Chandler named Broadcaster of the Year

    County radio and television broadcasters were honored this past weekend (Saturday, October 3) at the annual meeting of the Maine Association of Broadcasters.     Richard Chandler, the vice president and general manager of the Channel X Radio Network was named Broadcaster of the Year, 2009.   Chandler, who has been associated with the local radio network since it’s inception in 1986, was nominated by a special committee of past Broadcasters of the Year and selected by the Board of Directors in August.
    Meeting in Augusta, Chandler told other members of the state organization that he felt honored, but that live and local radio required the 24/7 commitment he has offered.  The 47-year old Chandler is the third member of the Channel X Radio staff to be named Broadcaster of the Year.  The Aroostook broadcaster is the only outlet in the state with more than one Broadcaster of the Year on staff.  Channel X Radio consists of WCXU, Caribou; WCXX, Madawaska; WCXV, Van Buren and W276AY in Fort Kent.
    At the same meeting Tyler Pyburn of WAGM was honored with a first place news award in the Sports Feature category.  The plaque was presented for his work titled “A Playoff State of Mind.” WAGM Sports Director Rene Clukey along with Mike McNally took a third place Sports Feature plaque for his piece titled  “Golf Ball Art.”
    Lisa Miles, the general manager of Citadel Communications was elected to the MAB Board for the coming year.  She will represent northern Maine on the policy setting body.
    The featured speaker was another county native:  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who reminded broadcasters of their important roles in keeping the public informed.