Energy filled the Paley Center Theater on November 7th as the Class of 2013 was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. Standing ovations were the order of the evening as a packed theater cheered the five new inductees into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
The evening began with a reception to honor the Class of 2013 and past Chairmen of the New York State Broadcasters Association in the Steven Spielberg Gallery at the Paley Center for Media. The festive atmosphere brought together several generations of New York’s finest broadcasters.
A special thanks to AM970 the Answer, who broadcast their evening show featuring Hall of Fame inductee Curtis Sliwa and former Governor David Paterson live from the Paley Center.
The induction ceremony took place in the Bennack Theater of the Paley Center. The enthusiastic audience filled the theater providing an electricity as the new class was introduced.
Our first inductee, Funk Flex, legendary pioneer of Hip Hop, accepted his award accompanied by cheers and a standing ovation from the audience.
In an emotional and heartfelt speech Univision’s Rafael Pineda, graciously accepted induction into the Hall of Fame as the crowd rose to its feet.
A standing ovation greeted Bill Ransom, former NYSBA Chairman and long-time General Manager of WKBW-TV, Buffalo. He recounted his extraordinary career in broadcasting and his commitment to Buffalo.
The audience also rose in unison to applaud AM 970’s and Guardian Angel founder Curtis Sliwa. He dazzled the audience with a description of his career in broadcasting.
A standing ovation greeted Perry Sook, Chairman, President and CEO of the Nexstar Broadcasting Group. Mr. Sook’s acceptance speech focused on his commitment to local television broadcasting and New York State.
After the ceremony the inductees, members of the NYSBA board of directors and past NYSBA Chairmen had an opportunity to enjoy the moment at a special post ceremony reception and dinner at the famous “21”.
