Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2025 Honoring Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Pitaro, and Sheryl Lee Ralph

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, September 30, at New York’s Ziegfeld Ballroom. This 33rd annual gala continues a long-standing tradition of recognizing the individuals and programs that have defined the medium of television, shaping culture and commerce alike. The 2025 ceremony will take place at the historic venue located at 141 West 54th Street, bringing together the most influential executives, talent, and creators in the global media landscape to celebrate a new cohort of industry titans.

Among the primary honorees for the 2025 induction is Drew Barrymore, the award-winning actress, director, producer, and businesswoman. Barrymore currently serves as the host and executive producer of The Drew Barrymore Show, which has become a staple of daytime television since its debut in 2020. Beyond her work in front of the camera, Barrymore is the co-founder of Flower Films, a production company responsible for a wide array of successful cinematic and television projects. Her induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes her multifaceted career, which has spanned nearly five decades and successfully bridged the gap between traditional Hollywood stardom and modern multimedia entrepreneurship.

Joining Barrymore in this prestigious class is Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, who is set to receive the Hall of Fame’s Chairman’s Award. Pitaro is responsible for ESPN’s vast portfolio of sports content, products, and experiences across all of Disney’s platforms worldwide. Since taking the helm of the sports media giant in 2018, Pitaro has been credited with navigating the complex transition from traditional linear broadcasting to a "direct-to-consumer" future, maintaining ESPN’s dominance in an increasingly fragmented market.

The ceremony will also honor Sheryl Lee Ralph with the Hall of Fame’s Humanitarian Award. Ralph, an actress, producer, and advocate, recently gained widespread acclaim and an Emmy Award for her role as Barbara Howard in Warner Bros. Television’s Abbott Elementary. The Humanitarian Award recognizes not only her illustrious career on stage and screen—dating back to her Tony-nominated performance in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls—but also her extensive philanthropic efforts through the DIVA Foundation. Her work in health advocacy and social justice has made her a prominent voice for change within the entertainment industry and beyond.

In a departure from individual honors, the Hall of Fame will present its Iconic Show Award to the long-running daytime drama Days of Our Lives. The series is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary on the air this November, marking six decades of continuous storytelling. Originally premiering on NBC in 1965, the show made a historic move to Peacock in 2022, becoming one of the first major daytime dramas to transition exclusively to a streaming platform. This award recognizes the program’s longevity, cultural impact, and successful adaptation to the digital era.

A Legacy of Excellence: The History of the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame

The Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame was established to honor those who have made significant contributions to the electronic arts. Over the course of 33 years, the institution has inducted over 400 individuals and entities, creating a "who’s who" of the television industry. Previous inductees include legendary figures such as Lucille Ball, Walter Cronkite, Oprah Winfrey, and Ted Turner, as well as modern innovators like Reed Hastings and Bob Iger.

The selection process for the Hall of Fame is rigorous, focusing on individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of achievement or have pioneered new ways of reaching audiences. The class of 2025 reflects the current state of the industry: a blend of traditional broadcast excellence, cable dominance, and the burgeoning power of streaming services. By honoring a diverse group of professionals—from corporate chairmen to humanitarian activists—the event underscores the multifaceted nature of modern media.

Profile: Drew Barrymore’s Evolution into a Daytime Powerhouse

Drew Barrymore’s induction comes at a pivotal moment in her career. While she has been a household name since her breakout role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), her recent transition into the talk show space has redefined her industry standing. The Drew Barrymore Show has been praised for its innovative "optimism-first" approach and its creative use of technology, such as the "Vecta" camera system and digital integration that allows for seamless interaction with social media audiences.

As the co-founder of Flower Films, Barrymore has also been a significant force behind the scenes. The company has produced hits such as Never Been Kissed, Charlie’s Angels, and 50 First Dates, proving her acumen as a producer who understands both commercial appeal and creative integrity. Her ability to remain relevant across different eras of media—from film to linear TV to digital clips—is a primary reason for her inclusion in the 2025 class.

