OUR MISSION

Preserving the legacy of Western New York broadcasting while honoring its pioneers and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.

Learn More About Our Mission → CLICK HERE

Buffalo Broadcasters Association  

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees 

Celebrating 30 years of excellence, the Buffalo Broadcasters Association will award six 2026 Hall of Fame inductees and three special honorees. 

Scott Levin - Television 

Scott joined WGRZ-TV in 1998. He co-anchors with 2025 inductee Mary Alice Demler. He has won several Emmy Awards and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow  Award 

Jon Summers - Radio 

Jon joined WKBW-AM in 1974, was the imaging voice of WKBW-TV 's Eyewitness  News and he served on AM Buffalo as an announcer and segment host, marking a  27-year tenure with the program. He has worked on-air at several other Buffalo  radio stations, including WBEN-AM, WBEN-FM (Rock 102), and WECK-AM. 

Sandy Kozel - Out-of-Town 

Sandy spent a decade as a news anchor at WGR-AM and reporter for WGRZ-TV. She  worked as a correspondent for the AP Radio Network for many years and is still heard  on the air as an anchor at WTOP-AM NewsRadio in Washington, D.C.  

Dennis Webster - WNY Broadcaster 

Dennis wrapped up a 54 year long career at WJTN in Jamestown in 2024. He covered news and sports along with agriculture as one of Chautauqua County’s  most trusted voices.  

Bob Koshinski - Management 

A four-decade broadcast veteran, Bob has served as Vice-President/General  Manager of the Empire Sports Network, all-sports WNSA-FM, and WBBZ-TV. He  has been a TV anchor, reporter, videographer, radio host, and executive sports  producer. 

Rick Swenson - Behind the Scenes 

As a photojournalist, Rick worked at WKBW-TV for 38 years, covering news and  sports. He used a hand-cranked film camera when started and transitioned into the  digital news age. 

Dennis Webster - WNY Broadcaster

Jamestown native Dennis Webster has been a trusted voice on WJTN radio for decades. Dennis is best known for hosting WJTN’s long-running morning program while shining a spotlight on the people, culture, and community spirit of Jamestown and Chautauqua County.

Diane English - Arts in Broadcasting Award 

A Buffalo native, Diane wrote and served as executive producer of the groundbreaking CBS-TV comedy Murphy Brown, earning three Emmy Awards and  two Writers Guild of America awards. She began her career at WNET-TV in New York City, working on the “Theatre in America” series.  

Tim Clark - Special Award 

Commissioner of the Buffalo Niagara Film Office, Tim oversees film production in Western New York State. He has plays a key role in attracting major motion picture studios and smaller independent productions to Buffalo and Western New York. 

Marilyn Phister - President’s Award 

Marilyn broke the glass ceiling at WKBW-TV becoming the first woman to serve as a director at the station, producing Rocketship 7, Dialing for Dollars, AM Buffalo,  Buffalo Sabres Hockey, and the Variety Club Telethon. Her career took her to Philadelphia where she worked for decades, becoming the executive producer of  Programming for WPVI-TV. 

The BBA Hall of Fame will induct the Class of 2026 on October 21, 2026, at Salvatore’s in Depew. 

Since its founding, the Buffalo Broadcasters Association has celebrated the professionals who defined the sound, style, and substance of Western New York  media. As platforms evolve, from radio and television to streaming, podcasting, and digital publishing, the heart of broadcasting remains the same: powerful storytelling  and community connection.