The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) has appointed Heidi Raphael as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, a move that strengthens advocacy for radio stations across the state and brings a veteran media communications leader back to her Western New York roots. This leadership transition matters to radio programmers, station owners, and rights holders because NYSBA drives critical government relations in Albany and Washington, D.C., influencing legislation that affects broadcasting licenses, copyright policy, and local content requirements.
Veteran Communications Leader Returns to Western New York
Raphael joins the association after nearly a decade serving as Chief Communications Officer of Beasley Media Group, where she managed corporate messaging and branding for one of the nation’s largest privately held broadcast companies. Before her tenure at Beasley, she spent more than 20 years with Greater Media, Inc., rising to Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications. As a Western New York native, Raphael stated that returning home to serve New York’s broadcasters and be closer to her family is “truly special” [source]. Her deep background in corporate communications positions her to navigate complex industry challenges, including the evolving regulatory landscape for digital streaming and traditional radio.
Raphael’s industry credibility is further established by her recent election to the Board of Trustees of The Media Institute and her role as Co-Chair of the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation alongside Hubbard Radio CEO Ginny Morris. She was also inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2021, underscoring her long-standing impact on the regional broadcasting community.
Donovan Transitions to Government Relations Role
Raphael succeeds David Donovan, who has led NYSBA for the past 15 years and will transition out of the President and CEO role later this year [source]. Donovan will continue to direct the organization’s government relations and advocacy efforts in Albany and Washington, D.C., ensuring continuity in the association’s legislative work [source]. Donovan praised Raphael’s “experience, energy, and deep commitment to local broadcasting,” noting that her qualifications make her an outstanding choice to lead the organization forward [source].
NYSBA Board Chairman and VP/GM of an unnamed station expressed confidence that Raphael will guide the association into its next chapter while continuing the work Donovan led [source]. Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group, added that Raphael has been a “trusted colleague” and “valued friend” for nearly a decade, and she expects Raphael to lead with the same “passion, integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment” that defined her time at Beasley [source]. Raphael expressed gratitude to Beasley and the entire Beasley Media Group family for the opportunities that shaped her career [source].
This appointment ensures NYSBA maintains a strong voice in policy debates affecting Black music radio, urban stations, and the broader broadcasting ecosystem as the industry navigates digital transformation and regulatory shifts.
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