Citadel Communications CEO and Chairman Emeritus of the Broadcasters Foundation of America Phil Lombardo died Thursday after a brief illness.
Lombardo had served as the chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation from 2000 to 2015 before moving to his Meritus role.
“Last night, the Broadcasters Foundation and the broadcast industry lost a great man,” said current Broadcasters Foundation Chairman Scott Herman. “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.”
“It would be impossible for me to quantify all that I learned from Phil Lombardo over the course of our nearly 40-year association,” added Citadel Communications President and COO Ray Cole. “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.”
In lieu of flowers, Lombardo’s family has asked that donations be made to the newly created Phillip J. Lombardo Memorial Fund, established by the Broadcasters Foundation to honor the legendary executive’s work in the field.
“Phil had a strong personality, but his heart was bigger,” added Broadcasters Foundation President Tim McCarthy. “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.”
After the announcement of Lombardo’s death, the NAB also released a statement memorializing the Citadel Communications CEO.
“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,” NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt wrote in the statement.
“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.”
Phil Lombardo was 88. He founded Citadel Communications in 1982, before ultimately completely divesting itself from the TV business by selling its remaining stations to Nexstar Media Group last year.
