The 2016 Class of the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame was unveiled Tuesday. This year’s inductees were introduced by the Buffalo Broadcasters Association during a news conference held Tuesday at WNED|WBFO.
As the Buffalo Broadcasters Association celebrates it's 20th year, President Heidi Raphael kicked off the announcement. Included in this year’s class is Susan Hunt, who started at WGR Radio and went on to work for PBS and other networks.
Hunt joined the news conference via Skype to thank the BBA and community.
“This is a really great moment. I’m really honored. I’m very touched to be in the category I’m in,” said Hunt.
Former WIVB TV Meteorologist Don Paul, who arrived in Buffalo in 1984, is also an inductee.
“It’s been a wonderful stay and I’ve been blessed with very few hate mails and that’s pretty difficult when you are a meteorologist. This is a great honor. It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Paul declared.
Former 97Rock morning man Larry Norton, now retired from radio is also proud to be named.
“My career is over. I’ve retired, but it went by so quickly. It was such a wonderful time and Buffalo is always my home. Such an honor to be part of this great class – the 20th anniversary of the Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Fame.”
Other inductees include former Buffalo State Communications Professor and morning DJ Tom "Donahue" McCray. Former WKBW-TV producer Steve Zappia and former Dialing For Dollars host, the late Nolan Johannes.
This year's inductee event will recognize the 75th anniversary of WBTA-AM radio in Batavia.
The BBA also also recognizes a student for their work toward a broadcast career. This year's Tim Russert Medal of Merit will be given Stephanie Aponte of Canisius College. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship from Greater Media, Inc. and the Buffalo Broadcasters Association.
The Buffalo Broadcaster's Hall induction ceremony is September 29that the WNED/WBFO television studio.
