Phil took ownership of WBBZ-TV just a few years ago after acquiring the license for what used to be WNGS-TV.  In 2011 he changed the call letters to WBBZ to represent a “buzz” in Buffalo broadcasting – opened a new studio and office facility inside the Eastern Hills Mall in Clarence, NY- and acquired the rights to air the MeTV network of classic television programming, with THIS TV and a lineup of movies on digital subchannel 67.2.  In July 0f 2012, the studio was officially opened, and local programming like “Sports Rap Up with Bob Koshinski,” “Political Buzz,” “America’s Car Show with Tom Torbjornsen,” and “The Fred Jackson Show” with the popular Buffalo Bill hit the air.  The long running “Off Beat Cinema” show moved to the station in August from a local network affiliate, and in January, “Secrets From Beyond” with psychic medium Karyn Reece began airing.  WBBZ-TV also aired the Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins NFL game in November.  “What’s The Buzz in WNY” with Kim Piazza is the latest program to join the lineup.

What makes this honor as “Trailblazer’ important is not just the work Phil and the WBBZ-TV team have put into creating a new independent station – it is Phil’s personal journey that makes this honor so worthy.

Phil Arno started his career at WKBW radio with the late Jeff Kaye in the 1970′s, then moved to television where legendary anchorman Irv Weinstein gave Phil a camera and told him to start shooting film for “Eyewitness News.”  Soon, Phil would move to WIVB-TV 4 after a brief run as a director at WUTV when it signed on the air.  Phil’s work as a news photographer in the 70′s and 80′s earned him the respect of the Western New York broadcast community before he decided to pursue a dream.

Growing up in North Buffalo, as a graduate of both Canisius High School and College, Phil always had a dream to create television.  Watching the greats in black and white gave him the inspiration to write and create, which is what drew him to head west.

While in Los Angeles, Phil pitched projects as varied as sitcoms to storylines for “Star Trek,” but it was his expertise in news that ultimately became his destiny.  Phil became one of the first chopper videographer pilots.  His video of the infamous white Bronco car chase with O.J. Simpson was broadcast around the globe.  Phil covered earthquakes, crime, and the violence that erupted there after the Rodney King beating.

In 200o, Phil was shooting the Academy Awards for a local station when the helicopter he was flying in crashed.  Phil’s injuries were life threatening.  The crash would impact his life forever.

As Phil describes it, his perspectives on things changed.  He and his wife Mary had just welcomed their twin boys into the world, Warren and Joe.  They were both just one when the crash almost claimed the life of their father.  After years of rehabilitation and recovery, Phil decided to take a settlement he had received and bring his family back to Western New York.  While Mary was originally from New Orleans, she quickly made Phil’s hometown her hometown.

Instead of simply retiring, Phil decided to pursue the license of an independent television station based out of Springville, NY that had gone dark after Equity broadcasting closed up shop.  With long hours, personal investment, and building a team of local professionals – Phil Arno took a low power station and has transformed it into Western New York’s Hometown Television Station, WBBZ-TV, with full coverage on Time Warner Cable ( Channel 5 ) or other channels depending on your area; FiOS Ch. 5; Dish Ch. 5; and DirecTV 67.

Phil’s journey to blaze trails continues.  He, with VP & GM Bob Koshinski and the entire team, thank you for being a part of our journey; watching our station; and supporting our advertisers and programming.  Congratulations Phil, the 2013 Buffalo Broadcasting “Trailblazer Of The Year!”  Stay tuned for what’s next!

The Food Truck Debate is the topic of a special edition of “Political Buzz” Friday at 7:30p.m.; and Sunday at 10a.m. on WBBZ-TV.

Peter Cimino of Lloyd’s Taco Truck meets Bing’s Restaurant owner Shelly Schratz -joined by Amherst Town Councilmember Mark Manna and Mitch Stenger, attorney for the Food Truck organization.

Buffalo lowered fees and has struck a deal with truck operators.  What will Amherst do?  Why are restaurant owners so concerned when other chains and fast food establishments are allowed to be built right next door to each other?  Is business competition being regulated, or are food trucks infringing on established businesses?

