WNBC Tapped For Six NYSBA "Awards For Excellence In Broadcasting"

ALBANY, NY (06/25/2008)(readMedia)-- WNBC Channel 4 captured a competition-leading six awards at last night's 43rd "Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting," an annual contest sponsored by the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) recognizing outstanding achievement among New York's radio and television stations. The honors were handed out at the picturesque Sagamore Resort Hotel in Bolton Landing.

NBC's flagship station was adjudged to have the most "Outstanding Public Affairs Program Series" (Carbon Count), "Outstanding Feature News Story" (Field of Dreams), "Outstanding Locally Originated Newscast" (Steam Explosion July 2007), "Outstanding Documentary Program" (The Legacy of Yankee Stadium), "Outstanding Individual Program or Series Designed for Children" (Children and Cancer) and, "Outstanding Locally Produced TV Show" (The Amazin' Shea).

WPIX also picked up four awards in the prestigious competition: "Outstanding Public Service Announcement/Campaign" (Jackie Robinson - 60th Year of Diversity in Baseball), "Outstanding Single Public Affairs Program" (Infant Mortality Show), "Outstanding Spot News" (Steam Pipe Explosion) and "Outstanding Hard News Story" (Charity Car Donations).

A brace of awards also went to WXTV, which was recognized for "Outstanding Television Commercial" (Luis Jimenez "La Segunda Venida") and "Outstanding Television Promotion Announcement or Series" (Andy Andy-Jingle), while WCBS was chosen for "Outstanding Sportscast" ("Date with Destiny: Super Bowl Preview).

Meanwhile, on the radio dial, WQHT and WCBS-AM captured eight of the 11 contest categories up for grabs. WQHT was recognized for "Outstanding Radio Commercial" (Potamkin of Harlem), "Outstanding Promotion Announcement or Series" (DJ Envy Vocab), "Outstanding Station-Sponsored Event" (Hot 97 Summer Jam), and "Outstanding On-Air Broadcast Personality or Team" (Angie Martinez-The Voice of New York).

WCBS-AM took the spotlight for "Outstanding Spot News" (The NYC Steampipe Explosion), "Outstanding Local Newscast" (8/8/07), "Outstanding Feature Story" (A Day at the Fire Academy), and "Outstanding Sportscast" (The Ultimate Sportsmanship).

Fordham University's 50,000-watt public radio station, WFUV, also scored a hat-trick of honors for "Outstanding Single Public Affairs Program" (Cityscape-Lost City), "Outstanding Commentary, Editorial or Documentary" (Musical Abilities) and "Outstanding Local Sporting Event" (2008 NFL Draft).

Judged by member stations of the Missouri Broadcasters Association, this year's Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting drew 520 entries from radio and TV stations in the Empire State. Award recipients competed in the in the red group, which comprised radio and TV stations from the entire NYC market.

Last night's formal dinner, which featured an address by Gov. David Paterson, also included Hall of Fame induction ceremonies for veteran Buffalo Bills play-by-play announcer Van Miller, acclaimed radio general manager Bob Bruno, former president of ABC Radio Network Edward F. McLaughlin, veteran Capital Region radio manager John Kelly, and TV syndication legend Roger King.

NYSBA also presented the 2008 New Yorkers of the Year Award to the New York Giants for their stunning underdog victory over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots in this year's Super Bowl.

In addition, best-selling suspense novelist Mary Higgins Clark was recognized with the eighth annual Carol M. Reilly Award, which is given out in memory of Reilly's late wife, who died of cancer in 2000.

For more information, call NYSBA at (518) 456-8888 or go to www.nysbroadcasters.org.

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Founded in 1955, the NYS Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) represents the interests of more than 600 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. For more information, call (518) 456-8888 or go to www.nysbroadcasters.org.