Ray Hershel is the dean of Western Massachusetts television journalists.Ray Hershel is the dean of Western Massachusetts television journalists.

After graduating from Emerson College Ray began his career at WHYN radio in Springfield. He then transitioned to TV news where he has served as an anchor/reporter at WGGB TV 40, now Western Mass News for the past 49 years.

Ray will celebrate his 50th year as a TV Broadcast Journalist on April 15, 2018. Ray has amassed numerous Associated Press and United Press International awards for excellence in television reporting.

Mr. Hershel was honored in 1993 by being inducted as a charter member in the New England Emmy's Silver Circle for excellence in television reporting and service to the community. And in 2006, Ray was recognized as a pioneer in the field of broadcast journalism by receiving a lifetime achievement award from Emerson College and the Radio-Television News Directors Association. Ray and his wife Maureen have three children and 5 grandchildren.