit down with 25 year old Mike McVay, what’s the advice you’d give him about navigating a career in broadcasting?
A: Listen more than you talk. Satisfy your employer and you’ll be satisfied. Be prepared to work more hours than your peers. Every day, commit to focusing on continual improvement as a performer, as a programmer/content creator, leader, and never stop learning. Be driven to succeed. Learn from your failures. Live and work by the Golden Rule. These are things I’ve endeavored to do through my career, and while it’s been beneficial to my success, there’s always a question in the back of my head as to what I could have done better.
Q: You’ve coached some of the biggest names in radio and beyond. What’s one lesson you’ve taken from talent that changed the way you see programming?
A: My belief from the beginning has been that as a Program Director, and as a Consultant or Talent Coach, I work for the talent. If they win, I win. To your question; If I can understand who they are, what they’re good at doing, what they feel most comfortable doing, I can then help them do it at a high level. Trying to get a talent to do what they’re not comfortable with, or that they don’t believe will be successful, seldom if ever leads to a winning performance.
Q: Where do you see broadcasting in the next five years?
A: Broadcasting will grow into a multiplatform media business. Be it Radio, TV, Podcasting, or Streaming … we’re going to see a morphing and merging of entertainment/information streams. The bundling of broadcasting is inevitable as a means to continuing to grow topline revenue. The mobility of the medium will also become more commonplace.
Q: You often talk about innovation. What’s one bold risk radio needs to take in the next five years?
A: This is such a tough question because the answer has as many layers as an onion, yet it’s really an obvious solution. That one thing would be to improve the listener experience. Peeling back the layers of that answer would be to lower the commercial load (Unit Count as well as Minute Count), invest in Personalities, research the target audience for their wants and needs so you can then satisfy them, and commit to marketing for Top of Mind Awareness.
Q: You’re constantly pouring into others. Where do you personally find inspiration?
A: This business is something I love deeply. My ability to succeed has been because of what others have given me. I’ve been mentored by some amazing people and that’s led me to invest my time in serving as a mentor. The thought that mentoring others only enriches them is incorrect thinking. I learn as I mentor. It sometimes challenges my thinking and that forces me to leave my comfort zone, which is a way of learning. My career has allowed me to live a blessed life. I don’t take that for granted. It’s only right that I give back to something that’s given me so much.
Psychotherapist and Broadcaster Kelly Orchard recently joined Mike McVay for a discussion on Mental Health and Media.
Stephen A Smith is the face of ESPN, Executive Producer and Host of The Stephen A Smith Show, Producer on ESPN’s “First Take,” a Panelist on “NBA Countdown” on ABC, and CEO of Mr. SAS, Inc. Smith is the author of New York Times best-selling book “Straight Shooter; A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes.” He made international news when he joined McVay Media President Mike McVay on the main stage at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas.
Guest Booking Strategies; Presented during the NAB as a part of the Sip & Speak speakers series. Hosted by Mike McVay.
PowerPoint here for sharing.
Radio Veteran Mike McVay to Receive 2025 NAB National Radio Award
Award to be Presented at the NAB Marconi Awards at 2025 NAB Show New York
Washington, D.C. — On National Radio Day, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is proud to announce that Mike McVay, president of McVay Media, will be honored with the 2025 NAB National Radio Award. McVay, a celebrated media strategist, programmer, talent coach, and industry leader, will receive this prestigious accolade during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards at the 2025 NAB Show New York.
“NAB is thrilled to recognize Mike for his remarkable contributions to the radio industry over the past four decades,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Mike’s deep expertise, creative vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped countless careers, inspired new generations of broadcasters, and driven innovation in every corner of the audio industry. His ability to nurture talent and create programming that resonates with audiences makes him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”
As president of McVay Media, McVay consults clients across the broadcast, podcasting, streaming, and entertainment industries. His firm specializes in content creation, network and syndication programming, podcast development, the development and distribution of digital content, talent coaching, and unique media strategy design.
McVay previously served as Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus Media and the Westwood One radio network, overseeing programming for more than 500 radio stations, national network content, podcasts, and digital distribution. He has worked with some of the most recognized names in broadcasting and entertainment, including Stephen A. Smith, Soledad O’Brien, Reba McEntire, Hall & Oates, Robin Meade, John Tesh, and Delilah.
With programming, management, ownership, and on-air experience in markets from Los Angeles to Wheeling, West Virginia, McVay has also played a pivotal role in developing and launching multiple nationally syndicated programs. He co-created the nationally syndicated show Delilah and helped launch The John Tesh Show as a daily program, which he continues to consult.
McVay’s career has been marked by a long list of honors, including his upcoming 2025 induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame, recognition as a 2024 Giant of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, and receipt of the 2024 Leadership Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America. His industry accolades also include the Rockwell Award, the Innovation in Music & Media Award, multiple “Top Programmer” rankings from Radio Ink, and numerous honors from the Worldwide Radio Summit and Radio & Records. He currently serves on the boards of Country Radio Broadcasters, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, and the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, as well as on the Media Committee for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
McVay will be honored on October 21, 2025, at NAB’s Marconi Radio Awards, during a special dinner program brought to you by Xperi. The dinner will be held at The Edison Ballroom, the evening before NAB Show New York. Tables and ticketing and other show information is available here. Download his headshot and see the full list of Marconi Radio Award finalists also honored at the event.
NAB Show New York press registration is open. Stay up-to-date on the latest show news by adding your name to the media list. Visit the press resources page to explore news releases, media kits, creative assets, style guides and more.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory, and public affairs. Through advocacy, education, and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses, and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
About NAB Show New York
NAB Show New York is held at the epicenter of live media, entertainment and brand storytelling for content creators and production experts who are shaping the future of video. Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters taking place on October 22-23, 2025 at the Javits Center, NAB Show New York is the premier East Coast event for anyone creating content for social media, live streaming, live broadcast, film or user-generated content. NAB Show New York is the ultimate destination for storytellers delivering the tools, technologies, resources and connections to amplify your message and elevate your craft. Learn more at NABShowNY.com.
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The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation Unveils the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Award Recipients
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) recognizes Giants in business executives, innovators, journalists, performers, producers and others who have excelled in the world of electronic media. The presentation luncheon is the foundation’s principal fundraiser.
This 2024 luncheon took place on November 12 at Gotham Hall in New York. Seven recipients joined the honor roll of Giants in the industry, a list that is not 262 names long.
The 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts honorees include:
AL ROKER
Weather and Feature Anchor, TODAY and Co-Host, 3rd Hour of TODAY
CHRISTINE BARANSKI
Two-time Tony and Emmy Award Winning Actress
MIKE MCVAY
President
McVay Media Consulting
PATSY SMULLIN
President and Owner
California Oregon Broadcasting, Inc.
STEPHEN A. SMITH
Star of ESPN
NY Times Best Selling Author
Creator and Host of The Stephen A. Smith Show
STEVE JONES
President and Chief Executive Officer Skyview Networks
WENDY MCMAHON
President and Chief Executive Officer
CBS News and Stations & CBS Media Ventures (CMV)
Returning as emcee, 2018 Giant honoree, Bill Whitaker, correspondent, 60 Minutes, CBS News
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