Clear Channel has announced plans to purchase the venerable AM news/talker WOR 710 from Buckley Radio. Terms of the agreement were not released. A mandatory meeting was held this morning at WOR informing staffers of the dramatic, if not somewhat expected news.

The legendary WOR goes back to the origins of radio, 1922. Since its founding, WOR has had a longstanding commitment to technology and innovation; it was one of the first radio stations in America to use directional antenna to increase the scope and range of its broadcast, was the first AM radio station in New York to broadcast with HD radio technology and is one of the best radio broadcast signals in the U.S.

Change seemed to be on the horizon for Buckley Radio, a “mom and pop” ownership, when president Rick Buckley died after 40 years at the helm in July 2011. Buckley had succeeded his father as head of Buckley Radio.

“WOR is an iconic New York City brand with a rich history and an exciting future,” John Hogan, chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, says.  “Clear Channel is excited to add WOR as a powerful, high potential complement to our New York brands.  We believe WOR makes our already incredible platform even more interesting for listeners, advertisers, and strategic partners and we look forward to the tremendous potential WOR adds to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment New York.”

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Rick Buckley, who succeeded his father as president of Buckley Radio in 1972, has died. The flagship station for the company is WOR Radio/710.

All access.com reports that Buckley suffered a brain embolism yesterday afternoon and died peacefully this morning.

According to Radio-info.com, Buckley was boating on the Long Island Sound yesterday when he complained about not feeling well, and was taken to a hospital.

Just last month, the veteran radio executive was in Lake George for enshrinement into the New York State Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Connie, and daughter Jennifer, the director of sales at WOR Radio.

Veteran WNYW/Channel 5 anchorman Ernie Anastos was emcee for the New York Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame ceremonies Monday night on Lake George.

The next morning, Regis Philbin, a member of this year’s Hall class, showed several pictures from the event on Live with Regis and Kelly. One photo had Philbin displaying his trophy, alongside NBC Nightly News anchor and Broadcaster of the Year, Brian Williams, and the 2007 inductee Anastos.

Of his Philbin said Anastos “was terrific.”

In addition to Philbin, among those being inducted in the NYSBA’s Hall of Fame were the  late but legendary air personality William B. Williams and Rick Buckley, the head of Buckley Broadcasting and WOR.

At it’s annual dinner the New York State Broadcasters Association distributed Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting.

WCBS/Channel 2 was the big winner last night among New York City television stations, with five honors.

WCBS won awards for Outstanding Spot News (CBS 2 News at 11: Gas Explosion), Outstanding Hard News Story (Staten Island Bias Attacks), Outstanding Feature News Story (Robo-Tripping), Outstanding Locally Originated Newscast (CBS 2 News at 11: Tornados Hit NYC), and Outstanding Sportscast (Road to Glory: Feud in Foxborough).

WXTV, the Univisión owned-and-operated Channel 41, earned a nod for Outstanding Promotion Announcement or Series (X-Final), while WPIX/Channel 11, won for Outstanding Locally Produced TV Show (PIX Presents 2011 N.Y. International Auto Show).

A look at the radio winners after the jump

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