, a non-profit organization promoting media education and career advancement. Founded by Stanton, the late president of CBS, the center will mark its 40th anniversary in 2020. Past editions have featured honorees including Ted Turner, David Nevins of Showtime/CBS, Vice Media co-founder Shane Smith, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
In her introduction of Ferro, Burke recalled befriending her when they both took part in a Disney executive training program. “I knew that even if I had a stupid question or I made a dumb mistake, she would always have my back,” the exec said. “Now, a few years later, I am lucky enough to call her a close friend and colleague.”
Mayne took a more sardonically on-brand approach during his turn at the microphone, delivering a shorter dose of his annual rip-fest on the industry, Disney and its advertisers that is a staple of the company’s spring upfront.