Watch as John Di Sciullo hosts this special edition of “Political Buzz” on WBBZ-TV – Ch 67.1; TWCable Ch 5; FiOS Ch 5; Dish Ch 5; DirecTV 67

Phil took ownership of WBBZ-TV just a few years ago after acquiring the license for what used to be WNGS-TV.  In 2011 he changed the call letters to WBBZ to represent a “buzz” in Buffalo broadcasting – opened a new studio and office facility inside the Eastern Hills Mall in Clarence, NY- and acquired the rights to air the MeTV network of classic television programming, with THIS TV and a lineup of movies on digital subchannel 67.2.  In July 0f 2012, the studio was officially opened, and local programming like “Sports Rap Up with Bob Koshinski,” “Political Buzz,” “America’s Car Show with Tom Torbjornsen,” and “The Fred Jackson Show” with the popular Buffalo Bill hit the air.  The long running “Off Beat Cinema” show moved to the station in August from a local network affiliate, and in January, “Secrets From Beyond” with psychic medium Karyn Reece began airing.  WBBZ-TV also aired the Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins NFL game in November.  “What’s The Buzz in WNY” with Kim Piazza is the latest program to join the lineup.

What makes this honor as “Trailblazer’ important is not just the work Phil and the WBBZ-TV team have put into creating a new independent station – it is Phil’s personal journey that makes this honor so worthy.

Phil Arno started his career at WKBW radio with the late Jeff Kaye in the 1970′s, then moved to television where legendary anchorman Irv Weinstein gave Phil a camera and told him to start shooting film for “Eyewitness News.”  Soon, Phil would move to WIVB-TV 4 after a brief run as a director at WUTV when it signed on the air.  Phil’s work as a news photographer in the 70′s and 80′s earned him the respect of the Western New York broadcast community before he decided to pursue a dream.

Growing up in North Buffalo, as a graduate of both Canisius High School and College, Phil always had a dream to create television.  Watching the greats in black and white gave him the inspiration to write and create, which is what drew him to head west.

While in Los Angeles, Phil pitched projects as varied as sitcoms to storylines for “Star Trek,” but it was his expertise in news that ultimately became his destiny.  Phil became one of the first chopper videographer pilots.  His video of the infamous white Bronco car chase with O.J. Simpson was broadcast around the globe.  Phil covered earthquakes, crime, and the violence that erupted there after the Rodney King beating.

In 200o, Phil was shooting the Academy Awards for a local station when the helicopter he was flying in crashed.  Phil’s injuries were life threatening.  The crash would impact his life forever.

As Phil describes it, his perspectives on things changed.  He and his wife Mary had just welcomed their twin boys into the world, Warren and Joe.  They were both just one when the crash almost claimed the life of their father.  After years of rehabilitation and recovery, Phil decided to take a settlement he had received and bring his family back to Western New York.  While Mary was originally from New Orleans, she quickly made Phil’s hometown her hometown.

Instead of simply retiring, Phil decided to pursue the license of an independent television station based out of Springville, NY that had gone dark after Equity broadcasting closed up shop.  With long hours, personal investment, and building a team of local professionals – Phil Arno took a low power station and has transformed it into Western New York’s Hometown Television Station, WBBZ-TV, with full coverage on Time Warner Cable ( Channel 5 ) or other channels depending on your area; FiOS Ch. 5; Dish Ch. 5; and DirecTV 67.

Phil’s journey to blaze trails continues.  He, with VP & GM Bob Koshinski and the entire team, thank you for being a part of our journey; watching our station; and supporting our advertisers and programming.  Congratulations Phil, the 2013 Buffalo Broadcasting “Trailblazer Of The Year!”  Stay tuned for what’s next!

Now “Secrets From Beyond” has new airtimes on WBBZ-TV Monday at 7:30p.m. – Tuesday at 9:00a.m…- and Thursday at 12:30a.m.

Gifted since birth, Karyn Reece is an international Psychic Medium & Psychic Artist who will captivate you with her amazing abilities.  Karyn has appeared on local and national television programs aired on Lifetime, TLC, and the Discovery Channel.

Master Hypnotist Robert Saviola is the Director of Buffalo Hypnosis. He and his team guide clients to their desired results.  He is certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists.  Saviola teaches and offers motivational talks and presentations across the country.

Karyn Reece and Robert Saviola will co-host another WBBZ-TV special, “Secrets From Beyond” to be recorded before a studio audience Wed. at 7p.m. inside the WBBZ-TV Studio next to Macy’s at the Eastern Hills Mall. 

You can connect with Robert Saviola at Buffalo Hypnosis- 2949 Elmwood Avenue at the Elmwood Medical Center, Kenmore, N.Y. 14217.  His number is 716-874-9050 www.buffalohypnosis.com.  Karyn Reece can be reached at her office at The Mystic Shop at Snyder Pointe, 4446 Main St. in Snyder, N.Y. 14226.  Karyn’s office number is 716-632-5669.  www.karynreece.com

CLARENCE, N.Y.

