Remembering Phil Lombardo
• UPDATED: It is with great sadness that the Broadcasters Foundation of America shares the news of the passing of Philip J. Lombardo, who died Friday morning, Jan. 5, following a brief illness. Lombardo was CEO of Citadel Communications and Chairman Emeritus of the Broadcasters Foundation, having previously served as its Chairman for 15 years.
“Last night, the Broadcasters Foundation and the broadcast industry lost a great man,” said Scott Herman, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “As Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation for many years, Phil left an indelible mark. He was passionate about our mission and one of our biggest donors, giving both time and money to helping colleagues in need.”
Ray Cole, President & COO of Citadel Communications, remarked, “It would be impossible for me to quantify all that I learned from Phil Lombardo over the course of our nearly 40-year association. Phil was a boss, a mentor, and a partner. Most of all, he was a dear friend who changed my life in immeasurable ways. While his impact on the broadcasting industry was vast and deep, Phil’s enduring legacy will be the vision and passion with which he led the Broadcasters Foundation of America. His contributions to its mission — helping fellow broadcasters in need — had no bounds. That commitment is sure to live on forever.”
Lombardo’s impactful role as Chairman from 2000 to 2015 was vital to the Foundation’s ability to increase the amount of grants awarded annually to broadcasters in need from just over $60,000 in 2000 to nearly $2 million in recent years.
“Phil had a strong personality, but his heart was bigger,” said Tim McCarthy, President of the Broadcasters foundation. “No one worked harder than Phil to raise money from our biggest donors. He gave more than anyone in our industry to colleagues who need it most.”
To honor Lombardo’s longstanding dedication to the Broadcasters Foundation, in 2000 the Board passed a near unanimous vote to rename its annual golf tournament and fundraiser, held during the NAB Show in Las Vegas, to the Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament. The one “no” vote was cast by Lombardo.
Lombardo always knew he wanted to go into broadcasting. Growing up in a rough neighborhood on Chicago’s near north side, radio was his companion. He began his career as a production assistant at WBBM-TV/Chicago and quickly rose to executive levels, earning a reputation for being a “turnaround” manager. The majority of Lombardo’s storied career was focused on buying, turning around, and selling TV stations for his privately held company, Citadel Communications. In 2003, Lombardo was elected to serve as joint board Chairman of the NAB. He was inducted into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame in October 2015.
• In response to the passing of Phil Lombardo, NAB President & CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, “Phil Lombardo was a pioneer in the broadcasting industry; his contributions were immense and his influence widespread. His passion for broadcasting set a standard that will continue to inspire generations to come. Phil’s leadership extended beyond his business achievements. His service as NAB joint board chair helped shape the future of our association and left an indelible mark on our industry. But his legacy will certainly be his work to help broadcasters in their times of greatest need, through the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA). I had the privilege of serving with him on the BFOA board and witnessing firsthand his unwavering dedication to the men and women of the broadcast industry, giving back to those who have given so much to our communities across the country. We extend our deepest condolences to Phil’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. His legacy will live on, and he will be deeply missed.”
The Lombardo family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Philip J. Lombardo Memorial Fund, which will be established by the Broadcasters Foundation next week in honor of Lombardo’s dedication and service to the broadcasting industry and to the Foundation’s charitable cause.
