Bill George Named President Of RIBA
• The Rhode Island Broadcasters Association (RIBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of longtime Rhode Island broadcaster Bill George as its new President, effective Monday, June 17. He will report to the Board of Directors who lead and oversee the RIBA.
A native of Cumberland, RI, George began his broadcasting career in Providence after graduating from Rhode Island College, and went on to hold programming positions at legendary Rhode Island radio stations WWLI (Lite 105), WLKW-AM, and WPRO-AM & FM. He had spent the past 20 years as a Program Director and on-air personality at iHeartMedia News-Talk WHJJ (NewsRadio 920 & 104.7 FM) and Classic Hits WWBB (B101)/Providence until his position was eliminated in March. Over the course of his lengthy career George has also held programming management positions in Boston, Honolulu and Long Island.
George succeeds Lori Needham, who has served as RIBA President for the last 18 years. “The position of President of RIBA has been an incredible career for me,” Needham said. “As President of the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association, I was proud to work with the RIBA Board of Directors, RIBA Station members, NAB and Broadcasters Associations across the country to maintain the integrity of Broadcast and Journalism. I will forever cherish my experiences and all those I have met along the way.”
Commenting on his new challenge, George, a 2026 inductee into the Rhode Island Radio & TV Hall of Fame, remarked, “After spending over 35 years in the broadcasting business I love, I’m honored to be able to take the helm at the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association. It’s an honor to be able to represent the RIBA member stations and follow in the footsteps of Lori Needham, who has been a tireless advocate for our industry for almost two decades. Broadcast stations play an important role in the lives of all Rhode Islanders and I look forward to being their champion. I want to thank the RIBA Board of Directors and members for their confidence and support.”
