ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - The South Carolina Broadcasters Association (SCBA) will unveil Michael J. Hayes’ plaque in its Hall of Fame on Feb. 22 at Winthrop University. Hayes was inducted into the SCBA Hall of Fame in 2022; however, due to COVID, the ceremony was postponed.
First presented in 1973, the association’s most prestigious award was created to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the broadcast industry in South Carolina or South Carolinians who have made such contributions to broadcasting outside the state. Inductees have reached the highest levels of achievement and success in broadcasting on a local and/or national level.
Busts and plaques recognizing inductees’ many accomplishments are on display at the SCBA Hall of Fame housed in Johnson Hall at Winthrop. The Feb. 22 ceremony is private.
Hayes was promoted to senior vice president of Hearst and president of Hearst Television in May 2023. However, before ascending to the corporate offices in New York, he served as president and general manager of WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh and WYFF 4 in Greenville. During his eight-year tenure in South Carolina between 2003-11, WYFF 4 was honored with several national awards, including a Peabody Award for “Chronicle: Paul’s Gift.”
The station also won SCBA Television Station of the Year for four straight years (2008-11) under his leadership. Hayes is a champion for local broadcasting and continues to remain involved in the association. He served as its president from 2007-09 and has also served on its Educational Foundation Board since the beginning of 2023.
About the South Carolina Broadcasters Association:
The South Carolina Broadcasters Association is a non-profit association representing radio and television stations throughout the state. The SCBA advocates for the broadcasting industry, provides professional development opportunities for its members, and promotes the importance of broadcasting to the public. For more information visit www.scba.net.
For more information, contact Maya Arias, executive assistant, at maya@scba.net.
