Remembering Bill O’Shaughnessy
• UPDATED: William O’Shaughnessy, respected broadcaster, former President of the New York State Broadcasters Association, and longtime member of the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s Board of Directors and Chairman of its Guardian Fund, passed away Saturday morning, May 28 at his home in Litchfield, CT. He was 84.
“The Board of Directors and I are saddened at this tremendous loss to our profession,” stated Scott Herman, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “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.”
O’Shaughnessy was also Chairman of Whitney Global Media, and served as President and Editorial Director of WVOX-AM & WVIP/New Rochelle, NY for 67 years. He also authored six books, including Radio Active; Mario Cuomo, Remembrances of a Remarkable Man; Vox Populi, The O’Shaughnessy Files and several others, and was working on his seventh at the time of his passing.
“Bill was often found holding court at his favorite establishments, including Le Cirque and The 21 Club, where he was well-known and respected by the maître d’s,” said Jim Thompson, Co-President of the Broadcasters Foundation. “A true iconoclast who gave back to the profession that he loved dearly, we will all remember Bill fondly in our hearts.”
David Donovan, President of the New York State Broadcasters Association 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. He served as President of the New York State Broadcasters Association and 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.”
NAB Pres. & CEO Curtis LeGeyt commented, “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.”
• Visiting hours will be Tuesday, May 31 from 4-7pm at Lloyd Maxcy & Sons, 16 Shea Place, New Rochelle, NY. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 1, at 11:30am at St. Anthony of Padua, 49 South Street, Litchfield, CT.
Consistent with O’Shaughnessy’s wishes, NYSBA encourages contributions to The William O’Shaughnessy Memorial Tribute Fund, c/o Broadcasters Foundation of America, 125 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019 or visit broadcastersfoundation.org/donate, and indicate that your donation is in honor of William O’Shaughnessy.
