News Director and Morning Show Host – WGY Radio, Albany – Capital Region Listeners have tuned in to Chuck Custer for more than 36 years. Now retired, the Western Massachusetts native was a legendary broadcaster on News Radio 810 & 103.1 WGY. He was the co-host of the top-rated morning show with Kelly Lynch beginning in 2011. Before that, he served as a morning News Anchor and the on-air partner for 25 years with NYSBA Hall of Famer Don Weeks. Custer also previously served as news director and program director for News Radio 810 & 103.1. He also is a former president of the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Prior to coming to Albany Custer worked in radio at stations in Providence, Charleston (WV), and Utica. Custer’s leadership in the newsroom is unsurpassed. As news director, the WGY News Department was honored with more than 35 awards for excellence in journalism including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio and Television News Directors Association. 

At Custer’s retirement, the Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeart Media in Albany, John Cooper, stated: “For over 36 years, Chuck Custer has been synonymous with WGY. From his time as the leader of the award-winning WGY News Department, his outstanding work with ‘Don Weeks in the Mornings,’ his current co-host position with Kelly Lynch, and most importantly all the time he’s contributed to the people of the Capital District. Chuck has been the consummate professional. He’s a great broadcaster who will long be remembered.” 

“Chuck’s commitment to the WGY brand and its audience is one-of-a-kind,” said Jeff Wolf, News and Program Director for iHeartMedia Albany. “We should all be so fortunate to leave behind such a rich and enduring legacy.” Throughout his 36-year career, Custer was committed to giving back to the Albany area. He devoted his time and energy to numerous charitable endeavors including the “WGY Radiothon for the Children’s Hospital at Albany Med” and “WGY Christmas Wish-Presented by Curtis Lumber.” As a result of those efforts, WGY received the National Association of Broadcaster’s coveted Crystal Award for commitment to public service. Custer and Lynch also received the Respectful Commitment Award from the Warren-Washington-Albany ARC for “Continued dedication and commitment to raising the awareness of the disability community.” 

On working at WGY, Custer said, “It was a lifelong dream to work at WGY, a powerful, influential station with a great history and heritage,” said Custer. “I’ve been very fortunate to have such a great run here. I’ve worked with many tremendous and talented people, made many friends, and I have had an opportunity to take on many different challenges. For 36-plus years, I’ve loved what I was doing and loved coming to work. Not many people can say that.”