Long Island entrepreneur Paul Sidney, Buffalo legend Dan Neaverth and Syracuse radio owner Albert Wertheimer will be inducted into the N.Y. State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame at its Executive Conference in June.
“Daffy Dan” Neaverth was one of the jocks who established WBNY(FM) as Buffalo’s first full-time rock station in 1957. He moved to WKBW(AM) in 1961 and became a popular afternoon drive personality for 26 years. He transitioned to WHTT(FM) in the late 1980s; he is also remembered for his coverage of the 1977 and 1985 blizzards.
Paul Sidney is president and GM of WLNG(FM), which the organization says is being applauded for its localism and community involvement and unique radio format, offering coverage of Long Island events and weather along with jingles and memorable oldies.
Albert “Bud” Wertheimer, founder and president of The Lincoln Group, formed the company in 1978; it is touted for its computer-based music programming software system as well as being among the first radio groups to use qualitative research as a sales tool.
ABC correspondent and host Barbara Walters, television news anchor Ernie Anastos and Albany broadcaster Ed Dague also will be inducted. Previous inductees include Bill Paley, the “father” of CBS, and William O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Whitney Radio.