[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE CAREER OF RON LOMBARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2020

  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career of Ron Lombard, as he retires after nearly 40 years in Central 
New York news.
  Ron is giant in local media. A key player in developing the region's 
first 24-hour news station, he helped revolutionize the way Central New 
Yorkers get their news, and throughout his career has inspired and 
mentored some of the region's most celebrated reporters and media 
professionals.
  Ron Lombard grew up in Central New York and graduated from Solvay 
High School before going on to study at Syracuse University's Newhouse 
School of Public Communications. After graduating in 1981, he began his 
career working as a reporter for WCBA in Corning, and in Central New 
York at WFBL, WSEN, and WSYR. Eventually, Ron secured a position at 
WSYR as the Assignment Editor, and later, at the age of 31, began 
working at WIXT-TV as the News Director.
  In 2002, Ron took over as News Director at Time Warner Cable as the 
company embarked on an ambitious project: launching a 24-hour news 
channel in Syracuse. Ron was instrumental in the development and 
direction of the station, working long hours to make this dream a 
reality. In 2003, in recognition of this work, Ron was given the honor 
of pushing the button to bring the new station to air. Since its debut, 
Time Warner Cable, now Spectrum News, has become one of the most 
trusted and reliable sources of news for Central New York, providing 
around-the-clock coverage to a market that has more than 600,000 
subscribers. Under his leadership, Ron guided the news team through 
periods of rapid growth and change, all while upholding the station's 
commitment to accuracy. Ron oversaw and helped professionally support a 
staff of over 70 photographers, reporters, assignment desk editors, and 
producers.
  Outside of work, Ron is dedicating to giving back to his hometown. He 
is deeply involved with the Brewerton United Methodist Church, and for 
many years served on the boards of Leadership Greater Syracuse and the 
McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, which supports children who have 
suffered from abuse. He is a proud husband to his wife Deb and father 
to his daughter, Abby.
  At Spectrum News and throughout his career, Ron has been known for 
his outstanding work ethic, impeccable reputation, and commitment to 
mentoring the next generation of reporters and media professionals. His 
impact is far-reaching and will be celebrated for years to come.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in 
recognizing the distinguished career of Ron Lombard. A revolutionary 
figure in Central New York news, I wish Ron Lombard the best in his 
retirement.

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