June 2001

In a time when many stations are increasingly relying on syndicated programming, WSYR is reversing the trend by adding a new locally produced overnight news/talk program aimed at truckers and those on the road.

New York Radio and TV Pages is reporting that Cram Communications has been awarded 720 AM. The city of license for the new frequency will be DeWitt.

Forstmann Little has purchased Citadel Communications for $2 billion. With the deal, which works out to $26 a share, Citadel moves from a publicly traded to a privately held company.

After Bruce Williams and Westwood One parted company earlier this month, WSYR has dropped the advice show for conservative talker Laura Ingraham. The spirited gab-fest can be heard weeknights from 7PM ’til 1AM (when there’s not a baseball game on, of course).

Former Hot 107.9 jock Java Joel has parted company with Rochester CHR 98PXY. No official word yet on the reason or where he might be headed.

Hot 107-9 morning man Dakota likes to have a good time in the morning.Whether it’s an on-air prank at a local Wegmans or a live broadcastfrom a tattoo parlor, Dakota may be Syracuse’s closest thing to the nationally syndicated ‘The Howard Stern Show’.

Syracuse rock station 95X (WAQX) has signed a new five-year contract with syndicated ‘shock jock’ Howard Stern. The often vulgar, sometimes controversial morning show ranked third in the market during the last ratings period.

Ted Long and Amy Robbins have signed a new contract that will keep them on the air at 93Q through December, 2004. 93Q Operations Manager Tom Mitchell says, ‘the Ted & Amy Show has been the cornerstone of 93Q for over 12 years. I’m very glad to report that they’ll continue their successful run here

Classic FM has hired two new on-air hosts, both with extensive classical music backgrounds. Bill Shedden, most recently and announcer at WWFM-FM in Trenton, NJ takes over as morning host. Rayna Schneider, a former flutist with the Catskill Symphony Orchestra, is the new midday host.

The Radio Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) has announced its 2001 Edward R. Murrow Awards. Winners include Syracuse’s 570 WSYR for acheivements in overall excellence in the small market division.