One of the 4,250 images of Buffalo Broadcasting history preserved by BuffaloBroadcasting.org. - This image of a WBEN quartet exemplifies the youthful energy that was radio in the 1930s. Pictures left to right are soprano Sylvia Brimmer, pianist Karl Koch, alto Evelyn Hager, vocalist and pianist Loretta Clemens.
About BuffaloBroadcasting.org
The primary purpose of BuffaloBroadcasting.org
is to preserve the history of broadcasting in Buffalo & Western New York through items privately collected or submitted by the people who made the industry what it is today. The celebration of radio & television does not belong exclusively to the broadcaster but is shared by those who welcomed these men & women into their lives on a daily basis. To the broadcaster, the "fan," the viewer and the listener...thank you.. you are all part of the history of broadcasting in our region.
This is an independent effort by historian, collector and archivist of Buffalo, New York radio and television ephemera, equipment and memorabilia Marty Biniasz. Our private collection includes over 5,000 items from such broadcast stations as WGR, WEBR, WKBW, WBEN, WYSL, WBNY and WBUF. No item is too insignificant in telling the story of Buffalo broadcasting history.
We are continually adding new items to the Buffalo Broadcasting Archives with the goal of sharing content, free of charge via social media. We are always willing to assist other historians and collectors. Contact Marty at MBiniasz@me.com
Buffalo Broadcasting legend John Zach - A Pioneer of Media Preservation in WNY.
THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thank you to Buffalo broadcaster, author, and historian John Zach for generously sharing his archives and research, and for trusting me to serve as a caretaker for many of his files. Long before media preservation became a widespread priority, John was already leading the way—rescuing invaluable pieces of Buffalo broadcasting history from the brink of obscurity and capturing firsthand accounts from the pioneers who helped shape the industry from the very beginning.
A collection of ephemera from the 100-year history of WGR Radio in Buffalo
Over 100 Years Of Broadcasting In Buffalo: 1922-2025
May 2022 marked the 100th anniversary of radio in Buffalo. WGR was not the first... but holds the distinction of being the longest operating station in Western New York: On May 21, 1922, the Federal Telephone & Telegraph Company launched its radio station, WGR. The studios and transmitter were housed on the top floor of their building at 1738 Elmwood Avenue.
The call letters WGR have an unexpected origin tied to maritime history. On April 1, 1921, the sailing vessel The Governor sank in the Pacific Ocean, taking its assigned radio call sign, WGR, with it. Due to maritime superstition, the call sign was retired and placed back into a pool for reassignment to new commercial radio stations. When Buffalo’s Federal Telephone & Telegraph Company applied for a radio license, they were randomly assigned the WGR call letters. In 1929, when the Buffalo Broadcasting Company relocated WGR to the newly built Rand Building in Lafayette Square, the myth that “GR” stood for “George Rand” emerged. Over the years, WGR has also been interpreted to mean “World’s Greatest Radio” and “Wherever You Go Radio.”
Contrary to popular belief—largely fueled by former publicity managers—WGR is not Buffalo’s "first" radio station. That title belongs to WWT, Buffalo’s first commercially licensed station, which began operations on April 16, 1922. WGR officially launched its broadcasts a month later, on May 21, 1922. WWT’s operations were short-lived, ending broadcasts on October 2, 1922.
As seen in "Buffalo Radio" - Danny Neaverth and Al Wallack.
