New York State Broadcasters Association Announces 2011 Hall of Fame Nominees

New York State Broadcasters Association Announces 2011 Hall of Fame Nominees

Induction Ceremony to Take Place at 49th Executive Conference June 27th in Bolton Landing, N.Y.

ALBANY, N.Y., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) today announced the industry professionals to be named to its 2011 Hall of Fame. This year's nominees include: Regis Philbin, talk and game show host; Joseph A. Reilly, NYSBA president; Rick Buckley, chairman and CEO of Buckley Radio in Greenwich, CT; William B. Williams, a New York City radio icon; Rod Wood and Carrie Lazarus, TV co-anchors from Central New York; and, Arnold Klinsky, a former WHEC-TV executive from Rochester.

The nominees will be inducted during the Tony Malara Awards Dinner at the NYSBA's 49th Executive Conference slated for June 27th at the picturesque Sagamore Resort Hotel on Lake George.

"This year's group of nominees is outstanding," said Hall of Fame Chairman Ed Levine. "They represent New York's very finest broadcasting talent."

The following is a brief bio on each of the 2011 nominees:

-- REGIS PHILBIN -- Philbin is best known for his outgoing banter as a host
on ABC's morning program, "Live with Regis and Kelly," (previously
"Live! With Regis & Kathie Lee"). The Bronx native also hosted the
popular prime-time game show, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire." Over the
years, Philbin has explored other creative outlets such as writing,
singing and film appearances and has earned numerous industry accolades,
including Emmy awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also
holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for "Most Hours on
Camera." Philbin plans to retire sometime in 2011.

-- JOSEPH A. REILLY -- Reilly has served as the NYSBA's president since
1979. During his 32-year tenure at the association, he has expertly
balanced the two worlds of broadcasting and politics. Prior to joining
the NYSBA, he founded, co-owned and operated a dozen broadcast
properties in Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York. Reilly is also
credited with launching the career of television impresario Roger King,
who subsequently helped launch the careers of such TV personalities as
Oprah and Dr. Phil. Reilly, who resides in Voorheesville, N.Y., will
step down from his post at the end of June.

-- RICHARD BUCKLEY -- Buckley, chairman and CEO of Buckley Radio, has been
a part of the radio industry for more than five decades. He began his
career as a page at the National Broadcasting Company. In 1972, after
working in radio in various capacities, he succeeded his father as the
operating head of Buckley Radio. Today, it is one of America's remaining
privately owned radio companies with 17 radio stations across the nation
in addition to the WOR Radio Network, which serves more than 380
stations in the U.S. and Canada. He resides in Greenwich, CT.

-- WILLIAM B. WILLIAMS (Deceased) -- Williams, a longtime radio disc jockey
and one of the industry's most devoted personalities to playing melodic
tunes otherwise known as standards, worked in the industry for more than
four decades. Known to his devoted audience and friends simply as
"Willie B," he is best remembered for his long tenure as a radio
personality at WNEW-AM in New York City. Williams had many friends,
including Frank Sinatra, whom he met while the singer was hosting a
radio show at WNEW early in his career. He later gave Sinatra the widely
known nickname, "Chairman of the Board." For 30 years, Williams began
his popular show "Make Believe Ballroom" with the greeting -- "Hello
World." He passed away in 1986.

-- ROD WOOD & CARRIE LAZARUS -- Wood and Lazarus, who recently celebrated
their 25th Anniversary as co-anchors at Syracuse's WSYR-TV, are one of
the longest running anchor teams in the nation. Lazarus, who anchors
WSYR's noon and evening newscasts, joined the station in 1986. She has
received numerous awards for her reporting and her "Family Healthcast,"
one of the first daily local health and fitness reports in the nation.
Wood, who was born and raised in Syracuse, has been with WSYR for more
than 35 years. He currently anchors the station's evening news programs
with Lazarus, as well as the top-rated 11 p.m. newscast. Throughout his
40-plus year career, Wood has garnered awards from the Associated Press
and numerous other organizations for news coverage and community
involvement. He has also received accolades for his "Consumer Reports"
features.

-- ARNOLD KLINSKY -- Klinsky is the former vice president and general
manager of WHEC-TV in Rochester. He began his news career in the Midwest
and later joined WVIT, the NBC affiliate in Hartford. The station, which
tripled its news ratings during his tenure, also was awarded a best
newscast in New England Emmy. Klinsky joined WHEC in 1983. He is an
active contributor to Rochester-area charities and boards. As past
chairman of the NYSBA, Klinsky helped create the association's minority
job bank.

For more information on NYSBA's 49th Annual Executive Conference, call (518) 456-8888.

Founded in 1955, the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) represents the interests of more than 1000 television and radio stations in the NYS Senate and Assembly; the US Congress, and various other legislative bodies. NYSBA also offers a variety of services to help the broadcasters of New York State better serve their communities.

SOURCE New York State Broadcasters Association

New York State Broadcasters Association

CONTACT: Joseph A. Reilly, President, New York State Broadcasters Association, +1-518-456-8888

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