The Television Academy Foundation has announced a new initiative called “The Bob Bennett Future Leaders” as an expansion to their internship program, aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in the television industry. This program has been made possible by a generous $3 million gift from The Robert M. and Margie Bennett Foundation.
Named in honor of the late broadcasting pioneer Bob Bennett, the Bob Bennett Future Leaders program will begin in the summer of 2023 and offer additional opportunities to ten college students who are part of the Television Academy Foundation’s Internship Program each year. The endowed fund will provide paid, eight-week internships at major television production companies, covering housing, transportation, professional development, and special leadership training.
For the inaugural participants, selections will be made from the college students already confirmed as interns for the Television Academy Foundation’s summer program in 2023. To be considered for this program, applicants must submit a 350-word essay on their understanding of innovation and leadership and how they plan to apply these qualities in their internships and future roles in television.
Cris Abrego, the chair of the Television Academy Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for the generosity of the Bob Bennett family. Given Bob Bennett’s remarkable contributions to the industry, it is fitting that his family has chosen to develop a new generation of visionary leaders who will shape the future of the television industry. The Television Academy Foundation feels honored to be a part of Bob Bennett’s transformative legacy.
Kelly Bennett, philanthropist and actress, who heads The Robert M. and Margie Bennett Foundation, shared her satisfaction in honoring her father through this legacy fund that supports and mentors future leaders in television through educational programs. She eagerly anticipates a fruitful relationship with the Television Academy Foundation, hoping that it will thrive for years to come.
Paul Rich, CEO of BoPaul Media Worldwide and a member of the Bennett Foundation board alongside Kelly Bennett, played a key role in facilitating the generous gift in honor of Bob Bennett’s inspirational, innovative, and dynamic leadership style. Rich described Bob Bennett as a true visionary who recognized that continuous learning increases the likelihood of becoming a leader. Throughout his career, Bennett took pride in nurturing young talent at every stage.
Bob Bennett, who passed away in 2016, had an exceptional 50-year television career that left an indelible impact on broadcasting across the country. As an industry pioneer and a Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Famer, he spearheaded the launch of WCVB-TV in Boston and led Metromedia Broadcasting, the nation’s largest broadcast station group at the time, as its president. Metromedia included influential television stations in major cities, radio stations, and notable entertainment ventures.
WCVB-TV was envisioned by Bennett as a model of what local television broadcasting could be in America, producing not only local news but also award-winning scripted programs. Bennett’s achievements extended beyond his television career, as he was involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and played a crucial role in launching and expanding The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.
Bob Bennett received numerous awards for his personal contributions to the field and was presented with the President’s Award of the National Association of Television Program Executives in 1985. He was also known for his philanthropy, making significant donations to organizations such as MDA, the American Film Institute, and Hoag Hospital.
Until his passing, Bob Bennett served as the chairman of the board of Bennett Productions.
About the Television Academy Foundation
Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Television Academy Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of television while educating and inspiring those who will shape its future. Through renowned educational and outreach programs such as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television Project, College Television Awards andSummit, Student Internship Program, and the Media Educators Conference, the Foundation seeks to widen the circle of voices our industry represents and to create more opportunity for television to reflect all of society. For more information on the Foundation, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com/Foundation.
