Geoffrey Mason, a veteran sports television production executive and member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, passed away on Sunday at the age of 85.
His impressive career spanned five decades and included work with ABC Sports, ESPN, NBC, Fox, and the NFL Network, significantly influencing how sports are presented on television. He garnered 24 Emmy Awards and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
“Geoff Mason was a dear friend and colleague who had an illustrious career, leaving his mark on nearly every part of the sports television landscape,” remarked Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, the parent of ABC and ESPN. “His dedication to the industry was evident in his remarkable work ethic and the unwavering passion he brought to every project.”
“He will undoubtedly be missed.”
Mason served as the coordinating producer for ABC’s broadcast of the terrorist attack during the 1972 Olympics in Munich, one of eight Olympic events he covered. Throughout his career, he also contributed to the coverage of the Super Bowl, World Series, World Cup, “Monday Night Football,” major golf and tennis championships, Tour de France, Indianapolis 500, horse racing’s Triple Crown, and sailing’s America’s Cup.
A Duke University alumnus and U.S. Navy veteran, Mason began his journey in sports television as a production associate at ABC Sports in 1967.
He was a long-serving board member of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, appointed by Jim Valvano, and also served on the board of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, Chris; son, Geoff Jr.; and brother, David.
