Reilly Honored at National Association of Broadcasters' State Leadership Conference in Washington, DC

ALBANY, N.Y., March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Joseph A. Reilly, president of the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA), received multiple honors at the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) State Leadership Conference held Feb. 27-28 in Washington, DC.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110309/NY62555 )

Reilly, who will step down from his position June 30, 2011 after the 49th Annual Executive Conference following 31 years of service to the broadcasting industry, was presented with an award Sunday, Feb. 27 for "the hard work and dedication on behalf of the US Army National Guard."  

The following day, the National Alliance of State Broadcast Associations, which represents the interests of the nation's broadcast associations, handed out an award personally signed by the 49 state broadcast association presidents.  On Tuesday, March 1st, at a luncheon attended by more than 600 broadcasters, NAB President, former US Senator Gordon Smith and Brian Williams, anchor of The NBC Nightly News, gave Reilly an award for "30 years of dedicated service to the broadcasting industry."

"I was honored to be recognized by my peers and those whom I have served through the years," said Reilly, who helped transform NYSBA into a major and respected player in the affairs of New York State. "It was a touching and emotional way to conclude my career."

Reilly, who joined NYSBA in 1979 having headed stations in Albany and neighboring New Jersey, was lured to the Capital Region by the opportunity to serve his peers and shift back and forth between the two worlds of broadcasting and politics.  During his tenure at the NYSBA, he not only helped shore up the finances of the association, but also turned the organization into a strong lobbying voice, securing sales tax relief on broadcast equipment and leading the fight to allow cameras and microphones in the courtroom and in the halls of justice.  The Albany-based trade association's first full-time executive director also greatly enhanced member services, recently launching a Digital Media Leadership Academy, designed to help local radio and TV stations stay competitive in the weakened marketplace.

The NAB's State Leadership Conference is an annual event where broadcasters hear from prominent federal policymakers and meet with legislators to discuss issues that affect the industry. The conference includes a well-rounded program to provide a thorough update on legislative issues before Congress, as well as an opportunity to network with fellow broadcasters from across the country.  

Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor, "NBC Nightly News"; Sen. Tom Udall (NM), U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation; Rep. Fred Upton (MI-06), Chairman, House Energy and Commerce Committee; and, Commissioner Robert M. McDowell, Federal Communications Commission, were this year's featured speakers.

The NAB is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age.

For more information, call (518) 456-8888.

Founded in 1955, the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) represents the interests of more than 1000 television and radio stations in the NYS Senate and Assembly; the US Congress, and various other legislative bodies. NYSBA also offers a variety of services to help the broadcasters of New York State better serve their communities.

SOURCE New York State Broadcasters Association