.jpg "Marty Biniasz WBEN Radio Buffalo New York")
Author of Buffalo Radio, Marty Biniasz, at WBEN Radio - 1996
Buffalo Radio - The Book
Since the first broadcasts of Buffalo, New York's pioneer radio stations during the 1920s, the medium has played an important role in the everyday lives of the city's citizens. From snowstorms to Super Bowls, radio and its talented broadcasters have helped to shape the city's identity. Buffalo's longest operating station, WGR, signed on the air in May 1922 and was soon followed by WEBR (1924), WKBW (1926), and WBEN (1930), among others. Over the decades, the city has been home to a number of legendary announcers, including Clint Buehlman and Billy Keaton and sports broadcasters Ralph Hubbell, Bill Mazer, Van Miller, and Stan Barron, as well as beloved talk show hosts like John Otto and pioneer rock and roll DJs like George Hound Dog Lorenz. Buffalo became a breeding ground for network radio stars, including Howdy Doody's Buffalo Bob Smith, comedian Foster Brooks, NBC Tonight Show host Jack Paar, and Fran Striker, the creator of The Lone Ranger. Top 40 personalities like Joey Reynolds, Dick Biondi, Tommy Shannon, and Danny Neaverth ruled the airwaves with excitement and spontaneity during the 1960s. Using photographs and ephemera from his own collection and from some of Buffalo’s best-known air personalities, Marty Biniasz tells the story of the stations and announcers Buffaloians have listened to for decades.
Martin Biniasz is a founding member and two-term president of the Buffalo Broadcasting Pioneers, now the Buffalo Broadcasters Association. A public relations manager and broadcaster, Biniasz's broadcasting career includes work at Buffalo television stations WNED-TV, WKBW-TV, and WNGS-TV and at radio stations WJJL-AM, Niagara Falls; WPIG-FM and WHDL-AM, Olean, New York; WESB-AM and WBRR-FM, Bradford, Pennsylvania; and Buffalo's legendary WBEN-AM.
Featured Ephemera From The BuffaloBroadcasting.org Archives
Carbon "Button" Microphone, 1925
Western Electric Broadcasting Equipment
This Western Electric 800-A carbon "button" microphone is a rare relic from the sign-on of WKBW Radio. The model is one of the first microphones to be produced expressly for radio broadcasting. WKBW was founded in 1925 by evangelical preacher Dr. Clinton Churchill as an outlet for his ministry. The randomly issued call letters were used to promote "Well Known Bible Witness."
From The Buffalo Broadcasting Archives: "Ol' Hound Dog" Felt Pennant, Circa 1956. Members of George "Hound Dog" Lorenz's "Ol' Hound Dog Club" had the opportunity to buy pennants, buttons, and logo stickers through ads in the monthly Hound-Dog Howl newsletter. Powered by WKBW Radio's powerful 50,000-watt signal, the club reached a vast audience and had grown to over 60,000 members by 1957. We are excited to add this rare pennant to our collection of Hound Dog ephemera as we celebrate, preserve, document and share Buffalo's radio & television history - Marty Biniasz (MBiniasz@me.com)
From The Buffalo Broadcasting Archives: WGR microphone flag on an Electro-Voice 635A dynamic omnidirectional microphone. These mics were almost indestructible in the field; used primarily for news & sports gathering. The original EV 635 made its debut in 1947; the 635A was introduced in 1965 and has remained in the EV product line since.
From The Buffalo Broadcasting Archives: A collection of microphones and mic flags from WEBR Radio, 970 AM. Include a Western Electric Western Electric 639a, RCA 74-B Junior Velocity and Electro-Voice 635A dynamic omnidirectional microphone.
From The Archives: Who needs Lord Stanley’s shinny trophy… when you can hoist your coffee in WGR’s “Stan-ley Cup!” A classic 70s era promotion featuring GR morning man Stan Roberts. The “cup” came in a variety of different styles including a traditional glass mug, a plastic mug sponsored by Mister Donut and a “chalice” version.
WKBW Complication Albums, circa 1963-1987
Purchased by the thousands, the 3 "WKBW Klassics Albums" by WKBW Radio & produced by Buzz Curtis in the early 70s are some of the most commonly found pieces of station ephemera. There was a time in the 90s & 00s that you couldn't go past a garage sale in Cheektowaga or Tonawanda without find one or all of them in an old milk crate! A total of five WKBW branded albums were issued with the first distributed by Capital Records in 1963.
