Legendary Talknet Host Bruce Williams Dead at 86

Many WNBF listeners remember Bruce Williams who was heard on WNBF and hundreds of other radio stations around the nation from the mid-1980's into the late 1990's. The talk show legend passed away in Florida earlier this month at the age of 86.

Williams was the key member of Talknet and was heard weeknights from 7:00 to 10:00 P.M.  He teamed with Sally Jessy Raphael who followed him from 10:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M.  Together they formed a powerful duo and drew millions of listeners around the nation. The format's popularity spread to weekends as well and included other hosts like Bernard Meltzer and Dr. Harvey Ruben.

Williams emergence as one of the most popular talk show hosts in the country brought programming change to WNBF.  His popularity and the fact that he was on a network and had no local monetary costs prompted WNBF's parent company Stoner Broadcasting to drop the broadcast rights for Binghamton Whalers hockey and carry Williams on a full-time basis.  That occurred in the Spring of 1986.

Williams centered his show on business and financial topics. Following his run on Talknet he stayed on the air working with the Talk America Network and the Business Talk Radio Network.  In later years he continued his career with online and podcast broadcasts.

During his time on WNBF Williams came to Binghamton and spoke before a sold out Forum audience.  He also hosted WNBF listeners on a cruise to Alaska.