Nearly halfway through 2023, a lot of people in Buffalo and Western New York find themselves talking about what a challenging year 2022 was.
The Christmas blizzard. Snowvember 2.0. The racially-motivated attack at Tops and the agonizing aftermath that followed.
It was a year.
Through it all, WBEN was a beacon of information, a place for perspective, and an outlet to help us all feel a sense of community and hope.
WBEN has been honored with a rare 3 regional Edrward R. Murrow journalism awards for its coverage during 2022, including for the Buffalo blizzard, Best Newscast for 'A New Morning' with Susan Rose and Brian Mazurowski and for Overall Excellence' in coverage of the Tops attack and the blizzard.
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"The eyes of the nation are on Buffalo," said Rep. Brian Higgins in the aftermath of the Tops massacre and WBEN responded with comprehensive coverage that unfolded across all of its platforms through 2022.
"I just want to say thank you to the efforts and the team, the WBEN team," caller James told the WBEN audience as he was stranded and freezing in a car in Buffalo during the Buffalo blizzard. "I will never forget you guys as long as I live," James added. "I don't know what made me turn to your channel, but I'm so glad I did. You sent out a response team."
James was in his car for more than 2 full days before help was able to reach him and he updated us all and emergency crews periodically through his calls to WBEN during the deadly storm.
As the only media outlet that was on-air with continuous coverage throughout the duration of the storm, WBEN was awarded the 1st place award for coverage of Breaking News during the blizzard.
WBEN was awarded a 1st place Edward R. Murrow journalism award for Best Newscast for 'A New Morning' for coverage of the Tops attack that included a comprehensive team approach to the May 14th shootings and its devastating impact on Buffalo and its people.
The 1st place Overall Excellence' Edward R. Murrow journalism award was presented for WBEN's extensive coverage of May 14th as well as the Buffalo blizzard.
Through generations, WBEN has been leading the way in coverage of the stories and issues facing the Buffalo-Niagara region and has always been the radio station to turn to when the community needs it the most.
We'll continue to live up to the reputation and pay it forward as we all navigate these sometimes exciting, and often times challenging times.
