Lew Klein, the media titan and namesake to Klein College of Media and Communication, was known and loved for his unique ability to bring minds from diverse corners of the media business together. One organization that grew under his leadership from its inception is the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB), a trade association representing over 30 television stations and 350 radio stations commercially licensed by the FCC. At the association’s most recent annual board meeting, the board decided to honor his legacy with a $100,000 gift to Klein College’s Lew Klein Legacy Circle.

“The PAB’s investment in the Lew Klein Circle will help secure Lew’s legacy for generations,” said Dean David Boardman. “We are deeply grateful for their support and hope it will encourage others to make a difference and ensure Klein College can achieve new heights of excellence and prosperity in the years to come.”

Though the PAB has a history of involvement with education and professional development with colleges and universities throughout the state, PAB president Joe Conti’s personal relationship with the Kleins makes this one special. Conti has known them ever since the couple frequented Conti’s family restaurant in Doylestown 50 years ago. Their friendship lasted decades, supported by diverse dinner parties and Conti’s involvement in political causes that interested the Kleins, such as museums and historical preservation. Now, as president of the PAB, Conti reflects on the Kleins’ influence on media in Pennsylvania.

“Lew Klein was present at the creation of the association back in the 50s, just as he was present at the creation of television,” he said. “Lew was such a special person, and he has touched so, so many of us, particularly board members.”

In fact, Conti said, many of the board members are Klein graduates themselves. These board members are made up of a diverse body of media leaders -- station managers in television, radio, and many who blur the line. “So whether it’s a television manager in Pittsburgh or a radio station manager in Scranton, probably Lew and Janet Klein have touched them in some way over the years,” Conti said.

This sort of professional diversity is something Lew always valued and embodied throughout his career as a teacher, leader and media entrepreneur. He was known for his abilities to expertly mediate internal conflict and think ahead of the curve, both visionary qualities that are more relevant than ever in today’s media industry.

“One thing Lew Klein was able to do was always unify everyone. He was such a collaborator and such a unifier, that I hope that our involvement at the Klein College can be a way to unite and unify media -- radio and TV, in Lew’s memory, because that was his strength.”

Bernie Prazenica, president of 6abcin Philadelphia, who is also a board member, hopes to see the innovative qualities Lew embodied thrive at Klein College through the PAB’s gift. “The intent of the broadcasters, with Temple University, is to find a way to use the money to honor Lew in a way that benefits students in a way that Lew would have wanted, which is to give them real-life experiences, access to people who work in the media business, that sort of thing,” he said.

The spirit and will of Lew Klein will serve the students who study under his namesake for years to come, just as Lew would have wanted.

“Lew Klein was never fearful of thinking outside the box,” Conti said.

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For more information about becoming a member of the Lew Klein Legacy Circle please contact Karen Gallagher at [click-for-email] or 215-219-5871.