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WCBS WINS SIX NYSBA "AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN BROADCASTING"

WCBS WINS SIX NYSBA "AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN BROADCASTING":

Big Apple's WNBC, WCBS-AM, WQHT and WFUV Also Multiple Award Winners;

WGY, WCNY, WXXI, WROC, WBEE, WFBO and WETM Are Pace Setters in State's Smaller Markets

BOLTON LANDING, NY (June 28, 2010) - WCBS Channel 2 captured a competition-leading six awards at Monday night's 44th "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 Sagamore Resort Hotel in Bolton Landing.

Competing in the red group against TV and radio stations from the entire New York City market, CBS's flagship station was awarded for "Outstanding Promotion Announcement or Series" (WCBS Weather Team Fun Facts), "Outstanding Public Service Announcement/Campaign" (Summer Streets), "Outstanding Spot News" (Hudson Crash - 8/8/09), "Outstanding Locally Originated Newscast" (Wild Weather - 3/16/10), "Outstanding Documentary Program" (Race For the Cure) and "Outstanding Sportscast" (Road To Glory).

WNBC also picked up four awards in the prestigious competition: "Outstanding Public Affairs Program or Series" (What's the Deal), "Outstanding Hard News Story" (Blizzard of 2010), "Outstanding Feature Story" (The Whistle Blower) and, "Outstanding Locally Produced TV Show" (USS New York Special).

On the radio dial, WCBS-AM led the way by winning in three categories, while both WQHT and WFUV won a pair of awards. WCBS-AM was recognized for "Outstanding Spot News" (Tragedy Over the Hudson), "Outstanding Local Sporting Event" (Yankees Game Day - World Series) and, "Outstanding Sportscast" (Maxed Out Sports).

WQHT received honors for "Outstanding Commercial" (Hot 97 Mobile) and "Outstanding On-Air Personality or Team" (The Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg Show), while Fordham University's 50,000-watt public radio station, WFUV, took home awards for "Outstanding Public Affairs Program or Series" (Cityscape: Veterans Issues) and "Outstanding Feature Story" (The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck).

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

Albany - Latham-based WGY received honors for "Outstanding Local Newscast" (The WGY Morning News) and "Outstanding Station Sponsored Event" (WGY Radiothon for Children's Hospital).

Syracuse - WCNY won TV awards for "Outstanding Public Affairs Program or Series" (School Bus Policy: Unintended Consequences) and "Outstanding Documentary Program" (Immigrants in the Lead - The Story of New York).

Rochester - WXXI was tagged for most "Outstanding Individual Program or
Series Designed For Children" (Homework Hotline) and "Outstanding Locally Produced TV Show" (New York Wine and Table," while WROC won for "Outstanding Local Sporting Event" (Courage Bowl 2009) and "Outstanding Sportscast" (News 8 Sports - 3/3/10). WBEE also picked up a pair of awards, for "Outstanding Commercial" (NYS Potato's) and "Outstanding On-Air Broadcast Personality or Team" (92.5 WBEE - Bee Morning Coffee Club).

Buffalo - WFBO 88.7FM won top honors for "Outstanding Feature Story" (African-American Identity) and "Outstanding Spot News" (Buffalo's Bravest).

Elmira-based WETM-TV18 and WCFE (Mountain Lake PBS) won three awards to lead the green group, which included stations from outside 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 entries from radio and TV stations across the Empire State.

Monday's formal dinner also included Hall of Fame induction ceremonies for film critic and entertainment reporter Dan DiNicola, political and business leader Percy Sutton, FM radio pioneer Scott Muni, veteran radio broadcaster Jim Roselle, and television news broadcaster Don Alhart.

Tuesday's highlights include joint sessions for radio and TV broadcasters and a presentation by David Pogue, personal-technology columnist for the New York Times.

NYSBA will also bestow its prestigious Broadcaster of the Year award to veteran ABC News journalist Charles Gibson during lunch. Gibson will be followed to the podium by former CNN TV personality, radio host and author Lou Dobbs, who will provide a provocative presentation about the state of the economy.

An evening performance by Richard Lewis, star of HBO's highly-rated comedy "Curb Your Enthusiasm," will bring down the curtain on this year's conference.

For more information about NYSBA's 48th annual Executive Conference call (518) 456-8888 or visit www.nysbroadcasters.org .