Gordon Hastings is president of ghhMANAGEMENT. He is the founder of the Broadcasters Foundation of America and the former president of Katz Radio and Katz Television. He is a founder of the Radio Mercury Awards and the Broadcasters Foundation of America Celebrity Golf Tournament.
The pinnacle of recognition for Eddie Fritts’ service to the radio and television profession as head of the National Association of Broadcasters has been attained with the announcement that he will receive the organization’s most coveted Distinguished Service Award. The honor will be presented during the opening keynote address at the annual NAB Convention in Las Vegas in April.
Many will remember Eddie’s move from community broadcaster in Mississippi to NAB Headquarters in Washington in 1982. Eddie joined the NAB at a time when both radio and television needed a strong voice in Washington. The industry embraced Eddie as leader who could bring the industry together and speak with one forceful voice.
Eddie consistently delivered a positive message for the industry, was always even handed and never fell prey to the anger displayed by adversaries. He maintained that unique ability even when his own positions and judgments were challenged within the NAB. He understood that unity did not always come with perfect harmony. Few would question that during his tenure the NAB rose to become among the most respected, powerful, agile and successful trade associations in the nation.
The late Jack Valenti, legendary head of the Motion Picture Association of America and Eddie’s good friend said it best, “If you look at the top 20 associations in Washington, including my own, I would count Eddie Fritts as the wisest and ablest leader of them all.”
The industry is also grateful for the long, loyal and gracious contributions of Eddie’s wife Martha Dale who has earned her a place on the dais of distinguished service.
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