Buffalo Broadcasters Association Inducts Sandy Kozel

The veteran journalist and former Buffalo media figure receives the organization's prestigious Out-Of-Town Award.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Awards

Screen-print poster illustration of a vintage microphone stand, evoking the nostalgic heritage of broadcast journalism in Buffalo. — The Buffalo Broadcasters Association recently inducted journalist Sandy Kozel into its Hall of Fame, presenting her with the prestigious Out-Of-Town Award. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Buffalo Broadcasters Association recently inducted journalist Sandy Kozel into its Hall of Fame. Kozel was honored with the Out-Of-Town Award for her extensive contributions to Western New York media and her distinguished career.

Why it matters

This award recognizes journalists who launched or refined their careers in Buffalo before finding success on the national stage. The induction highlights the deep historical ties between local media markets and professional broadcasting excellence.

Kozel spent seven years working in the Buffalo market at WGR radio and WGRZ-TV. Her career includes over 30 years at The Associated Press Broadcasting Network and an Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage of the 9/11 attacks.

The players

Sandy Kozel

An award-winning journalist who began her career in Buffalo and later served at The Associated Press for three decades.

Buffalo Broadcasters Association

A regional organization that honors individuals for their contributions to Western New York media and journalism.

WTOP

A major news radio station based in Washington, D.C., where Kozel has been employed since 2017.

The details

The Buffalo Broadcasters Association honors professionals who maintained a portion of their career in the region before pursuing media work elsewhere. Kozel remains active in the industry, having joined WTOP in 2017 following her departure from the AP.

Kozel began her professional work in Buffalo media in 1979.
Kozel concluded her specific tenure in the Buffalo market in 1986.
Kozel retired from the Associated Press and joined WTOP in 2017.
The Buffalo Broadcasters Association held the induction ceremony on October 25, 2026.

Culture Shift

The Buffalo Broadcasters Association induction follows the tradition of the Edward R. Murrow Award in validating the subject's long-term professional impact. This reflects a broader trend of regional media institutions actively reclaiming their legacy by honoring journalists who moved to national networks.

Local viewers and listeners can recognize the legacy of Buffalo-based media through this public induction. The recognition highlights the professional history of the region for those following the long-term career paths of veteran journalists.

The takeaway

Recognizing long-term career achievements provides a historical record of the talent that has shaped local news markets. Aspiring journalists can look to the paths of industry veterans to understand the blend of regional foundation and national experience.