TV, radio, IPod's, Internet, Cellcasts.. there are so many ways to get your information fix. No matter the platform you go to, the story is still what keeps you there. Sharing the story is what drives FOX23 Sports Director Rich Becker.
Rich has been a part of the FOX23 Sports team since September of 1999, starting as weekend anchor, rising to his current position in 2002. He is native of Rotterdam and a follower of Capital Region sports his whole life.
In addition to FOX23 News at 5 and 10, Rich is the executive producer of the FOX23 High School Sports show, still the area's only show dedicated to covering all Section II sports. He also co-anchors and assists with the production of FOX23 Fast Track, the stations award winning auto-racing show and works to develop other locally focused special programming.
Rich, a 1983 graduate of Draper High School, returned to the area from WOKR-TV(now WHAM) in Rochester, NY, where he was the weekend anchor for 8 years. Prior to that, he was the nightime sports anchor/reporter at WCAX-TV in Burlington, Vermont and weekend anchor reporter for WPTZ-TV in Plattsburgh, NY.
In addition to television, Rich is currently the sports anchor for the Wakin' Up With Wolf show on PYX106 FM in Albany.
Being a Capital Region native has allowed Rich to work with and build a number of contacts throughout the area. This allows him to bring the most accurate and up-to-date information to FOX23's sports department and share that with viewers.
The Associated Press and the New York and Vermont Association of Broadcasters have recognized Rich's work a number of times, including 2004 and 2005 for best sportscast and in 2003 for a story following then Siena coach Rob Lanier back to his birthplace in inner-city Buffalo. He was also honored three times, 1996 and 2002 and 2003, with the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for sports reporting.
Most recently, Rich and the sports department have been recognized by the NYS Football Coaches Association, the NYS Girls Basketball Association, the Shenendehowa Wrestling Club and the ECAC Sports Information Directors Association for excellence in coverage.
He also won a national Telly Award for his part in the stations documentary "Miracles and Moments".
Rich is very involved in the community working on events such as the Run for Literacy, the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete awards dinner, the Center for Disabiility Services telethon and the Children's Hospital telethon among others. He also serves on the media advisory committee for the State High School Athletic Association and is an assistant Minister at his church.
Rich is a 1987 graduate of the State University College at Plattsburgh. He and his wife, Kristie, also enjoy time with their two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kiersten.
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