FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2023

Media Contact: Tia Brown

Copywriter / Promotions Coordinator

(716) 845.7000 ext. 355 • lbrown@wned.org

WBFO’s “What’s Next?” Receives 

Stellar Media, Community Service Awards 

WBFO’s “What’s Next?” has won two more awards for its work amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. The Western New York Peace Center has awarded WBFO’s “What’s Next?” with their Stellar Media award and Rotary Club of Buffalo-Sunrise has awarded Brigid Jaipaul-Valenza, the Paul Harris Fellow Community Service Award, for her work as executive producer of the show. 

Western New York Peace Center Stellar Media Award 

The Western New York Peace Center chose “What’s Next” for the Stellar Media award due to its phenomenal work in addressing the concerns and needs of under-served minorities in the Buffalo/Southern Ontario area, with an emphasis on those who are working to make a difference with a positive focus on what can be achieved. 

"What's Next?" emerged in the aftermath of the tragic May 14 mass shooting, and since its inception, it has provided a platform for open, honest, and candid conversations, igniting discussions that lead to positive change and garnering well-deserved praise and recognition throughout our local community. 

“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Western New York Peace Center with the ‘Stellar Media’ award,” said Executive Producer and host of ‘What’s Next?’ on WBFO. Brigid Jaipaul-Valenza. “This award affirms our commitment to making a difference in our community and beyond." 

The WNYPC has been working for peace and justice for over half a century in Buffalo. Each year, the WNYPC presents awards at its 56th Annual Dinner. This year's event, featuring keynote speaker Rima Vesely-Flad, will explore "The Dharma of Racial Justice: Contemplative Practices and Collective Liberation,” and will take place on Friday, Nov. 10, at the McCoy Convention Center. 

Rotary Club of Buffalo-Sunrise Paul Harris Fellow Community Service Award 

Jaipaul-Valenza will receive the Paul Harris Fellow Community Service Award from the Rotary Club of Buffalo-Sunrise for her work as executive producer of “What’s Next?” at a Rotary Club reception Nov. 9 at the Atrium. 

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. 

Rotary established the recognition in 1957 to encourage and show appreciation for substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships. It is the highest honor a Rotary Club can bestow upon a person, and represents extraordinary service to the community, whether locally or globally.

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About Buffalo Toronto Public Media 

Buffalo Toronto Public Media engages with our communities through exploration and entertainment –everywhere. Our member-supported services include WNED PBS, WBFO (NPR) (88.7 in Buffalo, 91.3 in Olean, 88.1 in Jamestown), WNED Classical (94.5 in Buffalo, 89.7 WNJA in Jamestown), WBFO The Bridge (88.7 HD2 and 94.5 HD2 in Buffalo), WNED Create, and WNED PBS KIDS. WNED PBS is also a national producer of award-winning documentaries. Additional information about Buffalo Toronto Public Media can be found at wned.org.