The New York State Broadcasters Association is celebrating its Rising Leaders Fellowship class of 2026. NYSBA says the Rising Leaders Fellowship is “an MBA-style program designed to prepare emerging broadcast leaders for the evolving 360-degree responsibilities of today’s station, c-suite, and community leadership. Each year the Rising Leaders fellowship challenges participants to learn the business of the business, become more effective station leaders, and build deeper community connections. Each year the fellowship curriculum connects personal leadership development with the operational disciplines essential for station success, including revenue development, news and content leadership, broadcast accounting, and strategic planning.” Pictured above are (from l-r): NYSBA President Heidi Raphael; Kathleen O’Hare-Stewart, Controller, WHEC-TV; Danielle Ashworth, Sales Manager, Regional Radio Group, LLC; Natasha Yurek, Senior Executive Producer, Nexstar / WIVB-TV; Josh Koumjian, News Director, WNYT and WNYA; Candace Curby, Promotions Director & On-Air Personality, Albany Broadcasting; Rob Taylor, News Director, NewsChannel 9 WSYR; and Brielle Travis, Account Executive, Pamal Broadcasting.