Profile: Jimmy Pitaro and the Future of Sports Media

Under Jimmy Pitaro’s leadership, ESPN has undergone a massive strategic shift. Pitaro has been instrumental in securing long-term rights deals with the NFL, NBA, MLB, and the NHL, ensuring that ESPN remains the "home of sports" for the foreseeable future. However, his most significant impact has been the expansion of ESPN+, the company’s multi-sport streaming service, which now boasts tens of millions of subscribers.

The Chairman’s Award recognizes Pitaro’s role in steering the Disney-owned entity through the "cord-cutting" era. Industry analysts note that Pitaro’s focus on digital innovation and brand expansion has stabilized ESPN’s revenue streams during a period of volatility for traditional cable networks. His leadership is seen as a blueprint for how legacy media brands can evolve without losing their core identity.

Profile: Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Humanitarian Legacy

Sheryl Lee Ralph’s career has always been intertwined with her commitment to social causes. In 1990, she founded the DIVA (Divinely Inspired Victorious Awareness) Foundation as a memorial to the many friends she lost to HIV/AIDS during the original Broadway run of Dreamgirls. Over the past 30 years, the foundation has raised millions of dollars for health awareness and testing.

Her recent Emmy win for Abbott Elementary has provided a renewed platform for her advocacy. Ralph has used her spotlight to speak on the importance of education, the arts, and representation. The Hall of Fame’s Humanitarian Award highlights the intersection of celebrity and service, honoring Ralph for using her professional success to fuel meaningful social progress.

Analysis: The Significance of the Iconic Show Award for Days of Our Lives

The recognition of Days of Our Lives with the Iconic Show Award serves as a case study for the endurance of the soap opera genre. As one of the longest-running scripted programs in the world, the show has produced over 14,000 episodes. Its move to Peacock in 2022 was initially met with skepticism by industry observers, but it has since proven to be a successful model for migrating loyal, legacy audiences to streaming platforms.

The award highlights the show’s ability to maintain a consistent narrative world for 60 years while evolving its production techniques and distribution methods. In an era of "peak TV" where many shows struggle to survive past three seasons, the longevity of Days of Our Lives is a testament to the power of serialized storytelling and audience engagement.

Industry Statements and Leadership Perspectives

The leadership behind the Hall of Fame expressed great enthusiasm for the 2025 class, noting the unique strengths each honoree brings to the table.

“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,” said Charlie Weiss, Chairman of the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame. “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, added: “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. From entrepreneurs to global leaders to creative visionaries—both behind and in front of the camera—the class of 2025 has it all.”

Supporting the Industry: The Broadcasters Foundation of America

A significant aspect of the Hall of Fame gala is its charitable mission. A portion of the net proceeds from the event is donated to The Broadcasters Foundation of America. This organization provides vital financial assistance to industry professionals who have fallen on hard times due to critical illness, advanced age, or other unforeseen misfortunes. By supporting this foundation, the Hall of Fame ensures that the industry takes care of its own, providing a safety net for those who have dedicated their lives to broadcasting.

The Paley Center for Media is also a beneficiary of the event. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Paley Center leads discussions on the cultural and social significance of media, preserving the history of television and radio for future generations. The partnership between the Hall of Fame and these organizations emphasizes the industry’s commitment to its heritage and its workforce.

Conclusion: A Night of Celebration and Reflection

The September 30 gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom is expected to be one of the most significant gatherings of media professionals in 2025. As the industry continues to navigate the complexities of the streaming wars, AI integration, and shifting viewer habits, the Hall of Fame serves as a reminder of the human element that drives media.

The Class of 2025 represents the best of the past, present, and future of television. From the long-standing legacy of Days of Our Lives to the strategic foresight of Jimmy Pitaro and the creative vibrancy of Drew Barrymore and Sheryl Lee Ralph, the inductees embody the resilience and innovation of the medium. For those interested in attending or supporting the event, sponsorship opportunities and ticket information are available through the official Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame channels, managed by Jessica Wolin at Future PLC.