WBFO has been named the Radio Station of the Year. The honor was conferred at the 3rd Annual Buffalo Excellence in Media Awards (BEMAs), which honors Western New York Broadcasters. The awards recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and radio and television companies in the region. WBFO News reporter Ashley Hirtzel was also recognized as one of the finalists for the Rising Star Award.
The judging was administered by an impartial group of respected industry professionals from Western New York and from across the nation. More than 200 media members and their guests attended the awards ceremony sponsored by the Buffalo Broadcasters Association.
The evening's presenters were high profile members of the community, including US Attorney for the Western District of New York William J. Hochul, Jr., Albright-Knox Executive Director Janne Siren and former Buffalo Sabre Andrew Peters.
More than 200 media members and their guests attended the award ceremony sponsored by
the Buffalo Broadcasters Association.
Here is a full list of the 2014 BEMA winners:
TV Station of the Year:
WIVB?TV
Radio Station of the Year
WBFO-FM
TV Personality of the Year:
Steve Vesey of WIVB-TV
Radio Personality of the Year
Janet Snyder of KISS 98.5 (WKSE-FM)
Backpack Journalist of the Year
Rachael Elzufon of WKBW-TV
Rising Star Award
Lauren Hall of WIVB/WNLO-TV
Trailblazer Award
John Hager of Cumulus Radio
Pinnacle Award
George Richert of WIVB-TV
Behind the Scenes Maverick Award
Joe Maulucci of WBBZ-TV
Best Use of Social Media
Bryan Shaw of WIVB-TV
Sales Exec of the Year
Phil Banas of WIVB-TV & WNLO-TV
