Roy Shapiro

Inducted 1999

Born:  June 25, 1937, Bronx, N.Y.

Roy Shapiro, vice president and general manager of KYW Newsradio 1060, is recognized as a leader in the development of the all-news radio format.  Shapiro spearheaded the evolution of news radio with a combination of precise programming, sales, and marketing strategies. 

Shapiro became manager of KYW Newsradio in 1984.  Since then, the station has consistently set ratings and sales records despite increased competition.  Under Shapiro's leadership, the station has earned a reputation as one of the most successful radio stations in the nation. Shapiro's hallmark has been his commitment to the community.  Under his directive that community involvement makes good business sense, KYW Newsradio has set the industry standard for being a model corporate citizen. 

Shapiro is a 37-year veteran of CBS Radio (formerly Group W Broadcasting).  He has held a variety of management positions within the company, allowing him to develop sales and marketing strategies for the company's national radio group.  He was vice president and general manager for the Group W national sales firm and also served as vice president for strategic planning, marketing, and research for Group W Radio.

Shapiro has played an active role in the improvement of broadcast research methodologies and applications through his participation in industry committees sponsored by the Radio Advertising Bureau and the National Association of Broadcasters.  He is member and officer of the Board of Directors of the PAB.

Shapiro was selected as Person of the Year by the Broadcast Pioneers Philadelphia Chapter in 1991.  He was named Radio Broadcaster of the Year by the PAB in 1995.
In 1996, he received the Philadelphia Advertising Club's All-Star Award for radio, Philadelphia's most prestigious advertising honor. He received the Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America in 1998.

Active in the business and neighborhood communities of Philadelphia, Shapiro has long supported the Center for Literacy, American Women in Radio and Television, and the Broadcast Pioneers.  He has served on Temple University's School of Business and Management Executive Advisory Council.   Shapiro has lectured to thousands of Philadelphia-area college students and teaches at Temple University.

Shapiro serves on the Boards of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Police Athletic League, the Hero Scholarship Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.