Sullivan County’s Sakell Signing Off
• After more than four decades as one of Sullivan County, NY’s most trusted and recognizable voices, Mike Sakell announced his retirement from Bold Gold Media and his role as Catskills News Director.
Sakell’s local radio career began on November 4, 1980, when he joined WVOS/Liberty, NY — the same day Ronald Reagan was elected President. What started as an evening shift soon grew into a remarkable 45-year journey that made Sakell a household name. By 1984, he had taken over morning drive, becoming the trusted voice that thousands woke up to each day.
Through decades of change in the radio industry, Sakell remained dedicated to one constant: serving his community. He kept Sullivan County mornings live and local, long after other markets had shifted to automation. In 2016, he was named News Director for Bold Gold Media’s New York operations, and launched new products, including the Catskills News Podcast and Catskills News Conversations.
“There are certain sounds that define a place, and for Sullivan County, Mike’s voice is one of them,” said Dawn Ciorciari, General Manager of Bold Gold Media’s NY Region. “For 45 years, it’s been the sound of calm, trust, and perseverance. His life has been a true lesson in resilience. His legacy will live far beyond the airwaves.”
Vince Benedetto, President & CEO of Bold Gold Media, commented, “Mike’s retirement is truly an end of an extraordinary and historic era in local broadcasting. In every way, he was ‘The Voice of Sullivan County.’ He will be very missed by all of our listeners, and most of all, by all of us at Bold Gold. His example of broadcast excellence will endure and be carried on by all of us who have learned so much from him. We wish him a wonderful retirement, and thank him for his long, distinguished service to our communities.”
As Sakell steps away, Bold Gold Media is proud to announce that Dylan Price will step up and take over as Catskills News & Sports Director. A lifelong Sullivan County resident and graduate of Penn State University’s Journalism program, Price has been part of the Bold Gold family since 2022, joining the Catskills News Team full-time in July. In his new role, Price will continue Bold Gold’s tradition of strong local coverage while bringing new energy and perspective to the newsroom. Price can be congratulated at dprice@boldgoldmedia.com.
