Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

Criteria and selection

The award honors sustained excellence in sports broadcasting, including clarity of play-by-play, influence on the public perception of hockey, innovation in presentation, and long-term service to audiences. Winners are selected by the NHL Broadcasters' Association, a body that evaluates candidates on professional achievement, impact on the sport, and contribution to broadcasting standards.

Typical characteristics of recipients

• Long careers covering hockey at the professional, national, or regional level.
• Recognition for voice, style, or storytelling that connected with listeners and viewers.
• Contributions to the development of hockey broadcasting techniques and mentorship of younger commentators.

History and development

The award commemorates Foster Hewitt's role in popularizing hockey on the radio and later on television. Over decades it has become a leading form of recognition for media figures who shape how the game is presented and remembered. Presentation ceremonies are often associated with Hall of Fame events and provide a public forum to celebrate broadcasting careers.

Importance and examples

By highlighting excellence in transmission of the sport, the award helps preserve broadcasting traditions and encourages high professional standards. Honorees commonly include play-by-play announcers, color commentators, studio hosts, and producers who brought hockey to wide audiences and influenced the sport's media culture.

Similar awards and distinctions

The Foster Hewitt Memorial Award is distinct from other honors that recognize sports broadcasting more generally. For example, the ACTRA Foster Hewitt Award—presented by the Canadian association ACTRA—recognized excellence in sports broadcasting but was discontinued in 1986. For further official information and lists of past recipients, see the award page at the Hall or related broadcaster association resources: award page, broadcasting association, and other reference material about hockey.