Former 930 WBEN host Sandy Beach has died after a six-decade career in radio. Beach became one of Buffalo’s most recognizable radio personalities during his 23 years at WBEN.
What We Know: Beach joined 930 WBEN in 1997 and spent 23 years at the station, where he hosted Beach and Company. He retired on July 30, 2020, ending a 60-year career in radio. His broadcasting career included stops at several Buffalo stations, including WKBW, where he first made his mark as a disc jockey. Beach’s WBEN run made him a fixture in Buffalo radio and earned him a loyal following. His career also brought recognition from multiple halls of fame. He entered the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2003, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 as a DJ, and the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2017.
What They Said: “Sandy immediately attracted a loyal audience with his daily entertaining ‘take’ on issues and grew his show to be a staple in the Buffalo media landscape. Very few broadcasters have the lasting impact that Sandy left us and he will be missed both personally and professionally.” -Former 930 WBEN Program Director/Audacy Buffalo Market Manager Tim Wenger
What Remains Unclear: Details surrounding Beach’s death, including his cause of death and funeral arrangements, weren’t immediately available.
What It Means: Beach leaves behind a legacy that spans generations of Buffalo radio listeners. His career stretched from the golden era of music radio into the modern talk radio landscape. Moreover, his longevity reflected his ability to connect with audiences through personality, humor, and his distinctive approach to topical issues. Beach’s influence extended beyond WBEN, but Beach and Company ultimately became one of the defining chapters of his career. His death marks the loss of a broadcaster whose voice remained closely associated with Buffalo radio for decades.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.