NY BroadcastersTo Honor Sook, Four Others

The New York State Broadcasters Association today announced the addition of five inductees into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place in New York City at The Paley Center for Media on Nov. 7.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I am honored to announce the Class of 2013,” said David Donovan, president of the NYSBA. “This year’s class represents some of the finest in our profession. Each inductee represents a lifetime of achievement of serving their profession and community. We are honored to have them join the NYSBA’s Hall of Fame.”

The new class of inductees:

Perry Sook, Television Broadcast Founder, Nexstar Broadcast Group—“Perry Sook has over 33 years of professional experience in the broadcasting industry, covering all facets of the business: ownership, management, sales, on-air talent and news. He has experience in both radio and television.

“Sook is the founder, chairman, president and CEO of Nexstar Broadcasting Group. Nexstar was formed in 1996 and owns and/or operates a total of 72 network affiliated TV stations in 41 markets in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, California, Wisconsin, Michigan, Vermont, Florida, Utah, Alabama, Missouri, Maryland, Montana and Texas.”

Bill Ransom, President and General Manager of Granite Broadcasting’s WKBW Buffalo—“Recently retired, he served and president and GM of WKBW-TV, the ABC affiliate serving Buffalo, NY since 1995. He also served as corporate SVP of the Northeast region for Granite Broadcasting Corporation. Ransom has a long and highly successful career in broadcasting working in Philadelphia, Boston and New York. Generous with his time, Ransom served on the boards of directors for numerous organizations, and is a Past Chairman of the NYSBA. Currently Ransom serves as a board member of the Shea’s Theatre Organization. In 2001, he was recognized by the National Federation for Just Communities for his outstanding leadership and devoted service to the Buffalo community.”

Rafael Pineda, News Anchor, WXTV New York, Univision 41—“For more than 44 years, Rafael Pineda has been WXTV Univision 41’s leading news anchor. In 1988, he hosted the tri-state area’s first local talk show. He has established a reputation of credibility and integrity parallel to the most prominent news anchors in the general market. Backed by an outstanding news team, Pineda has led Noticias Univision 41 (Univision 41 News) to first place in Spanish-language television in the tri-state area. Rafael was the first Hispanic local news anchor to interview political figures such as President Clinton and celebrities like the late Desi Arnaz. Most recently, he reported on the 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina disasters. In 2000, Rafael received one of the highest honors being inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Silver Circle, making him the first Latino to be honored in this category.”

Funkmaster Flex, Radio DJ, WQHT-FM Hot 97, New York—“Funkmaster Flex is a legend in the Hip Hop Community. By 16, he began working at local nightclubs perfecting his mixing and turntable talents. At 19, he got his first job in radio. Meanwhile, Flex kept up his club appearances. Hot 97 began airing live broadcasts from clubs where Flex was performing. He called the hours of Saturday evening programming the Saturday Night House Party. In the spring of 1992, Flex began mixing and hosting his own show, a specialized rap show on Hot 97. His show became the first pop station in New York to showcase rap. Flex has been with Hot 97 ever since and aired nationally through syndication throughout the weeknights and weekends.”

Curtis Sliwa, Radio Personality, WNYM-AM 970, New York—“A nationally known broadcaster and NYC icon, Sliwa is host of AM 970 the Answer’s morning show and co-host with former Governor David Paterson of 970’s afternoon radio show. Sliwa is internationally known as the founder and leader of the Guardian Angels currently on patrol in 17 countries and 130 cities. His radio career began in 1991 on WABC New York and has continued for the last four  years on WNYM.”

For more information and full bios on all inductees, click here.