Historically a Polish-American tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end of the Christian observance of Lent and the joy of Easter.  Over the decades, Dyngus Day has become a holiday to celebrate Polish-American culture. “Dyngus Day Diary” will celebrate those traditions highlighting the best of the Monday parade, plus features on Retired NYS Supreme Court Judge Ann Mikoll, who organized Dyngus Day celebrations decades ago; plus a visit to the Broadway Market; the Leonard Post party; and the real history on pussy willows and why they are a part of the celebration!

Ed Dobosiewicz is the co-creator of Dyngus Day Buffalo, the organization that coordinates and promotes the annual parade and various parties in Western New York.  Ed is also co-host of “Off Beat Cinema” airing every Saturday at midnight on WBBZ-TV, and over 100 stations across the country.

Laurie Lisowski Frey is a former news anchor who worked at two Buffalo affiliates before becoming the spokesperson for Frey Electric.  Both Ed and Laurie are Polish, and will share stories of their Polish traditions growing up in Western New York.

Bob Koshinski will be a judge for the Dyngus Day Parade, but is quick to note that he is half Polish and also half Italian!  Bob will also be a guest on the telecast.

“Dyngus Day Diary” is sponsored by Sobieski Vodka, Polish Villa 2 Restaurant, Tyskie Beer, Camellia Meats in the Broadway Market, and Coca-Cola.

WBBZ-TV is locally owned and operated by Phil Arno.  Bob Koshinski is Vice President and G.M.

WBBZ-TV can be seen throughout Western New York over-the-air on digital channel 67.1. Ch. 5 Verizon FiOS (HD 505); Ch 5 Dish; Ch. 67 DirecTV, and these Time Warner Cable channels:

Buffalo – Niagara Falls Metro area: Channel 5 (HD 710); Batavia – Genesee, Wyoming, Orleans Counties Channel 71 (HD 1014); Parts of
Erie and Niagara Counties Channel 71 (HD 1014); Dunkirk Channel 99 (HD 710); Olean Channel 21 (HD 710); Fredonia – Jamestown Channel 71 (HD 718); Alfred- Angelica- Avoca- Bath- Bolivar Friendship- Hornell Channel 71 (HD 740)

CLARENCE, N.Y. ( wbbz.tv ) Carl Paladino, the President of Ellicott Development and former Republican candidate for Governor of the State of New York, announced he will run for a seat on the Buffalo School Board representing the Park district, during a Wednesday taping of WBBZ-TV’s “Political Buzz” February 27th, 2013.

The program airs Thursday nights at 7:30p.m. with encore presentations Friday at 9a.m. and Sunday at 10a.m. Carl is a regular guest on the weekly program, appearing with Democratic strategist and attorney for Underberg and Kessler, Steve Pigeon.

Media can record the program for use in newscasts on-air or online with a courtesy to WBBZ-TV. A clip is posted at www.wbbz.tv and on the wbbztv YouTube channel.

When asked why he decided to run, Carl told host John Di Sciullo, “…it is because of the inability of the current members of the school board to comprehend the challenges they have as a board.”  Paladino noted that the Buffalo Public Schools are a $965 million dollar a year operation responsible for over 40,000 children with a dropout rate that is way too high.

In the half hour program, Carl Paladino comments on whether he will look to run a slate of candidates, and defends his combative style – explaining why he referred to the current Buffalo School Superintendent and others on the board as a “black sisterhood.”  Paladino also referred to a previous “Political Buzz” program where he appeared with current School Board member Ralph Hernandez, citing his displeasure with Mr.Hernandez’s record, and offers his opinion on the job of Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore.

WBBZ-TV is locally owned and operated by Phil Arno.  Bob Koshinski is Vice President and G.M.

WBBZ-TV can be seen throughout Western New York over-the-air on digital channel 67.1. Ch. 5 Verizon FiOS (HD 505); Ch 5 Dish; Ch. 67 DirecTV, and these Time Warner Cable channels:

Buffalo – Niagara Falls Metro area: Channel 5 (HD 710); Batavia – Genesee, Wyoming, Orleans Counties Channel 71 (HD 1014); Parts of Erie and Niagara Counties Channel 71 (HD 1014); Dunkirk Channel 99 (HD 710); Olean Channel 21 (HD 710); Fredonia – Jamestown Channel 71 (HD 718); Alfred- Angelica- Avoca- Bath- Bolivar Friendship- Hornell Channel 71 (HD 740)