Dick Novik's career in broadcasting began humbly in 1963 when he was hired to hold cue cards at a New York TV station. He went on to become a salesman, general manager, and radio station owner. For the past decade, he has been the senior vice president of the New York Broadcasters Association, which represents 400 radio stations and 45 TV stations in the state.
During his time with the broadcasters association, Novik learned about AMBER Alerts. It was his experience as a father that motivated him to help create the New York AMBER Alert Plan, he said.
“When I first heard of the AMBER Alert concept, I thought, of course, broadcasters will participate because they are all parents,” said Novik. “I pitched it to the broadcasters, and they all gave me their home numbers and cell numbers so they could participate. I have gotten nothing but enthusiasm from broadcasters.”
New York AMBER Alert Coordinator Gary Kelly said the state's program works because Novik participates in every AMBER Alert review and is constantly educating broadcasters about the alert.
“He has a 100 per cent buy-in from broadcasters in New York state,” said Kelly. “He continues to have strong relationships with broadcasters, which allows us to focus on new technology. I cannot say enough about Dick Novik because I do not know where our program would be without him.”
Even though his background is in broadcasting, Novik has had a role in developing new technology for AMBER Alerts, as well. For example, the taxi and limousine commissioner told him four years ago that every vehicle in New York City has an LED screen for drivers to learn about traffic conditions as well as a TV screen for customers.
“That triggered an idea, and I said it would be great if a taxi driver could help save an abducted child,” said Novik. The commissioner said he would make it happen, and now more than 30,000 taxis and limousines in New York City receive AMBER Alerts. Novik is now working to get the alerts in private rented cars.
New York Missing & Exploited Children Center Manager Ken Buniak described Novik this way when presenting him with the Hope Award in 2009: “I would characterize Dick as an ordinary person who does extraordinary things. His integrity, commitment, kindness, and ability to generate collaboration between so many people and groups are always evident and are always making a difference.”
Novik also facilitated a 30-minute Webcast in 2009 to train broadcasters on AMBER Alerts. The interactive Webcasts are now used for other AMBER Alert partners.
“I think it is important that we are called AMBER Alert partners,” said Novik. “There cannot be any competition. Logic says it has to be done as quickly as possible with as little red tape as possible so we make sure we focus on the child.”
So far, every AMBER Alert in the state of New York has ended with the safe recovery of a child. Novik said the one alert that stands out for him involved a woman watching an AMBER Alert on TV, who then looked out her window and saw the suspect's car. The police arrived immediately and found a little girl inside the car trunk.
“If there was no AMBER Alert that little girl could have been dead,” said Novik. “The thrill of saving a child helps us keep going to make sure the next AMBER Alert works.”
Most recently, Novik's passion for the AMBER Alert program earned him recognition as the 2011 AMBER Alert Broadcaster of the Year. “It is thrilling to know you have something that works,” said Novik. “Broadcasters are licensed to serve the public and I cannot think of any way we can do it better than with an AMBER Alert.”