1963 – Golden Winners From WKBW, Capital Records, T-11921967 – WKBW branded "The Best of Chickenman," Spot Records1971 – WKBW Klassics Volume 1, Post Records1972 – WKBW Klassics Volume 2, Post Records1973 – WKBW Klassics Volume 3, Post Records1987 – KB Radio 1520 KB Klassics. Phoenix Products
1963 – Golden Winners From WKBW, Capital Records, T-11921967 – WKBW branded "The Best of Chickenman," Spot Records1971 – WKBW Klassics Volume 1, Post Records1972 – WKBW Klassics Volume 2, Post Records1973 – WKBW Klassics Volume 3, Post Records1987 – KB Radio 1520 KB Klassics. Phoenix Products
Radio Vehicle Plate, Circa 1949
WGR, Buffalo
This custom automobile plate was used as identification on radio station vehicles.
Fun-A- Fair Poster, 1967
WKBW Radio, Buffalo
1967 "Fun-A-Fair" was held at LeisureLand in Hamburg; the 1968 & 1969 events were held at the Amherst Rec Center. "Fun-A-Fairs" were sponsor driven promotions that included fashion shows, "battle of the bands" competitions, games, prizes, community exhibits, dancing and fun with radio station personalities. The 1967 Fun-A-Fair featured an appearance by Jay & The Americans.
Concert Poster, 1955
Keller Bros. Printers, Buffalo
Promotional poster for WKBW's George "Hound Dog" Lorenz and early R&B acts. Venue was the Plaza Theater on William Street, Buffalo.
Bumper Sticker, 1972
WKBW Radio, Buffalo
This popular logo was first used in 1972 and again in 1976 in conjunction with America's bicentennial celebration. Distributed by the thousands, this sticker could be found on hundreds of school lockers and car bumpers.
WUFO Promotional Poster, 1963
The Buffalo Jewish Hour aired on WUFO-AM. Although programming on WUFO was primarily targeted towards Buffalo’s American community, the station featured the Buffalo Jewish Hour every Sunday morning at 11am featuring Jewish music and news presented by Abe and Arlene Goldstein.
70-DR, Filmo, 16-mm Film Camera, 1960
Bell & Howell Company
This camera was the workhorse of silent news-gathering era for television stations from the 1950's thru the early 70's when more hi-tech film cameras were introduced. Film was eventually replaced by electronic news gathering (ENG) equipment with video tape beginning in the mid-1970s. This example was used by WBEN-TV, Channel 4, Buffalo.
Radio Station Engineering Report, January 1947
George C. Davis, Washington D.C.
Engineering report prepared for Gordon P. Brown for a radio station to be located in Niagara Falls at 1340 KC, 250 watts; following the vacating of frequency by WEBR, Buffalo. This document was preserved by John Zach.
WKBW Vehicle License Plate, Circa 1979
New York State
Custom NYS DMV license plate for WKBW Radio/
Microphone Flags, Circa 1983-1996
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo Channel 2
On May 1, 1983, as Channel 2 prepared for its transition from Taft Broadcasting to General Cinema ownership, the station introduced a distinctive new look—adding a "Z" to its iconic call sign, becoming WGRZ-TV. The letter "Z" was cleverly chosen for its visual resemblance to the number "2," creating a memorable branding connection. Meanwhile, sister station WGR Radio proudly maintained its original call letters.We're excited to showcase two microphone flags marking this chapter in Buffalo broadcasting history: one from circa 1983 (used until 1988) and another from circa 1994-1996. These artifacts, contributed by John Boutet and the Buffalo Sports Museum, are among the newest treasures in our growing collection.
1968 Buffalo Bison Baseball Promotional Pocket Schedule
WBEN Radio
As the minor league affiliate of the original Washington Senators, the 1968 Buffalo Bisons concluded their International League season with a 66-81 record, placing seventh overall. Power hitter Brant Alyea led the offensive charge, smashing an impressive 31 home runs, the highest on the team and among the league leaders that year. Supporting Alyea was Bob Chance, who not only knocked out 15 home runs but also topped the Bisons with 84 RBIs, making him a crucial player in their lineup.
Broadcasting from the iconic War Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as "The Rockpile," legendary announcers Van Miller and Stan Barron vividly brought each game to life over the airwaves of WBEN Radio. On television, viewers were entertained by Miller alongside Chuck Healy. An interesting facet of that 1968 season was the team's unique split-home arrangement; the Bisons shared their home games between Buffalo's War Memorial Stadium and Hyde Park Stadium in Niagara Falls.
