SYRACUSE -- For at least the second year in a row, the morning show crew at B104.7 (WBBS) has received a nomination for the Academy of Country Music awards. And a programmer who used to work in Utica and Watertown gets a nomination for his current station in Albany.
The list of 2009 ACM nominees was just released this morning. Even while co-host Ron Bee remains sidelined after surgery, the current morning team of Tom Owens and Becky Palmer managed to secure a nomination for "On-Air Personality of the Year -- Medium Market." Their competition includes talent from stations in Grand Rapids, MI; Wichita, KS; and Nashville, TN.
Also repeating from last year, Turning Stone Casino in Verona is nominated for "Casino of the Year." Neither WBBS nor Turning Stone won in their respective categories in 2008.
Another notable nomination: Regent's Country 107.7 (WGNA-FM) in Albany is nominated for "Station of the Year -- Medium Market." WGNA is programmed by Tom Jacobsen (who goes by "Jake Thomas" on-air). Before Albany, Jacobsen programmed (and was known as "Bean Pole") at the Frog-themed country stations in Utica (Big Frog 104/WFRG) and Watertown (Froggy 97/WFRY).
Most of the ACMs will be awarded live on CBS-TV on Sunday, April 5. However, all of the categories mentioned in this article are considered "off-camera" awards, which will not be included in the national telecast. In any event, as soon as the list of winners is released, we'll post an update.
Related Links:
- List of 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards nominees
- CNYRadio.com coverage of 2008 ACM nominees
- WFRY's James Pond in Las Vegas for the 2008 ACM Awards