Legendary Broadcaster Bill O'Shaughnessy Dead at 84

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 31, 2022 | 12:13pm CT

William O'Shaughnessy

The New York State Broadcasters Association is mourning the loss of legendary broadcaster William "Bill" O'Shaughnessy. He was the President and Editorial Director of WVOX and WVIP in Westchester County for 67 years. The respected broadcaster was also Chairman of Whitney Global Media, author of several books and long-time member of the Broadcasters Foundation of America's Board of Directors and Chairman of its Guardian Fund. O'Shaughnessy died Saturday morning at his home in Litchfield, CT. He was 84.

A true renaissance man, O'Shaughnessy authored six books and was working on his seventh at the time of his death. A man of influence, he was a long-time friend of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo and many notable New York politicians.

New York State Broadcasters Association President David Donovan stated: "Bill set the gold standard for local broadcasting in New York with his many editorials and commentaries. Throughout his life WVOX and WVIP remained true to their mission, serving the local community. Bill earned national recognition as a staunch defender of the First Amendment rights of broadcasters."

Donovan added, He served as President of the New York State Broadcasters Association. Bill assisted countless broadcasters that were in need through his service on the Board of Directors of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, where he served as Chairman of the Foundation's Guardian Fund. He was the epitome of a local broadcaster and will be missed."

"The Board of Directors and I are saddened at this tremendous loss to our profession," stated Broadcasters Foundation Chairman Scott Herman. "A true wordsmith, Bill was known for his eloquence in his speech and his writings. His letters to raise funds for The Broadcasters Foundation's Guardian Fund struck a chord with everyone who read them, so graceful and elegant was his prose."

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, "Bill O'Shaughnessy was a passionate public servant who left an indelible mark on broadcasting through his leadership, dedication and prose. His commitment to his community and our profession reflects the very best of broadcasting. Further, his incredible dedication to the Broadcaster's Foundation helped countless lives. Our condolences go out to Bill's family and all whose lives he touched."

Consistent with Bill's wishes NYSBA encourages contributions to The William O'Shaughnessy Memorial Tribute Fund c/o Broadcasters Foundation of America. broadcastersfoundation.org/donate.