Broadcasting from the iconic War Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as "The Rockpile," legendary announcers Van Miller and Stan Barron vividly brought each game to life over the airwaves of WBEN Radio. On television, viewers were entertained by Miller alongside Chuck Healy. An interesting facet of that 1968 season was the team's unique split-home arrangement; the Bisons shared their home games between Buffalo's War Memorial Stadium and Hyde Park Stadium in Niagara Falls.
Gold-plated, Electro-Voice RE15 Microphone, 1967
Van Miller, WBEN Radio
This gold-plated, Electro-Voice RE15 microphone was presented to legendary "Voice of the Buffalo Bills," Van Miller, commemorating his 125th Bills broadcast. The special recognition took place on November 5, 1967, during a game between the Bills and Miami at War Memorial Stadium. Miller ultimately provided play-by-play for 605 Bills games across two eras: from 1960 to 1970, and again from 1978 until his retirement in 2003. At the time he stepped away from the mic, Miller's remarkable 37-year tenure made him the longest-serving commentator with a single team in professional football history. He passed away in 2015.
From The Buffalo Broadcasting Archives: One of WBEN Morning personality Clint Buehlman's mythical on-air characters was "Arthur Mometer." Every time Buehly would give the temperature, he'd give the reading according to "Arthur." And periodically, he'd mention Arthur's last name... "Mometer." In 1969 the fictional device was memorialized as a working thermometer which listeners could purchase for $1.25. The metal sign, sponsored by the W. G. Arthur Co. Hardware Store in Orchard Park, was 14 inches long and sported a white, enamel finish. For generations, Clint Buehlman WAS Buffalo Radio. Starting in 1931, he spent 46 years on Buffalo radio at WGR and WBEN until his 1977 retirement.
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From The Archives: WKBW Radio Matchbook, circa September 1961. Inside featured a uniquely printed number that was used for a "Lucky Money Match Numbers" contest.
From The Archives: WKBW-TV, "Buffalo Bandstand" audience pass & envelope, circa 1961. The 90-min, "record hop" style show debuted on Sept 12, 1959 and was hosted by future Hall of Fame Broadcaster Rick Azar. Each "live" show had an in-studio audience of 150. During the show Azar would spin records, give out weekly dancing and "good grooming" awards and host a talent contest. Ch. 7 received upwards of 500 letters a week requesting tickets to the show. As the program gained popularity it became a regular stop for performers passing through Buffalo including Frankie Avalon, Conway Twitty, Annette Funicello, Brenda Lee and Sammy Davis Jr. In 1959, "Buffalo Bandstand" joined WGR-TV's "TV Dance Party" hosted by Pat Fagan and WEBR Radio's "Hi-Teen Club” with Bob Wells as programs targeting teenagers. So popular was Azar, that in August of 1960, he filled in as host of ABC's American Bandstand while Dick Clark was on vacation. Azar would host Buffalo Bandstand until September 1961 when he stepped down to focus on sports duties during WKBW-TV's newscasts. WKBW Radio personality Tommy Shannon took over MC responsibilities; later Danny Neaverth filled in. The show was cancelled in September of 1962.
From The Archives: 1973 WKBW promotional calendar - A lampoon of a famous Bert Reynolds image that appeared in the April 1972 issue of Cosmopolitan. Calendar features morning man Danny Neaverth stripped down to his red, white & blue "K-Briefs"... which are only visible when you flip the final page. A wildly popular piece of 70s era Buffalo ephemera.
From The Archives: In the 1960s, weather reports on WGR-TV Ch. 2 were sponsored by Atlantic Refining. Promotional thermometers, like the ones from my archives, we’re given to sponsors, taverns and corner stores to promote the station.
