CLARENCE, NY (wbbz.tv) WBBZ-TV owner Phil Arno announced that effective immediately, Chris Musial is the new Vice President and General Manager of WBBZ-TV, after serving as a consultant the last few months.
In a meeting with station staff, Arno noted that Chris has a long history in the Buffalo market starting as a news intern at Channel 4, working his way up to become News Director there, and eventually President and General Manager of WIVB & WNLO-TV.
During his tenure with WIVB, under several ownership groups, the station became the dominant broadcast news outlet in the market, and one of the top ten CBS affiliates in the nation. WNLO received the top network award being named the Model CW affiliate.
Even though Chris retired from LIN Television just a few years ago, he has remained active in the industry, serving on the board of the New York State Broadcasters. Chris is also active with the Buffalo Broadcasters Association, and was inducted into both the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, and the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2014.
Arno commented, “Chris, and our Vice President of Sales Ed Bassler worked together for many years at Channel 4 and 23. I know that their dynamic together will continue to help WBBZ-TV grow. In addition, Chris will continue to work with every member of the WBBZ-TV team to make Your Hometown MeTV Station the best it can be. We are proud to have Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famers like Chris and Promotion and Production Manager John Di Sciullo on our team.”
Arno continued, “Personally, I have known Chris for many years, working together with him when I was shooting news at Channel 4. He is a total professional, dedicated to this business. He understands our mission to create great local television for our viewers, the community, and our advertising partners.”
Chris commented, “During the past five months I have had the privilege to work with, and learn from, some of the most dedicated professionals in Western New York.” Chris stated, “I am excited to be joining an enthusiastic group of broadcasters at WBBZ who believe in local television, and I look forward to serving our viewers and station growth through future projects.”
Chris and his family make their home in Lancaster, N.Y.
WBBZ is seen throughout Western New York over-the-air on digital channel 67.1. Ch. 5 on Verizon FiOS (HD 505); Ch 5 Dish; Ch. 67 DirecTV, and these Time Warner Cable channels: Buffalo – Niagara Falls Metro area: Channel 5 (HD 1230); Batavia – Genesee, Wyoming, Orleans Counties Channel 71 (HD 1230); Parts of Erie and Niagara Counties Channel 71 (HD 1230); Dunkirk Channel 99 (HD 1230); Olean Channel 21 (HD 1230); Fredonia – Jamestown Channel 72 (HD 1230); Alfred- Angelica- Avoca- Bath- Bolivar Friendship- Hornell Channel 71 (HD 1230).
WBBZ-TV is WNY’s only locally owned and operated television station. 4545 Transit Road, suite 750 Williamsville, NY 14221. 716-630-9229. www.wbbz.tv “Like” WBBZ-TV on Facebook. Follow the conversation @WBBZ on Twitter.
