WNBC Wins Seven NYSBA "Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting"

ALBANY, NY (06/27/2008)(readMedia)-- WNBC Channel 4 captured a competition-leading six awards at Tuesday 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.

Competing in the red group against radio and TV stations from the entire New York City market, 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).

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).

Meawnhile, 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).

Notable honorees in the blue group, comprising radio and TV stations from the markets of Long Island, Albany/Schenectady/Troy, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, were:

Albany — Latham-based WGY, which was honored with two awards - "Outstanding Spot News" (The Spitzer Sex Scandal) and "Outstanding Promotion Announcement or Series" (Al Roney - Just Your Regular Guy) and WNYT-13, which was tapped for "Outstanding Locally Originated Newscast" (Live @ Five, March 11, 2008).

Syracuse — WSYR-570AM, a Clear Channel-owned station, which was honored with three awards, including "Outstanding Single Public Affairs Program" (The Final Word), "Outstanding Local Newscast" (Central New York's Morning News) and "Outstanding Feature Story" (The Pontiff's Visit to the U.S.).

Rochester — WHAM, which was recognized with two awards, "Outstanding Television Commercial" (Houseworks Tax Sale) and "Outstanding Hard News Story" (Juvenile Pedophiles), while WXXI earned a brace of honors for "Outstanding Individual Program or Series Designed for Children" (Homework Hotline) and "Outstanding Locally Produced TV Show" (Taste of New York).

Buffalo - WIVB, Buffalo's CBS affiliate, netted three honors: "Outstanding Television Promotion Announcement or Series" (#1 in the Nation), "Outstanding Public Service Announcement/Campaign" (Mark Reed Benefit), and "Outstanding Feature News Story" (Ice Bowl Preview).

Long Island - West Babylon's WBAB was recognized twice for "Outstanding Radio Commercial" (Teletechie: Movie Trailer) and "Outstanding On-Air Broadcast Personality or Team" (Roger and JP - "The Mind of a Woman"), while Melville's WLNY was singled out for "Outstanding Public Affairs Program Series" (Baby Safe Haven) and "Outstanding Sportscast" (Giants at the Super Bowl).

With three trophies apiece, WBNG-12 and WRNN led the way in the green group, which included stations from outside of New York City and the larger markets of Long Island Albany/Schenectady/Troy, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.

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.

The 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 NYSBA President Joseph A. Reilly's late wife, who died of cancer in 2000.

For a complete list of local award winners by region, visit 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.