Buffalo Icon Bill Lacy Announces Retirement
• Bill Lacy, one of Buffalo’s longest-running morning personalities, has announced his impending retirement from radio after a 50-year career, the past 20 anchoring the morning show on Cumulus Classic Hits WHTT (Classic Hits 104.1). His final show is scheduled for May 27.
Lacy’s radio career started at WBUF/Buffalo in 1970, followed by early stops in Rochester, Bradford and Jamestown, PA, leading into an extended morning run at WRIE/Erie, PA. Lacy returned to his hometown in 1980, joining WBEN. Four years later he moved up to mornings, succeeding Jeff Kaye, embarking on a celebrated 16-year run that lead to his current two decades of service at WHTT, making him one of Buffalo’s longest-running morning hosts. Lacy’s many achievements were recognized with his 2014 induction into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Looking back on his five-decade career, Lacy remarked, “Radio gave me the opportunity to meet and talk with some people I ordinarily would never have had the opportunity to meet, and to take part in some great adventures. Thanks for allowing me into your homes, cars, and workplaces over all these years. I hope I was good company. I must confess, I am a bit worried about the financial aspects of retirement… apparently Tom Brady ran out of money after six weeks.”
Jim Riley, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Buffalo, commented, “Hosting a morning show on a major station is a tough job and Bill has done it really well. There are a rare few broadcasters with the talent to stay at the top of the game for almost 40 years and I feel very fortunate that I got to work with one of them. Bill really is a Hall of Famer.” Joe Siragusa, Operations Manager of Cumulus Buffalo, added, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Bill for the last two decades. His professionalism and integrity are second to none. We’ve achieved some great things together and had a ton of laughs along the way.”
Lacy’s final show is scheduled for May 27, and a search is currently underway for new local morning host on Classic Hits 104.1.
