BUFFALO, N.Y. – The news team at WBFO-FM 88.7/WNED-AM 970 has been honored with a total of 16 awards from the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. The 24-hour public radio news station received six first place awards and 10 special mentions for stories that aired in 2011. Jim Ranney, Eileen Buckley, Chris Caya, Jay Moran, Daniel Robison, Mark Leitner and Mike Desmond, who competed against public and commercial radio stations in all of Upstate New York, were recognized for their accomplishments in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

"We're thrilled for the entire WBFO/AM 970 staff on being awarded with these prestigious honors," said Donald K. Boswell, WNED president and CEO. "By joining these two extraordinary stations, we're able to bring the very best news coverage to Western New York and these honors further solidify our commitment."

Eileen Buckley, WBFO/AM 970 assistant news director, was also honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association in the category of Best Use of Sound for her story on the singing group the Yellow Jackets.

Top honors included General Excellence in Reporting to Eileen Buckley; General Excellence in Use of Medium to Daniel Robison for the "Glad Hatter;" Best News Series to Chris Caya, Daniel Robison, Jay Moran, Mark Leitner & Mike Desmond for the "Ten Year Anniversary of 9/11;" Best Interview to Eileen Buckley for "Hometown Star;" Best Feature to Rich Kellman for "80 Years of Friendship;" and Best News Special/Documentary to Daniel Robison for "The Future of Fracking."

"Over the years, WBFO and AM 970 have received many awards from the Associated Press," said Jim Ranney, station manager and director of news/public affairs. "Now that we have brought the stations together, our ability to cover local and regional news is even greater. I'm proud of the entire news staff and we all appreciate the support of our listener-members who provide the resources to make local and regional news coverage possible."

Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright and Well/WORLD TV, Classical 94.5/WNED-FM and WBFO 88.7 FM / WNED-AM 970, the member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and services to local, regional and national audiences that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED can be found at wned.org.