Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame Announces Illustrious Class of 2025 Honorees for 33rd Annual Gala in New York City
The Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame, the premier industry event paying tribute to the influencers, innovators, and shining lights of broadcast, cable, and streaming television, is set to induct its class of 2025 on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at New York’s Ziegfeld Ballroom. This 33rd annual gala represents a cornerstone of the media industry’s calendar, gathering the most influential executives, creative talents, and visionary leaders to celebrate excellence in an ever-evolving landscape. As the industry navigates the complex transition from traditional linear broadcasting to a digital-first streaming future, the 2025 class embodies the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the modern media era.
The 2025 Inductees: A Legacy of Innovation and Influence
The Class of 2025 is headlined by a diverse group of honorees who have made indelible marks on both the business and creative sides of the screen. Among the most prominent inductees is Drew Barrymore, the award-winning actress, director, producer, and businesswoman. Barrymore, who serves as the host and executive producer of The Drew Barrymore Show, has successfully transitioned from a Hollywood film icon to a daytime television powerhouse. As the co-founder of Flower Films, she has maintained a significant behind-the-scenes presence for decades, producing hits like Charlie’s Angels and 50 First Dates. Her induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes her ability to reinvent her brand and maintain a deep, authentic connection with audiences across multiple generations.
Joining Barrymore is Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, who will receive the prestigious Hall of Fame’s Chairman’s Award. Since taking the helm of the sports media giant, Pitaro has been instrumental in navigating the "cord-cutting" era, overseeing ESPN’s massive portfolio of sports content, products, and experiences across all of Disney’s platforms worldwide. Under his leadership, ESPN has aggressively expanded its digital footprint through ESPN+ and has secured long-term, multi-billion-dollar rights deals with the NFL, NBA, and NHL, ensuring the network remains the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" despite shifting consumer habits.
The Hall of Fame will also bestow its Humanitarian Award upon Sheryl Lee Ralph. An Emmy Award-winning actress for her role in the hit comedy Abbott Elementary, Ralph is being honored not only for her storied career on stage and screen—spanning from her Tony-nominated role in Dreamgirls to her current television success—but also for her tireless advocacy. Through the DIVA Foundation, Ralph has spent decades raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS research and support, particularly within marginalized communities. Her recognition highlights the industry’s commitment to honoring those who use their platform for significant social impact.
Celebrating Six Decades of Daytime Excellence
In a special tribute to longevity and cultural relevance, the daytime drama Days of Our Lives will be honored with the Hall of Fame’s Iconic Show Award. The series is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary on the air in November 2025, a feat achieved by only a handful of scripted programs in television history. Originally premiering on NBC in 1965, the show made a historic move in 2022 by transitioning exclusively to the Peacock streaming service.
This move served as a bellwether for the industry, proving that legacy brands could successfully migrate from linear broadcast to digital platforms while maintaining a loyal fanbase. By honoring Days of Our Lives, the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame acknowledges the vital role that daytime programming has played in the fabric of American television and its ongoing evolution in the streaming age.
Official Statements and Industry Perspective
The announcement of the 2025 class has been met with widespread acclaim from industry leaders. Charlie Weiss, Chairman of the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame, emphasized the weight of this year’s selections. “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,” Weiss stated. “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.”
Allison Markert, Vice President and Global Head of Strategy & Operations, B2B, echoed these sentiments, noting the breadth of expertise within the new class. “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,” Markert said. “From entrepreneurs to global leaders to creative visionaries—both behind and in front of the camera—the class of 2025 has it all.”
A Chronology of Excellence: The Hall of Fame’s Legacy
The Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame was established to honor the pioneers who built the foundation of modern communications. Since its inception over three decades ago, the Hall of Fame has inducted more than 400 individuals and programs. The list of past honorees reads like a "who’s who" of media history, including legendary figures such as Lucille Ball, Walter Cronkite, Oprah Winfrey, and Ted Turner.
The event’s venue, the Ziegfeld Ballroom, carries its own historical weight. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Ziegfeld has long been a premiere location for high-profile industry events, reflecting the prestige associated with the Hall of Fame induction. The ceremony serves as a rare moment of industry-wide unity, bringing together competitors from various networks and platforms to celebrate collective progress and individual brilliance.
Supporting the Industry: Philanthropic Impact
Beyond the accolades, the Hall of Fame gala serves a vital philanthropic purpose. A portion of the net proceeds from the event is donated to The Broadcasters Foundation of America. This charitable organization provides anonymous financial grants to industry colleagues and their families who are in acute need due to critical illness, advanced age, death of a spouse, or other serious misfortunes. In an industry often characterized by its high-pressure environment and rapid changes, the Foundation provides a crucial safety net for those who have dedicated their lives to the craft of broadcasting.
The Paley Center for Media is also a primary beneficiary of the gala. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Paley Center leads the global discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms. By supporting the Paley Center, the Hall of Fame ensures that the history of media is preserved and that the dialogue regarding its future remains robust and inclusive.
Analysis: The Shifting Paradigm of Media Leadership
The selection of the Class of 2025 reflects several broader trends currently reshaping the media industry. The inclusion of Jimmy Pitaro and the recognition of Days of Our Lives underscore the "streaming-first" mentality that now dominates executive boardrooms. The industry is no longer defined solely by Nielsen ratings on linear channels; instead, success is measured by subscriber growth, digital engagement, and the ability to port legacy IP into new formats.
Furthermore, the honoring of Drew Barrymore and Sheryl Lee Ralph points to the increasing importance of multi-hyphenate talent. In 2025, a successful media figure is often an actor, producer, and entrepreneur simultaneously. This diversification of roles allows talent to exert more control over their narratives and business ventures, a shift that has fundamentally altered the power dynamics between talent and traditional studios.
The Humanitarian and Iconic Show awards also suggest that in a fragmented media market, "brand purpose" and "brand longevity" are more valuable than ever. As viewers are overwhelmed with content choices, shows with 60 years of history and individuals with a clear commitment to social causes provide a sense of stability and trust that new, algorithm-driven content often lacks.
Event Logistics and Participation
The 33rd Annual Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame gala is expected to be a sold-out event, drawing executives from major conglomerates including Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal, and Paramount, as well as independent production houses and tech giants.
For those interested in sponsorship opportunities, tables, or individual tickets, the organization has directed inquiries to Jessica Wolin. The gala remains one of the few events where the "old guard" of broadcast television and the "new guard" of Silicon Valley-backed streaming services converge, making it a premier networking opportunity for the next generation of media professionals.
As the industry prepares for the September 30 ceremony, the induction of the Class of 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the visionary leadership required to navigate the digital frontier. By celebrating these twelve honorees, the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame continues its mission of documenting the past while inspiring the future of global media.
