Always on the front line of industry innovation and leadership, Heidi Raphael has taken on a new role as President and CEO of the New York State Broadcasters Association. “It feels wonderful! Getting to take everything I’ve learned over the years and bring it home is such a gift. Representing my home state is a privilege, and it’s not something I take lightly,” Raphael excitedly boasted.
Raphael, a native of Western New York, noted how her roots led her to success in the first place: “In middle school, I had a deep voice for a young girl. Instead of letting me feel awkward about it, one of my teachers walked me downstairs to the principal’s office, and the principal asked me if I would do the daily announcements. I was the first girl ever to do them!”
From there, a career with a lifetime of accolades and achievements was born. Raphael moved on from the school microphone to a college internship at WBEN in Buffalo, and she “never looked back.”
From Detroit to Non-Traditional Revenue Success
Raphael’s career eventually led her to Detroit and 101 WRIF-FM. It was there that she developed a non-traditional revenue department for a Motown Oldies station. “The Groove [is a] great station, great music, and a great challenge,” she enthused. “We built everything from live events and concerts to on-air programs, like summer reading initiatives for kids sponsored by the unions and other clients who wanted to make a difference in the community.”
This success was pushed forward when her station flipped formats “and launched Magic 105.1, I got to reinvent the non-traditional revenue division all over again.” She added, “It was really successful, and I’m still proud of it to this day.”
It’s a huge innovation, and its importance has grown, especially by today’s standards. “Everyone is looking for new revenue streams. With all the incredible multiplatform capabilities we have, there’s more opportunity than ever.”
Raphael went on to say, “Add technology like Quu on the dashboard, and you’ve got a true 360-degree approach. For clients who want the complete experience (digital offerings, on air, on-site, and on the dashboard), it’s an amazing package.”
20 Years of Recognition
This is just one of the hundreds of reasons Raphael has been named one of Radio Ink’s Most Influential Women twenty years in a row! It is not only an honor for Raphael to receive this recognition, but also humbling to be recognized for all the work she does.
“I hope I’ve made a difference, whether at the companies I’ve worked for over the years or the organizations I’ve been a part of… leading the MIWs, co-chairing the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, serving on the NAB Radio Board, or volunteering with the various community organizations beyond the business.”
Raphael noted, “I have met and worked with so many wonderful people. I don’t take that for granted. I’m grateful every single day.”
Leading the NYSBA Into the Future
She is now bringing that joy and gratefulness back home to New York, where she is excited to make a difference in her new role. “It’s an honor to represent radio and television broadcasters across our great state, alongside the incredible team we have in Albany. Following David Donovan, who did such a phenomenal job for the past 15 years, and the legendary Joe Reilly before him, is a real privilege. And we’re thrilled that David is staying on as our Senior Policy Advisor, overseeing our advocacy in Washington and Albany. He’s the best in the business!”
Raphael noted that, although there is a change in leadership, the mission of the NYSBA is not going to change. “Our mission is simple: keep serving our amazing members! We have a Board of Directors that’s deeply committed to this industry, and my goal is to take the great work David, our incredible Albany team (Carolyn Nash, Sandy Messineo and Trevor Elmendorf) and the Board have done to the next level and beyond!”
Her great team is constantly keeping up with what the fast-changing industry needs. This includes: “Advocacy in DC and Albany, our paid internship programs, ongoing education and training, and developing tomorrow’s leaders. It’s never been more important.”
According to Raphael, the impact of the NYSBA is not only looking toward the future but also celebrating: “The incredible work broadcasters do every single day through our Excellence in Broadcasting and Serving New York awards, and of course, our annual Hall of Fame event at the legendary Rainbow Room in New York City.”
Honoring New York Legends
This year’s Hall of Fame honored many New York legends, including WABC-TV’s Bill Ritter and WABC Radio’s Sid Rosenberg.
“The NYSBA Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of tribute for people whose body of work represents the very ‘best of the best.’ They’re trailblazers, game changers, and innovators,” Raphael affirmed. “They’ve given their all, and their families have sacrificed so much too, to serve the industry and the communities they love and live in. Being in the room with them is such an honor.”
On some of this year’s honorees, Raphael said, “Bill Ritter is an incredible inspiration on so many levels, and Sid continues to blaze an amazing trail in the talk radio world. Both have defined excellence in their fields, and it’s so powerful for the next generation of broadcasters to see what’s possible!”
Advice and Roots
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Raphael’s advice is short and sweet: “Focus forward. Don’t get caught up in the static around you. And never, EVER let anyone tell you it’s not possible!”
When she is not advocating for and representing New York broadcasters, Raphael is so happy to be home in the Empire State: “I loved growing up in Western New York, and my whole family is still there. I’m on the I-90 most weekends heading home to see them, where I get to be ‘Auntie Heidi,’ which is the best title of all!”
