Bellavia Succeeds Beach @ WBEN/Buffalo
• Entercom News-Talk WBEN-AM 930/Buffalo, NY announces the return of former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (and Medal of Honor recipient) David Bellavia as the station’s new 9am-noon host, beginning August 3. Bellavia succeeds 52-year market legend Sandy Beach, who will be signing off at the end of this month, wrapping up a 23-year run with WBEN.
“David is a true representation of an American patriot and the perfect choice to help unite our listeners each morning,” said Tim Holly, SVP/Market Manager, Entercom Buffalo. “David has a bright on-air future ahead of him and we’re excited about his return to the WBEN airwaves.” Bellavia remarked, “I have a deep respect for Sandy Beach and am truly humbled to have my own program on WBEN. My goal is to completely reinvent how local talk radio is perceived and make WBEN the place where Buffalo comes together to start their day.”
Bellavia initially joined WBEN in 2013 and served as afternoon co-host alongside Tom Bauerle from 2016 until 2019, when he took a leave from the station to tour the country on behalf of the U.S. Army following his receipt of the prestigious Medal of Honor.
Since enlisting in the Army in 1999, Bellavia has been awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Second Battle of Fallujah, the Bronze Star, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross. He is also a former Congressional candidate, a frequent national speaker, and the best-selling author of House to House: An Epic Memoir of War.