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WGR-WKBW License Plate Topper, circa 1938-1939Cast AluminumThis relic from the Buffalo Broadcasting Corp. (BBC) era (1928-1947) of Buffalo broadcasting history. The BBC consisted of WGR, WKBW, WMAK and WKEN. The four-station group had studios and offices at Buffalo's Rand Building. Almost from the very beginning of the Corporation, questions about a radio monopoly in Buffalo were raised... primarily by Buffalo Evening News ownership. The News was successful in gaining control of WMAK's frequency; now WBEN in 1930. The BBC control over the airwaves ended when WGR was sold in 1946 & WKBW was sold back to a company organized by station founder Dr. Clinton Churchill in 1947.
QSL Reception Card, 1925
WMAK, Norton Laboratories, Lockport, New York
In the early days of radio broadcasting, consumers took great pride in their radios’ ability to pick up distant signals. Enthusiastic listeners often sent “reception reports” to radio stations, hoping to receive written confirmation that they had successfully tuned in to a distant broadcast. This QSL card, issued by pioneering Western New York radio station WMAK is dated for a reception on Monday, December 14, 1925. Owned by Norton Laboratories, WMAK operated out of Lockport, New York, broadcasting on a wavelength of 265.5 meters (1130 kHz).
"Mike-Radio," circa 1955
Universal Publicizers of Chicago, Ill
A single-channel radio, tuned to receive 1120AM. Used as a sales promotional item. These custom pieces, made for stations cross the country, were distributed beginning in the mid-1950s.
WKBW Promotional 33 RPM Album, 1963
Capital Cities Broadcasting, Buffalo
Instant KB, 1963 - This promotional recording is a single-sided, 33 rpm album produced by WKBW Radio in collaboration with its parent company, Capital Cities. It was distributed to sponsors as well as local and national advertising agencies, showcasing programming highlights through audio segments featuring notable personalities such as Irv Weinstein, Stan Roberts, Fred Klestine, Jay Nelson, Dan Neaverth, Joey Reynolds, and Henry Brach, among others. Conceived by station General Manager Herb Mendelsohn, the album was written and produced by Hal Youngblood, with Dave Sennett serving as Executive Producer and Al Lafler overseeing technical supervision. The featured cast includes Dave Sennett as "The Boss," Irv Weinstein as "Smidley," and Jay Nelson as "Dr. Von Futz."
639A Ribbon Microphone, circa 1938
Western Electric
Used by WEBR Radio. First introduced to the industry in the late 30s, was used by radio stations through the 1960s. Known by collectors as the "birdcage" due to its grill design.
16mm Film Camera with Sound, Circa 1968
Frezzolini “Frezzi-Cordless" Model LW-16
This camera was used by photographer Bill Doran at WBEN-TV, Buffalo and was used to cover the 1971 Attica Prison Uprising. It was the last model of film camera used by Channel 4 before the advent of ENG equipment.
Promotional Button, Polkamotion, 1983
WWOL-AM
Greg Chwojdak is a pivotal figure in Buffalo's polka and Polish-American music community. He launched his broadcasting career on September 17, 1976, playing polka music on International Cable. Throughout his extensive career, Greg has hosted popular radio shows across multiple stations, including WWOL-AM, WNYS-AM, WECK-AM, and WXRL-AM. During the mid-1970s, Greg transformed polka radio in Buffalo by reshaping it to appeal to younger listeners, specifically targeting third- and fourth-generation Polish-Americans. He introduced a vibrant "Top 40 DJ" style into ethnic broadcasting, a significant departure from the more traditional, slower-paced formats of the time. To broaden the show's reach, Greg chose to broadcast in English rather than Polish. His programs have always featured distinctive creativity and humor, notably through entertaining appearances by his parents, affectionately known as "Big Al" and "Bea." This comedic legacy continues today with regular contributions from the beloved "Accordion Bill."
Coverage Map, Circa 1964-1966
WKBW Radio
Used for national sales by the Blair Agency.
Royal Order Of The Night People Membership Card, Circa 1964
WKBW Radio
From The Archives: “Hiya-Hiya!” If you ever tuned into WKBW Radio late at night during the early 1960s, you might have been inducted into one of the most offbeat and beloved radio cults of its time—the “Royal Order of the Night People,” led by none other than Joey Reynolds. As the charismatic and unpredictable nighttime DJ on 1520 AM from 1963 to 1966, Reynolds created an immersive, ritualistic listening experience that captured the imaginations of teens and night owls across the Eastern Seaboard.
