The Buffalo News Donates $50,000 to WBFO

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo News has donated $50,000 to the Local Program Fund of WBFO 88.7 FM, the National Public Radio affiliate operated by UB, to allow the station to upgrade equipment and hire another reporter/producer.

Stanford Lipsey, publisher and president of The Buffalo News, said it is important for the newspaper to be a leader in supporting local public media outlets.

"We see public radio as a vital dimension of life in Western New York," Lipsey said. "We believe that WBFO has done an excellent job on behalf of its listeners and the community, and it will continue to do so with additional resources made possible by this donation."

Jennifer Roth, WBFO general manager said: "We are honored that The Buffalo News has chosen to make such a significant commitment to WBFO's local news service. It demonstrates their faith in our mission and their recognition of what we have been able to do for the community, even on a shoestring budget.

"This gift will enable us to provide more in-depth coverage of local, cultural and public-affairs programming for the benefit of our current audience and to reach new audiences," Roth added.

A public service of UB, WBFO provides around-the-clock programming, including the best of National Public Radio and award-winning local news and information coverage, cultural-affairs programming, and jazz and ethnic music.

The station reaches listeners throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario with its 50,000-watt signal and two repeater stations, WOLN in Olean and WUBJ in Jamestown.

Anyone interested in donating to WBFO's Local Program Fund can contact Roth at 716-829-6000.