New York State Broadcasters Association Announces 2011 Hall of Fame Nominees

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