On select evenings, Joey invited his audience to place a purple candle atop their radio sets and prepare to take a sacred oath. “Turn down the lights... and turn up KB,” he’d intone, before directing his listeners to place one hand on their radio and recite, “I will not be a dial twister, or I will get a K-Big blister!” In an even zanier version of the ritual, Reynolds would tell fans to drip hot purple wax onto their radio’s tuning dial—forever sealing it to WKBW’s 1520 AM frequency.
What began as a fun gimmick evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Thousands of “Royal Order” membership cards, like the one shown here, were mailed out to devoted fans, solidifying a 13-state listening community bonded by Joey’s quirky humor, satirical skits, and boundary-pushing antics. A Buffalo native with a razor-sharp wit and fearless on-air persona, Joey Reynolds wasn’t just a DJ—he was a late-night ringmaster who turned radio into theatre, performance, and pure magic.
L-R Al Wallack, Jack Sharpe, Al Anscombe, Jim Fagan, Marty Biniasz, John Zach, Don Angelo, Steve Mitchell, Herb Flemming and Tom Atkins.
During an annual Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame celebration, Marty Biniasz recreates a 1940s radio show with Jacquie Walker (WIVB), Don Paul (WIVB) and Susan Banks (WKBW.
Pioneers of Media Preservation in Buffalo
This image was taken on a hot, humid August evening in 1996 near the Ellicott Square Building - Founding Members and Board of Directors of the Buffalo Broadcast Pioneers, now Buffalo Broadcasters Association: L-R Al Wallack, Jack Sharpe, Al Anscombe, Jim Fagan, Marty Biniasz, John Zach, Don Angelo, Steve Mitchell, Herb Flemming and Tom Atkins. Following this photo shoot the group walked over to a nearby waterhole for hours of stories and laughs. So many of these men have contributed to the ongoing preservation of Western New York radio and television history. A special thank you to John Zach who has shared so much of his personal archives with us as we continue to preserve, document and share history.
About Martin Biniasz
Martin Biniasz is a founding member and two-term president of the Buffalo Broadcasting Pioneers, now the Buffalo Broadcasters Association. A public relations manager and broadcaster, Biniasz's broadcasting career includes work at Buffalo television stations WNED-TV, WKBW-TV, and WNGS-TV and at radio stations WJJL-AM, Niagara Falls; WPIG-FM and WHDL-AM, Olean, New York; WESB-AM and WBRR-FM, Bradford, Pennsylvania; and Buffalo's legendary WBEN-AM.
He is the author of a book on Buffalo Radio (Arcadia Publishing) and soon to be released book on Buffalo Television.
This effort to preserve, document & promote Buffalo broadcasting history is not affiliated with the Buffalo Broadcasters Association (Buffalo Broadcasting Pioneers), the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame or the Buffalo Niagara Hall of Fame project. This is an independently funded effort by collector and author Marty Biniasz. Direct questions or comments to MBiniasz@me.com.
Contact & Connect With Buffalo Broadcasting
Pictured: Van Miller, Larry Norton, John Otto, Molly McCoy, Ed Little, Carol Jasen, Keith Radford, Bob Koop, John Beard, John Murphy, Rich Kellman, Ed Kilgore, Barry Lillis, Sandy Beach, Fred Klestine, Don Postles, Jacquie Walker, Tom Bauerle, Buffalo Bob Smith, Joey Reynolds, George "Hound Dog" Lorenz, Promo The Robot, Jeff Kaye, Shane, Dan Neaverth, Ralph Hubbell, Rick Jeanneret, Al Wallack, Stan Jasinski, Stan Roberts, Mike Collins, Stan Barron, Helen Neville, Irv Weinstein, Harv Moore, Tom Shannon, June Bacon-Bercey, Rick Azar, Bill Lacy, Kevin O'Connell, Mike Randall, Tom Jolls, Clint Buehlman, & Frankie Crocker