Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame Unveils Class of 2025 Honorees for 33rd Annual Gala in New York City
The Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame, the television industry’s premier event honoring the innovators, influencers, and creative visionaries who have defined the medium, has officially announced its prestigious class of 2025. This 33rd annual induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the historic Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. The gala serves as a definitive gathering for the media world, celebrating individuals and programs that have not only achieved commercial success but have also fundamentally altered the trajectory of broadcast, cable, and streaming television.
The 2025 class represents a cross-section of the modern media landscape, featuring a diverse array of talent ranging from global sports executives and award-winning performers to a long-running daytime institution. This year’s selections highlight the industry’s ongoing evolution, bridging the gap between traditional linear broadcasting and the rapidly expanding digital and streaming frontiers.
Distinguished Individual Honorees and the Chairman’s Award
Leading the 2025 class of inductees is Drew Barrymore, the acclaimed actress, director, producer, and entrepreneur. As the host and executive producer of The Drew Barrymore Show, she has redefined daytime television with a format that emphasizes authenticity and human connection. Beyond her work in front of the camera, Barrymore’s influence extends through her production company, Flower Films, which she co-founded. Her induction recognizes a career spanning decades, during which she transitioned from a child star to a formidable business leader and media personality.
A cornerstone of the evening will be the presentation of the Hall of Fame’s Chairman’s Award to Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN. Since taking the helm of the sports media giant, Pitaro has been instrumental in navigating the complex transition from cable dominance to a multi-platform digital future. He is responsible for ESPN’s massive portfolio of sports content, products, and fan experiences across all of The Walt Disney Company’s global platforms. Under his leadership, ESPN has secured long-term rights deals with major sports leagues while simultaneously growing its streaming presence through ESPN+, ensuring the brand remains the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" in a fragmented media environment.
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 series Abbott Elementary, Ralph’s career has been marked by both artistic excellence and a deep commitment to social causes. The award recognizes her extensive philanthropic efforts through the DIVA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization she founded in 1990 to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Ralph’s ability to use her platform for advocacy and education has made her a respected figure both within and outside the entertainment industry.
Celebrating a Television Institution: The Iconic Show Award
In a special tribute to the enduring power of the scripted drama, the Hall of Fame will present the Iconic Show Award to Days of Our Lives. This recognition comes as the series prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary on air in November 2025. Originally premiering on NBC in 1965, Days of Our Lives has become one of the longest-running scripted programs in global history.
The show’s inclusion in the 2025 class is particularly significant given its recent history. In 2022, the series made a historic transition from broadcast television to streaming, moving exclusively to Peacock. This shift served as a bellwether for the industry, proving that legacy brands could successfully migrate to digital platforms while maintaining a loyal, multi-generational audience. The award celebrates the show’s resilience, its contribution to the "Golden Age" of soap operas, and its successful adaptation to the modern viewing habits of the 21st century.
Leadership Perspectives on the Media Evolution
The selection of the 2025 class reflects a deliberate effort to honor those who have steered the industry through periods of immense change. 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 represented in 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.”
The Legacy of the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame
The 2025 inductees will join an elite group of over 400 previous honorees who have been recognized since the Hall of Fame’s inception. The roster includes some of the most recognizable names in television history, including legendary news anchors, pioneering network executives, and iconic entertainers. The Hall of Fame serves as a permanent record of the industry’s progress, documenting the move from black-and-white broadcasting to color, the rise of cable networks in the 1980s and 90s, and the current era of on-demand streaming.
The gala is more than a celebration of individual achievement; it is also a significant fundraising event for the industry’s charitable arms. A portion of the net proceeds from the evening is donated to the Broadcasters Foundation of America. This organization provides vital financial assistance to industry professionals and their families who are facing acute need due to critical illness, advanced age, or other unforeseen misfortunes.
Additionally, the Paley Center for Media serves as a beneficiary. As a non-profit organization, the Paley Center is dedicated to the preservation of media history and the discussion of its cultural and social significance. By supporting these organizations, the Hall of Fame gala ensures that the industry looks after its own while continuing to educate the public on the importance of media in a democratic society.
Industry Context and Strategic Implications
The induction of the Class of 2025 comes at a pivotal moment for the media and entertainment sector. The industry is currently grappling with several transformative trends:
- The Streaming Pivot: As evidenced by the honor for Days of Our Lives, the migration of content to streaming services is no longer a trend but a requirement for survival. Networks are increasingly prioritizing their Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) platforms over traditional linear channels.
- Sports as the "Last Frontier" of Live TV: The recognition of Jimmy Pitaro underscores the critical importance of live sports. In an era of time-shifted viewing, sports remains the primary driver of live audiences and high-value advertising inventory.
- The Power of Personal Brands: Honorees like Drew Barrymore and Sheryl Lee Ralph illustrate the shift toward talent-led media. In a crowded marketplace, recognizable and trusted personalities are essential for cutting through the noise and building audience loyalty.
- Corporate Responsibility and Advocacy: The Humanitarian Award for Sheryl Lee Ralph reflects a broader industry trend where social impact and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are increasingly integrated into the professional identities of media leaders.
Event Details and Participation
The 33rd Annual Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame gala will be held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, a venue synonymous with New York City’s entertainment history. Located at 141 West 54th Street, the ballroom provides a grand setting for an evening of networking, reflection, and celebration.
The event typically attracts a "who’s who" of media executives, talent agents, producers, and journalists. For those interested in attending or supporting the event, sponsorship opportunities, tables, and individual tickets are available. Inquiries regarding participation can be directed to Jessica Wolin at [email protected] or via telephone at (212) 685-4233.
As the industry continues to transform, the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame remains a constant, providing a moment of pause to honor the excellence that has built the foundations of modern television. The Class of 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, the necessity of bold leadership, and the profound impact that media has on global culture. Their induction on September 30 will mark another chapter in the storied history of an industry that continues to reinvent itself for new generations of viewers.
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