Arizona Media Icon Lunch 2025

TICKET SALES HAVE NOW CLOSED. FOR LAST MINUTE REQUESTS, EMAIL AMA@AZMEDIA.ORG.

You're invited to celebrate the best in Arizona media! The Arizona Media Icon Lunch recognizes the giants of our local media community. With support from the Arizona Media Association, Arizona Local News Foundation, and 350 local media brands across Arizona, this annual event celebrates the extraordinary talent within Arizona’s dynamic media community. 

Join us on April 22, 2025 at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale for an unforgettable afternoon. The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Paradise Ballroom and registration will open at 10:15 a.m.

Because all proceeds from the lunch benefit the Arizona Local News Foundation, tickets include tax deductibility status. For more information, please contact Nate Kelly at nate@azmedia.org. 

Arizona Media Hall of Fame
The Arizona Media Hall of Fame Award is arguably the pinnacle of recognition for media professionals in Arizona. This prestigious award celebrates those who have spent over 20 years in the media industry, with at least 10 of those years in leadership roles within Arizona. Inductees have made lasting and transformative contributions to the state’s media landscape that simply can’t be undone. 

Our 2025 honorees include: 
Howard Fischer, Arizona Capital Media Services
Kim Komando, syndicated radio host + author and columnist
Lupita Murillo, recently retired from Tucson’s KVOA-TV
Royal Norman, 3TV/CBS5 Phoenix Chief Meteorologist

Arizona Media Association Board Chair Award 
The Arizona Media Board Chair Award recognizes one community leader each year who has made a significant impact on Arizona’s media landscape, often a giant in their field even if their work extends outside the bounds of just Arizona local media.

Our 2025 honoree is: 
Buddy Owens, recording artist, radio personality       

Arizona Media Lifetime Service Award
The Arizona Media Association Lifetime Service Award is presented to individuals who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the local media industry over the course of at least 35 years, with a minimum of 15 years spent in Arizona. These honorees are recognized for their exceptional service and lasting impact across the industry.  

Our 2025 honorees include: 
Dr. John E. Craft – Professor Emeritus, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, ASU
Michael Dixon – Arizona talk show host & movie critic
Bob Glasco – Management roles with many Arizona radio brands
Ian Macspadden – Chief Technology Officer, Tucson’s Arizona Public Media
Paul Maryniak – Executive Editor, Times Media Group
Tom Peake – Music Director, Phoenix’s KOOL-FM
Rich Reid – Retired Market Manager, Cox YurView Arizona
Karl Voss – Chief Engineer with Phoenix’s KAET-TV                                                                                             

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the individuals who have shaped Arizona's media landscape and to network with leaders from every corner of our industry.

We look forward to seeing you at the Arizona Media Icon Lunch as we toast to excellence, history, and the future of Arizona media!